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Obscure Facts About Transport Truck Advertising

by | Oct 1, 2024 | News, Press | 0 comments

Transport truck advertising is a booming industry, turning everyday commutes into mobile marketing marathons. But beyond the eye-catching designs and strategic routes, there’s a world of fascinating trivia waiting to be explored. Buckle up, as we delve into the lesser-known facts about this dynamic advertising platform.

  1. The “Accidental” Birth of a Mobile Billboard:

Believe it or not, transport truck advertising wasn’t always a planned marketing strategy.  The story goes back to the early 1900s when a traveling salesman, frustrated by slow train deliveries, decided to paint his company logo on his own horse-drawn wagon.  This impromptu act of self-promotion paved the way for the mobile billboards we see today.  

  1. The “Great Muffler Mishap”:

In the 1930s, a now-defunct beer company attempted a unique transport truck advertising campaign. Their trucks featured a built-in sound system that played catchy jingles as they drove.  Unfortunately, the system wasn’t as well-designed as the jingle itself.  The loud engine noises combined with the music created a cacophony, leading to complaints and ultimately, the campaign’s demise.  

  1. The “Art on Wheels” Movement:

The 1960s witnessed a surge in artistic expression on transport trucks.  Truck drivers, tired of the monotony of long journeys, began customizing their vehicles with elaborate hand-painted murals.  These vibrant artworks depicted landscapes, personal messages, and even political statements, transforming ordinary trucks into rolling works of art.  

  1. The “Glow in the Dark” Gamble:

The quest for attention-grabbing transport truck advertising has led to some innovative ideas.  In the 1980s, a company experimented with trucks coated in a special reflective paint that glowed faintly at night.  The aim was to create a constant visual presence, even in darkness.  However, concerns about driver visibility and potential safety hazards led to the abandonment of this futuristic concept. 

  1. The “Bird Brain” Theory:

A lesser-known psychological theory suggests that transport truck advertising can influence bird behavior.  Some studies propose that large, brightly colored trucks might be perceived by birds as territorial threats, leading them to alter their flight patterns.  While the research is ongoing, it adds an unexpected layer of ecological impact to consider in transport truck advertising campaigns. 

Standing Out from the Pack: Creative Strategies for Your Brand

These obscure facts showcase the rich history and ever-evolving nature of transport truck advertising.  At Big Rig Wraps, we believe in pushing the boundaries while maintaining responsible practices.  We can help you craft a unique and memorable campaign that gets your brand noticed, all while keeping a fun and informative perspective.

Contact us today and let’s get your brand rolling on the road to success!

 

Sources:

American Truck Historical Society – The History of Trucking: https://www.aths.org/navigation/about/about-1/the-society/

The Museum of Transport and Mobility – A History of Advertising on the Road: https://tnmot.org/about-the-museum/

Smithsonian Magazine – The Untold Story of Truck Art in America

The Journal for Advertising Research – The Evolving Landscape of Out-of-Home Advertising

National Aviary – The Unexpected Impact of Artificial Light on Bird

Big Rig Wraps Transport Truck Advertising (Big Rig Wraps) is the premier provider of large-scale outdoor advertising on trucks up to 53 feet. Through a series of partnerships created with fleet truck owners, graphic designers, and certified installers, we make it possible and affordable for companies to take their advertising on the road, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, even if they don’t own their own fleet. Learn more about Big Rig Wraps here.