Every company operating a fleet wants its vehicles to convey a professional image to its customers. By utilizing a well-­designed decal program, fleet managers can save by including decal manufacturers as part of their supply chain. Decal manufacturers, such as Cleveland-­based Sun Art Decals, Inc., can provide this service.

Quality decal markings can be used on vehicles for corporate logos, lettering, numbering, and graphics.

Decal Manufacturer Works with Fleet

Exterior decals are easily applied to vehicles using self-adhesive materials that have the durability to last the service life of a vehicle. Companies can avoid maintaining an inventory of fleet markings by using a well-equipped decal manufacturer as a source for vehicle graphics. Most fleet maintenance departments have personnel able to provide the installation.

In the past, decal manufacturers were reluctant to service small fleet accounts because of their small production needs. New production capabilities enable manufacturers to produce custom decal products on an as-­needed basis for large and small fleet operators. The development of computer-­aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and digital output systems have made this possible.

The advantage of these computer-based systems is that once an image is saved, it can be edited on a computer screen to provide a customized decal in almost any dimension and color. Providing customers with any size, color, or quantity they need is no longer a production problem.

"If a fleet needs one decal six inches in diameter and another 30 inches in diameter, they can have it," said Jim Soppelsa, president of Sun Art. "The new system is also ideal for situations where only one panel of a vehicle is damaged. A customer can call Sun Art and order the one replacement decal if necessary. As a result, vehicle downtime is minimized."

In a 9,000-sq. ft. facility with more than $200,000 in equipment operated by skilled employees, Sun Art Decals can maintain quality control and consistently fulfill tight delivery deadlines. 

"Our production capabilities enable the production of simple, one-color lettering or complex full-color decals cut into elaborate shapes," said Soppelsa. "Through the use of digital systems, decal markings can be produced quickly, typically within 24 hours. For example, a long lead time for Sun Art is one week."

Decals Provide Benefits

One advantage to using decals is they do not require any special skills to affix to a vehicle's exterior.

"In fact, factory decaling on new models has become so prevalent that most mechanics are already experienced in decal work," noted Soppelsa.

Unlike paint, decals do not noticeably fade. If there is a fading factor, it will take place over a long period of time, but it will be consistent. Another advantage to using decals, even temporary markings, is that they can be removed.

"Decals can be removed using heat and solvents," explained Soppelsa. "This eliminates the need to repaint the entire vehicle prior to selling it from the fleet."

Fleet professionals can mail, fax, or e-mail an image for a price quote. The sent image can often be used for production purposes.