Truckers business cards

Business cards are a very practical but very low-cost way to keep the name of your trucking company in the minds of your customers. While they are not as high-tech as some marketing programs, they are ideal for a customer to have while providing their contact information in a small, easy-to-carry format.

However, not all business cards are created equal, and you should pay more than cursory consideration to how you want your cards to look. Getting the right mix of information and design on the card to make it attractive and legible while leaving a definitive impression of your business is truly a science.

First, before you start thinking about what you want on the card, take some time and explore the business cards. Find ideas for card designs that you like and plan to incorporate them into your card. You may also find some problems that you want to avoid, which is just as important. Your business card sends a message and you need to take the time to make sure it’s the right one.

Sources

One of the biggest mistakes many people make on a business card is using a font that is difficult to read. This includes fonts that look like cursive writing or those that are ornate or unusual in letter and number formation. While these fonts are definitely eye-catching and different, they can cause problems for customers and decrease the likelihood that the customer will hand over their card or keep it in their wallet. Also, avoid using multiple different fonts on the same card, as this can create a messy look on the card.

The font color also makes a difference. Black, blue, and dark colors are naturally easier to see on most backgrounds. If you are using a white or light color for the card, you can use lighter colors, just make sure it is easy to read. In general, avoid using “soft” colors or faded-looking font colors, as they are more difficult to see on a light or very dark background. You want your contact information, company name, and company tagline to really stand out, not blend in with the overall design.

Graphics and images

Most small trucking companies don’t have a company logo or image, but you can always create a unique design to use on your card. It can be a graphic that includes the name of your trucking company, your initials, or the company logo. There are free programs or clipart packages that allow you to do a basic layout and create a very professional looking graphic, even if you are inexperienced with the computer.

Another option is to use a photograph as part of the business card design. A great image of your team is great for advertising, but you have to decide where to put it on the card. You may also find that the small size of the card makes a full picture of the truck and trailer too small to actually see, which will actually detract from the overall look.

You can use the back of the card as the photo of the truck and put all your contact information on the front. This is a great option, and with do-it-yourself online business card programs available, it’s a simple process. These companies may offer reduced platform images that are part of the photos, graphics and images that are available through their design options.

Make sure the graphics or images you use are not protected by copyright or license. In general, if you use images, graphics, or artwork off the Internet, you are protected unless stated as “free for use.”

Information about your company

It’s easy to put too much information on a business card that makes it look cluttered and unprofessional. Instead, go only for the basics and essentials. The card must show:

Your name
Your phone number, email, or preferred contact information
The company name and website address.
Business address: if you have an established business location
Company motto or a few words about your business.

Company slogans or company briefs can help clients and colleagues remember what transportation specializes in or what services it offers. Good examples of company slogans or business descriptions are:

Freight Transportation in the USA
Specialized in road transport services
Refrigerated trucks and refrigerators
We take anything anywhere
In the trucking business for 25 years

Just keep the message short, direct, and specific about what makes your trucking business better or different from the competition.

Costs and options

As mentioned above, DIY websites allow you to design your own business cards, including uploading your own images or logos. This is a low-cost option, and if you use a reputable company, you will find the quality of the cards to be excellent. Generally, you will have to buy a minimum number of cards for a fixed price. Pricing will vary based on colors, design elements, and actual card stock and options you select.

The alternative option is to have the cards designed for you. Most printing companies, including some of the national and international office supply stores, provide this service. Surprisingly, it’s not that expensive, and you get the help of someone who has years of business card design experience. You will have the option to approve the final design and you will not pay anything until you get what you want. Some printers or companies may charge a flat fee for the actual design, which may be required in advance. If you choose not to go with their company, you won’t get a refund, but they can usually design a card that meets your requirements.

Carry your business cards with you at all times. Give each customer a pair and ask them to wear them if they are providing a reference to someone else. You might be surprised at how effective this option is as a low-tech, low-cost way to get your trucking company name out there.