#1 Graphic Design and Installation in Dallas-Fort Worth
#1 Graphic Design and Installation in Dallas-Fort Worth
This is the cheapest thing we make and one of the more consequential. A roadside inspection that finds missing, undersized or non-compliant markings costs considerably more than the decals do, and it can put a vehicle out of service on the spot, which costs a day of revenue on top of the citation.
Part of our fleet graphics service, usually turned around in one to two business days.
USDOT numbers. The federal identifier, required on both sides of the power unit.
MC (Motor Carrier) numbers. Where applicable to your operating authority.
Texas TxDMV and TxDOT numbers. For intrastate operations.
Legal company name. As registered, which is a detail that catches people out. The name displayed must match the name on the registration, not the trading name you use on the website.
GVWR and weight ratings. Where required by the vehicle class or the jurisdiction.
Unit and truck numbers. For fleet identification and internal tracking. We produce these in sequential sets so a twelve-truck fleet arrives numbered.
Tank, hazmat, and equipment markings. Placard lettering, capacity markings, and equipment identification.
“Not for hire” markings. For private carriers.
For fleets that operate at night or park on shoulders, reflective vinyl numbers are worth considering. They cost more per square foot, and they make your identification readable in headlights from a considerable distance, which has a safety value beyond the compliance requirement. See reflective vehicle graphics.
Federal regulation requires markings to be readable from 50 feet in daylight while the vehicle is stationary, in a colour that contrasts sharply with the background they sit on, and displayed on both sides of the power unit.
In practice, that means letters at least 2 inches tall. Most carriers use 2 or 3 inches, and we would recommend 3 inches on anything with a busy or dark-coloured door where 2 inches could be argued as marginal by an inspector having a bad day. The extra cost is a few dollars.
The markings must be permanently affixed, which vinyl satisfies, and they must not be obscured. That last part matters more than people expect: a number placed where a mirror arm, a door handle, or a fuel cap partially covers it can be cited even though the decal itself is compliant.
We produce to specification, and we advise on placement. The compliance obligation itself sits with the operator, so if you are unsure which rules apply to your class of vehicle and operating authority, verify with the FMCSA or TxDMV first, and we will cut exactly what the ruling calls for.
Both sides of the power unit are positioned where they are clearly visible from the roadside and not obscured by hardware, doors, or trim. Most operators use the cab door or the lower front section of the box.
On a tractor unit, the door is standard. On a box truck, either the cab door or the front lower corner of the box works. On a van, the front doors. Where a vehicle has a wrap or existing lettering, the numbers need to sit against a contrasting area of that design, which is something we plan at the wrap design stage rather than sticking numbers on afterwards and hoping.
Cast or high-performance calendered vinyl, depending on whether the surface is flat or contoured. Matte or gloss finish. White and black are the most common, and we cut in any colour that gives sharp contrast against your paint.
The lettering is weeded and application-taped, so the whole block goes on as one piece and lines up straight. A set of numbers takes minutes to apply. If you are local to Anna or McKinney, bring the truck by, and we will put them on while you wait.
USDOT markings must be readable from 50 feet in daylight, which in practice means letters at least 2 inches tall in a colour contrasting sharply with the vehicle. iCandy Grafix produces DOT numbers in 2- and 3-inch heights as standard, and we generally recommend 3 inches on dark or visually busy door panels.
USDOT numbers must appear on both sides of the power unit, clearly visible from the roadside and not obscured by mirrors, handles, doors, or trim. The cab door is the most common location, with the lower front of the box also used on box trucks.
iCandy Grafix usually produces DOT and unit number decals within one to two business days, and same-day is often possible for straightforward cut lettering. Call (972) 961-3275 if you have an inspection or a start date to hit.
Yes. The legal name displayed must match the name under which the operating authority is registered, which is not always the trading name used on marketing material. If the two differ, check the requirement before ordering so the lettering is right the first time.
Yes. The numbers need to sit against a contrasting area of the wrap design to remain compliant, so placement matters. If we are designing the wrap, we plan a clear area for the markings from the start rather than adding them as an afterthought.
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