A group of business trucks covered in fleet wraps

Your vehicle fleet may be your most underused marketing channel. Vehicle wraps can get up to 70,000 impressions daily — now imagine that multiplied across your entire fleet.

Of course, with such a significant investment on the table, you’ll want to know the best fleet wrap providers Northern Virginia has to offer. Luckily for you, we’ve done the research.

In this guide we’ll cover:

  • The top three services based on price and reviews.
  • Design ideas and trends to make your fleet stand out.
  • How fleet wrapping works.
  • Tips for designing the perfect fleet wrap.

By the way — if you’re just looking to get started with a team of 3M-certified and endorsed professionals right away, AP Graphics can help. We’ve got years of experience wrapping fleets for local and national companies, and our experts can help you find the wraps you’re looking for. Book a free consultation to learn more.

3 Best Fleet Wrap Services in Northern Virginia

Fleet wrap graphics can be difficult to execute — operationally, logistically, and aesthetically — so you need experienced professionals. We’ve found these top Northern Virginia fleet wrap providers to give you the best combination of price, quality and customer satisfaction:

  1. AP Graphics: The highest quality fleet wrapping services in Northern Virginia.
  2. SpeedPro Northern Virginia: Specializes in high-quality wraps for all types of surfaces.
  3. Tint World: A full service provider with many other auto services.

Let’s take a closer look at each one:

#1. AP Graphics

Like we mentioned, AP Graphics is a team of trusted, 3M-endorsed professionals with every vehicle wrapping certification under the sun. Perfectly situated to provide top-notch services for your Northern Virginia or national fleet, our expertise is in commercial vehicle graphics — if you’re looking to wrap a small business or corporate fleet, this should be your first stop.

Best For: Specialized, expert service for small or large commercial fleets.

  • Pricing: You can get in touch for a custom quote to understand the best price for your vehicle fleet.
  • Customer Reviews: “AP Graphics provided outstanding service from start to finish. Faced with rebranding of our entire company meant that our fleet of 36 vehicles had to be stripped and rebranded, quickly. Their talent, professionalism and kindness made working with them a pleasure. Five stars! Thank you!” — Kim Popowski, Marketing Director, PBI
  • Warranty & Service Guarantees: We offer a 2-year warranty, along with 3M’s manufacturer’s warranty, to cover our services.
  • Location & Contact Info:
  • Phone number: (866) 390-6790
  • Location: 5397 Enterprise St, Sykesville, MD 21784

Portfolio:


#2: SpeedPro Northern Virginia

SpeedPro Northern Virginia is a vehicle wrapping provider specializing in commercial vehicle wraps. They also provide other signage solutions like trade show banners and office graphics.

Best For: Multichannel graphics efforts, often a launch of a new business or product.

  • Pricing: Pricing is done through custom measurements of square footage, but here are some estimates for single vehicles (this is all on top of a $200 design fee minimum, with prices subject to change for bulk projects):
    • Basic Lettering: $500+
    • Print Vinyl and Lettering: $850+
    • Partial Wrap: $1,450+
    • Full Wrap: $2,850+
  • Customer Reviews: SpeedPro has always been very responsive to our requests and has turned around signage projects quickly to meet our needs. — T.N., Reston VA
  • Warranty & Service Guarantees: SpeedPro’s vehicle wraps come with a 3-year warranty.
  • Location & Contact Info:
    • Phone number: +1 571 789 0167
    • Location: 22135 Davis Drive, Suite 117, Sterling, VA 20164

Portfolio:

#3: Tint World

Tint World is a chain of automotive styling centers with locations across the US, including Sterling, VA. They provide fleet wraps along with a slew of other other commercial signage services.

Best For: Businesses looking for other vehicle signage services along with wrapping, including tinting.

  • Pricing: Your price will depend on a custom quote from Tint World, subject to vary based on the size of your fleet.
  • Customer Reviews: Reviews typically lean towards tinting services, but you can observe a pattern of quality service.
    • Great prices and high-quality service. The tint on our Jeep looks amazing! Tint world has so many different things other than just auto tint. — MEGAN A.
  • Warranty & Service Guarantees: Tint World’s many services are typically warrantied for a minimum of 90 days.
  • Location & Contact Info:
    • Phone number: +1 703 436 4900
    • Location: 42750 Trade West Dr, Sterling, VA 20166

Portfolio:


13 Design Ideas to Make Your Fleet Wrap Unique

  1. Puzzle Pieces
    • How It Works: Each vehicle in the fleet features a part of a larger image. When the vehicles are aligned, they complete the puzzle to reveal the full picture.
    • Example: A travel agency uses different landmarks from around the world on each vehicle. When lined up, they form a map of the world, encouraging viewers to explore different destinations.
  2. Sequential Storytelling
    • How It Works: Each vehicle displays a different part of a story or a sequential process, creating a narrative or illustrative sequence.
    • Example: A construction company’s fleet each shows a different stage of building construction, from foundation laying to the completed building.
  3. Themed Variations
    • How It Works: While maintaining a consistent theme, each vehicle in the fleet features a variation on that theme.
    • Example: A fleet of food trucks, each dedicated to different cuisines like Italian, Mexican, and Japanese, but all decorated with a consistent stylistic element like a chef’s hat or fork and knife.
  4. Numbered Series
    • How It Works: Vehicles are numbered as part of a series, prompting viewers to look out for all vehicles in the collection.
    • Example: An art museum uses famous paintings, with each vehicle displaying a numbered artwork, encouraging people to visit the museum to see the entire collection.
  5. Interlocking Designs
    • How It Works: The design on each vehicle appears to connect with the design on another vehicle when they are side by side.
    • Example: A tech company uses a digital waveform design that appears to flow seamlessly from one vehicle to another, symbolizing connectivity and innovation.
  6. Character Journey
    • How It Works: Different vehicles depict a popular character or mascot in various scenes or activities, telling a larger story.
    • Example: A children’s entertainment brand uses its mascot in various fun activities across different vehicles, like playing at the beach, reading a book, and exploring space.
  7. 3D Graphics
    • How It Works: Utilizes optical illusions or 3D effects to make elements of the wrap appear three-dimensional.
    • Example: A sports team uses 3D effects to make it look like a soccer ball is coming out of the side of the bus, capturing attention and excitement.
  8. Interactive Elements
    • How It Works: Incorporates interactive features like QR codes or augmented reality triggers into the design.
    • Example: A music band’s tour bus includes QR codes that, when scanned, give access to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage or pre-release tracks.
  9. Reflective or Glow-in-the-Dark Materials
    • How It Works: Uses materials that shine or glow in low light conditions, enhancing visibility and impact.
    • Example: An emergency services fleet uses glow-in-the-dark wraps to enhance visibility during nighttime operations.
  10. Environmental or Eco-Themed Designs
    • How It Works: Features nature-inspired designs to emphasize eco-friendly practices or products.
    • Example: An organic food company uses wraps with lush greenery and fresh produce imagery to highlight their commitment to natural, sustainable products.
  11. Personalized Storytelling
    • How It Works: Tells the brand’s story through a series of images or designs across different vehicles.
    • Example: A historical tour company uses different historical periods or events on each vehicle, inviting viewers to learn more about each era.
  12. Scavenger Hunt
    • How It Works: Each vehicle holds a clue as part of a larger scavenger hunt game.
    • Example: A bookstore chain creates a literary scavenger hunt, with each vehicle featuring clues related to famous books or authors.
  13. Seasonal or Thematic Variations
    • How It Works: Rotates wraps based on seasons, holidays, or special events to keep the fleet looking fresh and relevant.
    • Example: A clothing retailer changes its fleet wraps to match seasonal fashion trends, using spring pastels, summer brights, fall earth tones, and winter whites.

Fleet Wrapping Trends to Watch Out For

Fleet wrapping is growing in popularity, so here are some trends to keep an eye on — and whether or not they’re right for your brand:

  • Improvements to Vinyl and Printing Processes
    • High-Quality Material: Modern vehicle wraps are printed on durable, 2-mil thick plastic vinyl, offering a wide array of colors and patterns. This material is resilient against road and weather conditions.
    • Advanced Printing Technology: The use of large format printers with improved inks ensures vivid, long-lasting images that maintain their visual impact over time.
    • Checklist to Consider:
      • Do you require long-lasting, durable wraps that can withstand harsh conditions?
      • Is having a wide range of color and pattern options important for your brand image?
      • Are you looking for high-quality, sharp imagery that won’t fade or degrade quickly?
  • Bold and Vibrant Colors
    • Attention-grabbing: Bright and vibrant colors make your fleet stand out, capturing the attention of potential customers.
    • Lasting Impression: These colors are designed to leave a memorable impression, reinforcing brand recognition.
    • Checklist to Consider:
      • Is your brand identity compatible with bold and striking color schemes?
      • Do you want your fleet to stand out distinctly in urban and rural landscapes?
      • Are you aiming to attract attention quickly, even from a distance?
  • Different Finishes
    • Diverse Options: Finishes like matte, satin, or metallic offer a unique look that differentiates your fleet.
    • Modern Aesthetic: These finishes provide a sleek and contemporary appearance, elevating your brand’s visual appeal.
    • Checklist to Consider:
      • Are you looking to give your fleet a modern and stylish edge?
      • Is having a unique texture or sheen (like matte or metallic) important for your branding?
      • Do you prefer a subtle yet sophisticated finish as opposed to traditional glossy wraps?
  • Geometric Patterns and 3D Effects
    • Dynamic Design: Geometric patterns and 3D effects add a sense of movement and modernity to your fleet.
    • Visual Interest: These designs can create an optical illusion, drawing more eyes to your vehicles.
    • Checklist to Consider:
      • Is a contemporary and dynamic design in line with your brand’s image?
      • Do you want to incorporate visually stimulating effects that stand out?
      • Are you aiming for designs that not only brand but also entertain and engage the viewer?
  • Matte Finishes
    • Distinctive Look: Matte finishes give a sophisticated and understated elegance to your vehicles.
    • Refined Branding: This trend is ideal for brands aiming for a high-end, refined image.
    • Checklist to Consider:
      • Does your brand’s personality align with a sleek, elegant aesthetic?
      • Are you looking for a wrap that stands out without the use of bright colors or glossy finishes?
      • Do you prefer a finish that is less prone to showing minor scratches or dirt?
  • Partial Wraps
    • Cost-Effective: Partial wraps cover only a portion of the vehicle, making them a more budget-friendly option.
    • Strategic Branding: They allow for strategic placement of branding elements for maximum impact.
    • Checklist to Consider:
      • Are you working with a limited budget but still want to make an impact?
      • Do you prefer minimalist designs that focus on specific branding elements?
      • Is your vehicle’s color already in line with your brand, needing only minimal additional branding?

How a Fleet Wrapping Project Works (in 9 Steps)

  1. Initial Consultation:
    • Purpose: This is a critical stage where you engage with the service provider to outline your project.
    • Discussion Points: You will delve into details like your branding needs, the visual appeal you aim for, and the messages you wish to convey through the fleet wraps. Budget considerations and project timelines are also essential topics.
    • Collaboration: It’s a collaborative session where ideas are exchanged, and the service provider can offer insights based on their expertise and experience in fleet wrapping.
  2. Design Concept:
    • Customization: The design team tailors a concept that reflects your brand’s ethos and marketing objectives.
    • Visual Elements: This may include your logo, company colors, and any specific imagery or messaging you want to include.
    • Feedback Loop: You’ll typically review preliminary designs, provide feedback, and may go through several iterations before finalizing the design.
  3. Material Selection:
    • Types of Materials: The common materials for fleet wraps include standard vinyl, carbon fiber, and chrome finishes. Each has unique qualities in terms of look and durability.
    • Durability and Appearance: Your service provider will guide you in selecting a material that not only suits the aesthetics of your design but also offers the durability needed for your fleet’s operating conditions.
  4. Vehicle Measurements and Template Creation:
    • Precision Measurement: Accurate measurements of each vehicle in your fleet are taken. This step is crucial for ensuring the wraps fit perfectly without any misalignments or creases.
    • Template Creation: Based on these measurements, customized templates are created for your fleet, catering to the specific contours and dimensions of each vehicle.
  5. Printing:
    • Printing Process: The finalized design is printed on the selected wrap material using high-quality printers. This process is carefully monitored to ensure color accuracy and clarity of the imagery.
  6. Preparation for Wrap Installation:
    • Vehicle Cleaning: Each vehicle is thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, oil, and any residues. This step is vital for ensuring the vinyl adheres properly to the vehicle surface.
    • Surface Inspection: The vehicles are also inspected for any surface irregularities that might affect the wrap’s adhesion and appearance.
  7. Wrap Installation:
    • Time Frame: Installation time can vary. Small vehicles may take a few hours, while larger fleets or more complex designs could require several days.
    • Installation Process: Skilled technicians carefully apply the wrap to each vehicle, paying close attention to detail and ensuring the wrap fits seamlessly around curves and edges.
  8. Quality Check:
    • Inspection: After installation, each vehicle undergoes a detailed inspection to ensure the wrap is flawlessly applied and free of bubbles, wrinkles, or misalignments.
    • Client Approval: You will have the opportunity to review the wrapped fleet and ensure it meets your expectations.
  9. Maintenance and Care:
    • Longevity of the Wrap: Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your fleet wraps.
    • Cleaning Instructions: Your service provider will give you specific guidelines on how to clean the wraps, which typically involve using mild detergents and avoiding abrasive tools.
    • Regular Checks: Regular inspections for any signs of wear or damage can help in timely maintenance and repairs.

How to Design the Perfect Wrap for Your Vehicle Fleet

Fleet wraps are unique: they serve as both branding and marketing tools, drawing attention to your vehicles and promoting your business on the go.

With fleet wrapping services in Northern Virginia, you have the opportunity to transform your fleet of vehicles into mobile billboards, reaching a wider audience and making a lasting impression. But how do you design the perfect wrap for your vehicle fleet? Here are some tips to consider.

1. Determine Your Brand Personality

Before designing a wrap, it’s important to understand your brand’s personality and aesthetic clearly. This will help guide the design process and ensure that the final product accurately represents your business. Are you aiming for a bold and eye-catching design or something more refined and elegant? Knowing your brand’s personality will help you make design choices that are in line with your overall image.

Example: If you own a high-end catering business, you may want to opt for a sleek and sophisticated design that emphasizes your professionalism and attention to detail.

2. Consider Your Budget

Fleet wraps can vary greatly in cost, depending on the size of your vehicles and the complexity of the design. Before diving into the design process, it’s important to have a clear idea of how much you are willing to spend. This will help guide your choices when it comes to design elements and materials, ensuring that you stay within your budget.

Pro Tip: Booking a free consultation is a good way to get a sense for the costs involved in fleet wrapping services and to discuss options that fit your budget.

3. Think About Your Audience

Who will be seeing your fleet wraps on a daily basis? Are they mostly commuters or people in a specific industry? Consider your target audience when designing the wrap, as this can influence the messaging and overall design aesthetic.

Example: If you are promoting a luxury brand, you may want to opt for a more elegant and sophisticated design, while targeting a younger demographic may call for a more modern and colourful approach.

4. Incorporate Your Branding

Your fleet wrap should prominently feature your company logo and branding elements. This will help increase brand recognition and ensure that your vehicles are easily identifiable as part of your business. Make sure to use high-quality graphics and images to ensure that your branding remains crisp and clear on the wrap.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the design with too much branding. Keep it simple and make sure your messaging is clear.

5. Utilise Design Elements

Fleet wraps offer a unique opportunity to be creative and eye-catching as they cover such a large surface area. Consider incorporating bold colours, interesting patterns, or even custom illustrations into your design. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the purpose of the wrap is to promote your brand, so make sure any design elements you choose still align with your company’s image and message.

Example: A company that specializes in outdoor adventures may include images of nature or use earthy colours to convey their brand’s message of adventure and exploration.

6. Stay on Trend

Just like with any other design project, it’s important to stay up-to-date with current trends in fleet wrapping. This can help ensure that your vehicles stand out and remain relevant among other businesses. Some current trends in fleet wrapping include incorporating 3D elements, using metallic or reflective materials, and experimenting with textures and finishes.

Pro Tip: While it’s important to stay on trend, make sure your design still aligns with your business and branding. Don’t choose a trendy design if it doesn’t accurately represent your company.

7. Consider Practicality

While it’s important to make your fleet wrap visually appealing, it’s also crucial to consider the practicality of the design. For example, if you have a lot of text on your wrap, make sure it is legible and easy to read from a distance. Additionally, consider the placement of your design elements on the vehicle to ensure they do not obstruct important information such as contact details or license plate numbers.

Example: A plumbing company may want to include their contact information prominently on the sides of their vehicles for easy visibility and accessibility.

8. Hire Professionals

Designing and installing fleet wraps can be a complex process, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Look for a reputable fleet wrapping service in Northern Virginia that has experience working with businesses and has a portfolio of successful projects. They will be able to offer expert advice on design elements, materials, and installation techniques to ensure your fleet wrap is top-quality.

Pro Tip: AP Graphics has been in the vehicle wrapping business for years, with a team of vetted professionals who can help bring your fleet wrap design to life.

9. Maintain Your Fleet Wrap

Once your fleet wraps are installed, it’s important to regularly maintain them to keep them looking their best. This includes regular cleaning and touch-ups if necessary. It’s also important to monitor your fleet wraps for any wear and tear, such as scratches or fading, and address these issues promptly.

Example: If your fleet wraps are starting to show signs of wear, contact a professional fleet wrapping service for repairs or replacements.

Get Your Vehicle Fleet Wrapped By AP Graphics

Wrapping things up, we’ve covered the benefits of vehicle fleet wraps for businesses, tips for designing an effective wrap, and the importance of hiring professionals and maintaining your wraps.

Here are some of our key takeaways:

  • Design unique fleet wraps with creative themes and storytelling.
  • Use high-quality materials and stay updated on trends.
  • Professional design and maintenance ensure lasting brand impact.

Remember, a well-designed and properly maintained fleet wrap can be a powerful advertising tool for your business. So why not trust AP Graphics to handle all your vehicle wrapping needs? Our team has years of experience in creating eye-catching designs that are sure to make your fleet stand out on the road. Get in touch with us today and take your branding to the next level.