Business cards are a very inexpensive yet very practical way to keep your trucking company’s name on your customer’s mind. While not as high-tech as some marketing software, they are great 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 need to give more than cursory consideration to how you want your cards to look. Getting the right combination of information and design on the card to be attractive and readable while leaving a definite impression of your company is really a science.

First, before you even start thinking about what you want on the card, take some time and explore business cards. Look for card design ideas 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 should 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 or type that is difficult to read. This includes fonts that look like cursive script or those that are ornate or unusual in the formation of letters and numbers. While these fonts are definitely eye-catching and different, they can cause problems for customers and make it less likely that the customer will swipe their card or put it in their wallet. Also, avoid using several different fonts on the same card, as this can create a cluttered look for the card.

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

Graphics and Images

Most small trucking businesses don’t have a company logo or image, but you can always create a unique design to use on your card. This could be a graphic that includes your trucking company name, initials, or a company logo. There are free programs or clip art packages that allow you to do a basic layout and create a very professional looking graphic, even if you have no computer experience.

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

You can use the back of the card as the truck photo and put all of your contact information on the front. This is a great option, and with online business card programs available to do it yourself, 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 any graphics or images you use are not copyrighted or licensed. In general, if you are using images, graphics or illustrations from the Internet, it is protected unless it is indicated as “free 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 for just the basics and essentials. The card must show:

Your name

Your phone number, email, or preferred contact information

Company name and website address.

Business address – if you have an established business location

Company slogan or a few words about your business.

Company slogans or brief company information can help customers and colleagues remember what you specialize in transportation or what services you offer. Good examples of company slogans or business descriptions are:

Freight Transportation in the US

Specialized in oilfield transportation services

Refrigerated and refrigerated transport

We transport anything anywhere

In the trucking business for 25 years.

Just keep the message short, to the point, and specific about what makes your trucking business better or different than 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. Usually 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 experience designing business cards. 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 can be requested 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.

Have your business cards with you at all times. Give a pair to each client and client and ask them to use them if they are providing a referral to someone else. You may be surprised at how effective this option is as a low-cost, high-tech way to get your trucking company’s name out there.