What Decals and Labels Should Equipment Rental Companies Use? Equipment Rental Decals That Identify, Protect, and Brand Your Fleet

Equipment Rental Decal Questions, Answered

What is the best material for equipment rental decals that stay outdoors?

For flat equipment panels, laminated calendered vinyl is the best all-around choice. Decals.com prints it on 3 mil vinyl with a glossy or matte laminate that blocks UV, moisture, and scratches, and it is rated for up to 5 years outdoors when properly applied and maintained. Add reflective decals to any unit that moves near roadways or works in low light. High performance cast vinyl and 3M Controltac are wrap films, so reserve them for full or partial wraps on trucks and trailers rather than standard flat decals. 

What sizes should I order for identifying rental equipment fleets?

Match the decal size to the job it does and keep it consistent across the fleet:

• Asset tags and QR codes: 2" x 2" to 4" x 4" on control panels, tongues, and frames.
• Unit numbers: 3" to 6" tall so yard staff can read them from a distance.
• Safety and warning decals: sized to the hazard area, usually 3" x 5" to 8" x 10".
• Branding panels: 24" to 120" wide on trailer sides, lift booms, and container walls.

Decals.com prints custom decals from 2" x 2" up to 52" x 120", and anything larger can be quoted as a custom order. 

What artwork files do I need for custom equipment identification decals?

Vector files (AI, EPS, or PDF with fonts converted to outlines) produce the sharpest edges, which matters for die-cut shapes, small serial numbers, and scannable QR codes. High-resolution JPG, TIFF, or PNG files work for full-color branding. Follow the custom file setup guide before uploading, and if your logo is low resolution, the Decals.com vectorization service can redraw it, with most logos starting around $15. 

How much do equipment rental decals cost, and are there bulk discounts?

Cost depends on size, material, cut style, and quantity. Small asset tags typically cost a few dollars each, while large branding panels and reflective upgrades cost more. Decals.com has no order minimum, so you can order a single replacement decal, and per-unit pricing drops as quantity rises. For fleet-wide orders across multiple yards, a custom quote locks in volume pricing. 

What are the most heavy-duty decals for equipment that takes daily abuse?

For high-contact surfaces, choose laminated vinyl and keep decals away from pinch points, hitches, and areas that scrape against loading docks. Domed decals add a thick, flexible polyurethane coating that resists scratches and impacts, making them a strong choice for asset tags and logo badges on control panels. Reflective vinyl is the right pick for equipment safety decals that need to stay visible on active job sites. 

How fast is production and shipping for rental company decals?

Decals.com offers four production times: 1 business day Priority, 2 business day Express, 3 business day Standard (no added cost), and 5 business day Saver. Orders approved after 5:00 PM CST start the next business day. Shipping is separate, and most U.S. addresses receive orders in 2 to 4 business days via UPS Ground; see shipping info for faster options. 

How do I install, clean, and remove decals on rental equipment?

Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol, let it dry, then apply from the center outward with a squeegee. Die-cut and kiss-cut decals apply directly, while transfer-cut lettering uses application tape to place multiple pieces at once; Decals.com's installation guides walk through each method. Avoid aiming pressure washers directly at decal edges, and use gentle heat to soften the adhesive when removing decals during rebranding. Our guide on how to prevent damage to vinyl decals covers cleaning habits that extend decal life.