What is an Ad Truck?
The definition of an ad truck has been questioned by many. There are many vehicles that display advertising. For example, some delivery trucks, cars, and other types of transportation display ads. We define Ad Truck as a driving billboard or mobile billboard. The sole purpose of these types of trucks is to display advertising while driving. This truck differs from other trucks which may also contain advertising. For example, delivery trucks often exhibit advertisements on the side or back of the truck. By the definition provided above, these trucks are not considered ad trucks unless they are not in the process of delivery, are not in the process of going to pick up products, and are driving around in order to display the advertisement. Another example, service trucks frequently promote publicity. These trucks are not considered advertising trucks either; unless they are driving aimlessly in order to attract attention to their advertisement.
Where did they come from?
Ad Trucks have been present for many years with a great deal of controversy. In 1882, Theodore Roosevelt’s Uncle Alderman achieved to have mobile billboards
banned from the streets in New York. The law specified that that “no advertising trucks, vans or wagons shall be allowed in the streets of the City of New York...."
Despite the all encompassing disputes about the practice of operating mobile billboards, ad trucks continue to circulate the streets in many metropolitan areas in Canada, USA, Australia, and Europe. In fact, ad trucks can be seen in cities of most developed countries. In Montreal, ad truck companies have existed for almost a decade.
There are at least three Ad Truck Companies in Montréal. These companies are Impact Media, Media Rolling Inc and Mega Media Mobile. Impact Media was incorporated in 1995 to Richard Desmarais. This company is currently the most pervasive ad truck company in Montreal. Their trucks circulate the streets of Montreal most frequently. In 2000, Media Rolling Inc. was registered to David Sochaczevski as an advertising agency. Like Impact Media, Media Rolling Inc. circulated ad trucks in Montreal. Mega Media Mobile is the latest addition of ad truck companies who circulate Montreal. This company was registered to Regean Senez in 2003. Mega Media’s business activities included selling and installing security equipment and operating mobile billboard trucks. Mega Media Mobile mainly advertises for strip clubs in Montreal.
