Trade show shipping can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a veteran of the trade show circuit, some specific tips and tricks can help make your shipping experience as stress-free as possible. This blog post will cover three of the most crucial trade show shipping tips you need to know before embarking on your next trade show journey. Read on to learn more!
What is Trade Show Shipping?
Trade show shipping is transporting all the materials and equipment necessary for an exhibitor to set up, manage, and display their trade show booth. This includes, but is not limited to, materials such as audio-visual equipment, lighting, promotional displays, and even large pieces of furniture. It is essential that this material handling be done with great care and precision to ensure a successful experience at the trade show.
Trade show freight shipping involves getting suitable materials and equipment to the correct destination on time and intact. Show organizers typically hire an official carrier to handle the transportation needs of exhibitors. However, it is wise for exhibitors to consider using a third-party service as they often offer more competitive rates and better service than what is available from the official carrier. This can save exhibitors both time and money.
Once the booth and materials have been transported to the show site, exhibitors must present an accurate bill of lading (BOL) at pickup for the shipment to be released. Exhibitors must also remember to arrange reverse transportation at the end of the event to get their materials back home safely.
Trade show shipping can be complex and require careful planning but understanding its importance and how to make it work best for your company will help you maximize the impact of your exhibition shipping. With a few simple tips, you can ensure that your materials arrive at their destination on time and intact, allowing you to focus on the success of your trade show booth.
How does trade show shipping work?
Trade show shipping is the process of transporting exhibition materials, trade show booths, and other items for an event or trade show from their point of origin to the show site. It is a complex process involving various material handling services and expertise.
To get the best results, it is crucial to understand how trade show shipping works. Partner with an experienced shipping company, so your trade show freight arrives on time. This will ensure that your booth and materials arrive safely and securely at the show site, allowing you to experience a successful trade show.
The trade show shipment process begins with you providing all relevant shipping information, such as destination address and contact information, to your shipping company. You will then receive a Bill of Lading (BOL), which outlines:
- All the shipment details
- Including the weight
- Contents
- And dimensions of each package
Once you have approved the BOL, the shipping company will arrange for the pickup and delivery of your trade show materials. You must present the BOL to collect your packages upon delivery at the show site.
Once the trade show has ended, it is crucial to think about reverse transportation. Depending on your budget and preference, you can either have the items returned to you or recycled by the show organizer.
Trade show shipments is a complex process that requires detailed planning. By understanding how it works and partnering with an experienced shipping company, you can ensure that your booth and materials are delivered on time and intact to the show site.
Do not always choose the official carrier
Regarding shipping, you have many options and should not always choose the official carrier. Selecting an experienced freight company can save you time and money while ensuring that your booth and materials arrive intact and on time at the show site.
Trade show shipping can involve a great deal of material handling. There are several things to consider when selecting a suitable carrier for your trade show booth. Experience is key when it comes to exhibition shipping and trade show freight.
Consider a provider with expertise in trade show shipping, as this will help ensure that your booth arrives at the show site on time and in one piece. Furthermore, you’ll want to consider their rates, customer service, and turnaround times.
It’s also important to provide an accurate bill of lading (BOL) at pickup. Make sure to include a detailed description of the shipped materials, including any hazardous materials. This will help expedite the shipment process and ensure that all the materials you need for your trade show booth arrive in the same condition as when they left.
Present an accurate BOL at pickup
Regarding trade show shipping, one of the most important things to remember is to present an accurate Bill of Lading (BOL) at pickup. A BOL is a document that accompanies a shipment and provides essential information such as its origin, destination, weight, and a list of items included in the shipment. The BOL must be correct for your materials to arrive on time and intact.
Having an experienced shipping partner can help make sure that your materials are accurately listed and tracked throughout the entire process. This includes the transport of your booth and materials from the factory or warehouse to the show site and the safe handling of any needed material handling services. An accurate BOL is vital in getting your materials to the trade show on time and intact, so you can have a successful experience at the front.
Think about reverse transportation
Trade show freight can be complicated and often requires a lot of material handling. As exhibitors prepare for their experience at a trade show, it is important to consider the return trip when shipping the booth and materials. Exhibitors should think about reverse transportation to ensure that all items make it back to their original destination on time and intact.
Reverse transportation involves shipping your trade show booth and materials back to the origin after the show has ended. Many exhibitors often forget about this vital step and end up stuck at the show site with no way to get their materials back home. To avoid this, plan and book reverse transportation with a reliable carrier.
When researching a potential carrier for reverse transportation, ensure they have experience in exhibition shipping. It is also wise to investigate what services they offer and ensure they are equipped to transport your booth and other items promptly.