Trade show logistics can be tricky, especially if you're participating in your first trade show ever. Here are some things you can do to make the process much smoother and more cost-effective.
Properly label your shipment
When you are packaging up your shipments, consider using something like different colored shrink wrap that can be easily identified from a distance. Your packages will be on a crowded dock with everyone else's, so it will save you a lot of time to be able to easily identify your own packages. You also need to accurately label each piece of trade show freight with the correct trade show name and booth number so it goes to the right place.
Weigh and measure your shipment
Oftentimes, trade show shipment rates are determined by the dimensions of your package. So, you want to make sure you accurately weigh and measure your shipment. Many shipping companies will estimate the size and weight of your shipment, but it's smart to double-check. An overestimation can increase what it costs to ship your trade show freight. You can write the dimensions and weight on the outside of the box to avoid overestimations.
Fill out the bill of lading
It is customary when shipping specialty freight, like trade show freight, to complete a bill of lading. On this document, you must fill out the booth number, exhibitor name, weight per piece, total weight, number of pieces, show name, service contractor, payer, and the target move-in date. Failure to complete the bill of lading can result in a delay or other problematic situations.
Plan in advance
As is true with most kinds of planning, getting your arrangements taken care of in advance can help a lot with your trade show shipments. If you delay the process, it might just result in additional shipping costs and services. Plus, if you don't get your shipment to the warehouse in time, you run the risk of missing the start of the trade show.
Trade shows take place in convention centers all across America. As of October 2016, there were 252 convention centers across the nation. California and Florida had the largest number with 20 centers each, followed by Nevada with 19 centers. No matter where you are having your trade show, let us help you with your trade show freight. Just make sure you take care of the items above, and we'll handle the rest.
Whether you're a company looking to improve one facet of your supply chain, your entire supply chain, or simply looking for a transportation and logistics consultation, we can help.
