Important Things You Need to Know for Trade Show Shipping

Trade show shipments can be confusing as there is a lot involved in the process. Not only do you have to prepare for your presentation, but you have to worry about getting all of your things to the convention center.

Here are some helpful trade show hints that will ease your stress and lead you to success:

Before the Show

Make sure to review your show's exhibitor manual. You will save yourself time, stress, and money by getting familiar with the following:

• Move-in dates
• Move-out dates
• Advance warehouse shipping dates
• Show site shipping dates
• Deadlines to order utilities like internet, electricity, special services, etc.

Important Materials to Ship with Your Booth

Some of this may seem obvious, but with everything else on your mind, it's easy to forget the essentials to help you unpack your trade show shipments.

Make sure you have materials like:

• Clear packing tape and a tape gun
• Hook-and-loop fastening tape, two-sided self-stick
• Scissors
• Permanent markers
• Stapler and staples
• Shrink wrap

Place at least two labels on each box in case pieces of your shipment get separated during transit. Mark your company name and booth number on each box and label.

Where to Ship

You have two options to ship your trade show freight to your show. You can either send it to the advance warehouse or the show site. If you intend to send your booth and materials to the exhibition ahead of the scheduled date, then you'll want to ship to the advance warehouse. Using trade show logistics to get your shipment to the warehouse allows your freight to arrive up to 30 days early. If you can't get your materials there early, then you should ship them to the show site.

At the Show

Always bring master copies of your shipping information, including the shipping carrier's pro number, just in case your shipment is lost or delayed. If that happens, which is rare, you'll have the ability to track your shipment.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are nearly 5.9 million commercial motor vehicle drivers operating in the United States today. If you need help with your trade show shipments or any other kind of specialty freight, the professionals at Diversified Transportation Services have you covered.