Trade Show
We understand the importance of trade show shipping and offer comprehensive solutions to meet your needs.
Trade shows are essential for businesses showcasing their products and services to potential customers, partners, and investors. However, shipping goods to and from a show can take much work.
As a vendor, you know how important it is to make a great impression at trade shows. But before you can wow potential customers with your products and services, you must ensure your exhibit arrives on time and in good condition. That’s where trade show shipping comes in.
Trade Show Shipping
Trade show freight refers to the materials and items shipped to and from a trade show. This can include exhibits, signage, product samples, and other promotional materials. Working with a company with experience in this area is essential as the process can be complex and time-sensitive.
Why Choose Us For Trade Show Shipping?
- Shipping Quotes anytime
- Get Freight Shipping Quotes to anywhere in the U.S. & Canada.
- Unbeatable discounts on your freight LTL, truckload, rail, air, and more
- Automated Freight tracking, paperwork & invoices
- Manage all quotes & shipments in one place
- 24+ years of logistics experience working for you!
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
Awards and Endorsements
- Veteran Owned and Veteran Founded
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
Hassle-Free Exhibit Shipping
At FreightCenter, we understand the unique challenges of exhibit shipping. That’s why we offer a range of services to meet your needs, including:
- Same-time shipment booking for move-in and move-out dates
- Time-critical and expedited shipping options
- Access to a network of reliable carriers
- Expert support and guidance throughout the shipping process
We are an award-winning logistics company and an American veteran-owned business. Our history, competitive less-than-load pricing, and level of service are unmatched in the industry. Over the years and many miles, we have formed a dedicated and respected network of partners in the industry to help customers meet deadlines.
We take care of your shipment from pickup to delivery. Excellent customer service is our hallmark, and it goes a long way in building a relationship of trust. Customers who select FreightCenter to handle their trade show shipment trust us to do the job. Our mission is to meet and exceed customer expectations in all that we do.
Don’t let shipping stress take away from your trade show experience. Contact FreightCenter today to learn more about our exhibition shipping.
Trade Show Freight
Trade show shipping refers to transporting exhibits, promotional materials, and other items to and from trade shows. While it may seem simple, trade show shipping can be complicated and time-consuming, especially if you need to familiarize yourself with the process. To ensure a smooth and successful trade show experience, working with a reputable shipping company specializing in this type of service is essential.
There are many trade show shipping companies to choose from, but not all are created equal. When selecting a exhibit shipping company, choosing one with experience in this area and a proven track record of success is essential. Look for a company that offers a range of shipping options, including air, ground, expedited shipping, and specialized services. A freight shipping agent is handy in this situation as they can refer: you to the best solution.
Trade Show Shipping Information
Shipping your materials can be a crucial aspect of the process when it comes to exhibiting at a trade show. From understanding marshaling yards and detention time to planning for move-in and move-out dates, there are many factors to consider when shipping your trade show freight.
Marshaling Yards –
A marshaling yard is a designated area where trade show shipments are staged and organized before being transported to the show floor. Marshaling yards are typically located near the venue and are used to ensure that shipments arrive at the show in an organized and timely manner. If you’re shipping trade show freight, it’s essential to be familiar with the marshaling yard location and procedures, as this can impact the timing and success of your shipment. Carriers that are not familiar with trade show shipping will charge you extra for having to go through a marshaling yard. The carriers we partner with have included this charge in their quote already.
Detention Time –
Detention time refers to the amount of time a carrier must wait before being able to load or unload a shipment. Detention time can be a common issue when shipping to and from trade shows, as truckers may need to wait in line to access the marshaling yard or unload at the show floor. Planning and ensuring your shipment arrives at the designated time and location is essential to avoid detention time charges. Contacting us will ensure the correct carrier is used so as to not incur extra fees from having a driver sitting for an extended period of time waiting to be unloaded.
Move-In/Move-Out Dates –
Move-in and move-out dates refer to when exhibitors can set up and tear down their booths and exhibits. These dates can be critical when shipping trade show freight, as shipments must arrive on time and be ready for setup by the move-in date. Similarly, shipments must be prepared for pickup and removal by the move-out date to avoid additional charges.
Booking A Round Trip Shipment –
To streamline the trade show shipping process, some vendors book two shipments at the same time to cover their booth’s move-in and move-out dates. This allows the carrier to pick up the load immediately after the show ends, avoiding additional storage fees and ensuring a timely pickup. If you’re considering this option, please discuss it with your trade show shipping company to ensure it’s feasible and cost-effective.
Decorator Charges –
Decorator charges refer to the fees that the trade show decorator charges for handling and setup up exhibits and displays. This can also include the freight being transported to the show and out of the show. These charges can be significantly higher than arranging a shipment through FreightCenter, often double or triple our rates.
Time-Critical and Expedited Shipments –
Sometimes, you may need to ship your trade show materials on a time-critical or expedited basis. This may be due to a last-minute booking, unexpected changes to your exhibit, or other unforeseen circumstances. When shipping time-critical or expedited shipments, working with a trade show shipping company that offers these services and has experience in this area is essential.
Material Handling Form-
You must complete a material handling form to ship your trade show materials out of the show. This form provides the trade show shipping company with information about your shipment, including the size, weight, and destination. It tells the show’s decorator that you are arranging your own freight company and not using their own, which costs more. It’s essential to complete this form accurately and promptly to avoid delays or additional fees.
Labeling Your Trade Show Shipment-
Labeling your shipment clearly and accurately when shipping your trade show materials would be best. Please include your name and booth number, and show your name on all labels and packaging. You are ensuring that your materials are delivered to the correct location and on time. We recommend attaching extra copies of the bill of lading to the freight.
When using convention services, finding the best means of transport is vital. It doesn't matter if you have a single pallet or if you are shipping a full truckload; our shipping option has few boundaries. From ground transport to air shipping, whatever will streamline the shipping process. Below are a few examples of expo shipping services by equipment type.
Expedited shipping is a specialized service that offers faster transit times than standard shipping. FreightCenter provides expedited shipping solutions for time-sensitive freight that needs to be delivered quickly. Our team of experts will work with you to determine the best-expedited shipping option for your specific needs, whether air freight, exclusive use vehicles, or other expedited services. With FreightCenter, you can trust that your time-sensitive shipment will be delivered on time and within budget.
FreightCenter's White Glove service is a specialized mode of transportation that provides extra care and attention to high-value, fragile, or oversized items. Our trained professionals ensure that your items are carefully prepared, loaded, transported, and unloaded. With our White Glove service, you can rest assured that your items will be handled with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring safe and secure delivery.
Specialized transportation is a mode of freight transportation that involves unique equipment, expertise, and handling techniques to transport freight that standard transportation modes cannot move. This can include oversize, overweight, or oddly shaped cargo, hazardous materials, high-value goods, or items that require specialized handling. At FreightCenter, we offer specialized transportation solutions to meet the unique needs of our customers.
Less than Truckload (LTL) is a cost-effective freight transportation mode for shippers with smaller shipments that don't require a full truckload. FreightCenter offers LTL shipping services from a vast network of carriers, providing shippers with competitive rates and reliable transit times. Our user-friendly platform allows customers to compare LTL rates and services from multiple carriers to can choose the best option for their specific needs.
Trade Show Shipping FAQ
Q. What is trade show shipping?
Trade show shipping refers to transporting exhibits, promotional materials, and other items to and from trade shows.
Q. Why is trade show shipping important?
Trade show shipping is essential because it ensures that your exhibit and promotional materials arrive on time and in good condition, allowing you to make a great impression on potential customers.
Q. How do I choose a trade show shipping company?
When choosing a trade show shipping company, look for one with experience in this area and a proven track record of success. Also, please ensure that the company offers a range of shipping options, including air, ground, and expedited shipping.
Q. What is a marshaling yard?
A marshaling yard is a designated area where trade show shipments are staged and organized before being transported to the show floor.
Q. What are move-in and move-out dates?
Move-in and move-out dates refer to when exhibitors can set up and tear down their booths and exhibits.
Q. What are decorator charges?
Decorator charges refer to the fees that the trade show decorator charges for handling and setup up exhibits and displays.
Q. How far ahead can I ship my display booth?
30 days before the move-in date, as we work with a carrier that will store your freight free of charge for 30 days. This is a great option if your booth is going from show to show and there are 30 days or less between each show.
The FreightCenter Advantage
Rewards Program
Our rewards program allows commercial customers to earn points on their shipments, which can be redeemed for future services, providing added value and incentivizing long-term partnerships.
Dedicated Support
With a team of knowledgeable logistics experts, FreightCenter provides personalized support and guidance, helping customers navigate the complexities of shipping and ensuring smooth, efficient operations.
Global Reach with Local Expertise
With the ability to handle both domestic and international shipments, FreightCenter combines global reach with local expertise, ensuring that customers’ logistics needs are met anywhere in the world.