2020 wasn’t a good year for…well, quite a few industries, among them the trade show circuit.

What had been a $101 billion business in 2019 ground to a halt when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Some companies chose to do virtual trade shows, waiting for the day when business would get back to normal.

And when that day comes, it will help to be prepared when it comes to freight transportation for trade shows. Here are a few tips for making sure your exhibits arrive safely.

1 – Early planning

Get an early start on planning for the trade show so you can nail down the best option for transporting your goods.

Wait too long, and you can find yourself paying more than you anticipated for shipping. Ask yourself what packaging requirements you’ll need to fulfill, where your materials are headed and how much time you’ve allowed for the journey and whether there are any special pick-up or delivery requirements.

2 – Look for multi-use materials

You want your trade show booth to stand out, but you also want to keep your set-up simple enough that shipping your set-up doesn’t become too expensive.

Consider finding decor for your booth that can serve more than one purpose, such as a table that has room for storage, as opposed to getting a storage unit and a table. When you find one item that serves the function of two, you can minimize clutter and cut the cost of shipping.

And if you can, ship your items together to avoid piling up fees. Putting your giveaways, literature, etc. into a single shipment

3 – Proper labeling

Before you start looking for freight transportation for your trade show, make sure you’ve got a handle on proper labeling. Make sure every crate, box, etc. has the appropriate show name and booth number.

Make sure shipping labels are secure, with previous labels properly covered and pre-printed return address labels replacing in-bound labels.

Make sure your shipper labels each package with the proper information: destination address, name of the event, your company name and contact info.

4 – Keep in touch

Once you’ve found a trade show freight transportation company to work with, make sure you keep in close contact with them. Building a relationship with your shipper can ensure that getting your items to the trade show happens smoothly and safely.

And of course, this freight company should have experience with trade show work, rather than just generalized shipping experience.

Trade Show Shipping in Glendale CA

Based in Glendale California, Move Freight offers trade show freight transportation as part of a long list of capabilities, including:

  • Less Than Truckload (LTL)
  • Truckload
  • Air Freight
  • Ocean Freight (BOTH full container and LCL)
  • Rail Freight
  • Personal Goods
  • Residential moves
  • Local Deliveries
  • Guaranteed or Expedited Services

With our help, you can save time and money, thanks to our method of matching your freight to just the right carrier and equipment.

We’ll examine the offerings of numerous carriers for competitive rates, can assist you with dispatching and tracking shipments and can even step in to help you handle claims when necessary. Contact us today to learn more before your next trade show.