Those in the trade show industry know that traveling for a trade show can be quite the exercise in logistics. Between setting up transportation and accommodations for employees, you’ve got to make sure all of your materials get to where they need to be and are there waiting for you when it’s time to set up.
This can be a lot to juggle when it comes to trade show logistics. Fortunately, many trucking and logistics companies can take away all of that stress that can accompany trade show logistics. Working with the right company can ensure that all your exhibits and materials for your next trade show will show up undamaged and on time.
Depending on which logistics company you use, some of them offer helpful kits which make trade show logistics much easier. They offer color-coded labels, instructions for different service contractors, control forms, pre-printed bills of lading and a hotline that’s open 24/7 to offer any assistance you might need.
Logistics companies might also offer you or your company different options when it comes to containers to ship your materials in. This is undoubtedly helpful for preventing product loss and all of your most important items will be protected.
As if that wasn’t enough, companies can help make trade show logistics easier by offering to help you move materials in and out of the trade show if you need it. If you’re setting up in a large convention center, chances are good you’re in a big area with a lot of material. Getting the help of contractors who have a good relationship with your logistics company can make things a lot less stressful when it comes time to tear down.
When it comes to shipping, a reputable logistics company will offer pad wrapping, which remains in place during transit. The pads and plywood slip-sheets, tie-downs and air ride suspensions will protect your materials from damage and color-coded shipping labels, your materials can be easily sorted and found when you needed them.
When it comes to tradeshow logistics, standard shipping might not always be the best way to go and many logistics companies will offer you plenty of freight solutions to get you and your materials from point A to point B. A logistics company that’s good at what it does is all about speed, handling your materials with care and being able to adapt to items of abnormal sizes.
A reputable logistics company can offer:
- Time-sensitive delivery and expedited shipping services
- Project management for overweight freight and specialty freight
- Transportation of trade show supplies to and free the trade show venue
- Climate control
- Vehicles that are air ride equipped
- On board couriers
- Ability to meet the time-sensitive and tight delivery schedule requirements of trade shows
The trucking industry has undergone its fair share of changes in recent years as consumers have moved more toward e-commerce, but trucks in particular still play an important role in the way Americans do business. Trucks still carry the largest share of freight by value, tons and ton-miles for shipments moving 750 miles or less. The LTL (less-than truckload) market is estimated at $35 billion and according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the value of freight moved is expected to grow from $882 per ton in 2007 to $1,377 per ton in 2040.
By going through a reputable logistics company, your trade show logistics will be as easy as pie. You’ll be able to make all the transportation and shipping arrangements that you need and you can rest easy with the knowledge that all of your trade show shipments will get where they need to go, they’ll get there on time and they’ll get there in good condition. If traveling to and working at trade shows is a regular part of your everyday work schedule, finding a company to take care of your trade show logistics allows you to focus more on doing your job the best way you can instead of wondering if your materials are going to show up and be there when you need them.