Trade shows can be a very important part of your business, and the profits that result can easily outweigh any costs, but only if the exhibit shipping company is capable of moving your displays without incident. Shipping insurance will only cover the cost of the items, not the money lost by not having the items to display. Broken and missing parts can be a nightmare, so it is extremely important to choose a reputable, reliable exhibit shipping company.

Many other trade show attendees will happily offer their advice on who to use for exhibit shipping. Ask around at the trade shows you plan to attend. See if there is any one company that stands out as being one that a lot of people seem to use. If you find one, jump on it. Even if they charge a little more than average, it will probably be worth it in the long run. For one thing, that particular company will obviously know the ins and outs of delivering exhibits to the places you plan to be. Not only that, but they know that if they mess up your display, you are going to tell everyone else about it, which would be devastating for their business if they deal with multiple people on that trade circuit. The company will also be extra motivated to be there on time considering they will likely be transporting more than just your items.

Once you have an idea of which shipping company you want to use, there are a few things you should check before setting appointments. For one thing, check on the company’s communication ability. They should have 24/7 phone support and GPS tracking, at the very minimum. Be sure that when they pick up your items, that they label everything. Tracking does no good if your exhibit is either not labeled, or labeled incorrectly. Be sure to plan for delivery as early as possible. There is no advantage to getting everything there “just in time”, and plenty of additional risk of part or all of your display arriving late.

It doesn?t matter how amazing your trade show booth is if it never gets to the convention center. There exist more than 2500 trade shows in the U.S. each year, so it comes as no surprise that businesses have been formed to service every part of trade show attendance and display. One of the most highly competitive services, is trade show shipping.

Custom displays are usually pricey, and require special handling. The equipment that needs to be shipped is frequently frail and packed in several separate boxes. A trade show logistics provider has the resources to get the entire exhibit where it needs to be, in great shape and on time.

When embarking on a trade show tour proper planning is of the upmost importance. Know which service you will use, and how your objects will be packed. Shipping an exhibit is far more complicated than sending a box of parts to a customer. As a result of the special nature of exhibit materials, normal boxes or crates are rarely the most appropriate type container to use. Instead, consider using trade show shipping containers.

Many robust cases designed specifically for the materials employed in trade show exhibits. Fiberglass cases are particularly resistant to weather and abuse. They are available with dividers, keyboard shelves and other elements usually used in a booth. Custom cases are sometimes designed to store special equipment. This decreases the likelihood that an essential part of your exhibit will be broken.

Consider adorning your containers with either your company’s corporate logo or company colors. This not only makes them more identifiable, but also serves as free marketing for your company. Details like this make a significant statement. When it is time to decide on a company to provide your trade show shipping services, first ask whether the event host has a preferred provider that can offer a substantial discount . Use your contacts with industry organizations and other companies to get referrals. Internet listings should also provide you with a beginning point in your search. Rush transportation is always costly, so allow plenty of time for this.

To make your final choice, find out the specific services the shipper will provide, what form of packing and shipping system is employed to protect your material from shaking, shock and other risks, as well as how the shipment will be tracked. Ask for references, and what experience the carrier has with the trade show location. The carrier should also provide a written price quote for your exact circumstances.

Upon completion of the expo, always adhere to event rules on how to have your exhibit transported to your shipping carrier. Everything must be packed and properly labeled. Any items that are left behind will be ?forced?, meaning the event contractor will put the items into storage until arrangements are made for their return. This can add significantly to your trade show shipping budget.

Trade shows are an opportunity for your business to introduce new products and get new customers. The correct shipping service can help you stay focused on those tasks, instead of worrying about whether your samples will be at your exhibit when you need them.