If you are a trade show booth exhibitor number, one on your top ten disaster list is you are at the show, and, your trade show booth is not there. There are several precautions that can be taken to avoid trade show booth shipping mishaps.

Correct Address

As elementary as it is, the first step to make sure that your trade show booth display goes where you want it to, double-check the address you are shipping to. It is very easy to write one when you mean seven or to transpose a number. Additionally, many time the advance address for trade show shipping is not the actual address of the show. Double check the address before shipping.

Verify With The Freight Company

Okay, you have the correct address but does the company you use for shipping have the correct information? Call, fax and email them the correct information.

Verify The Date

It may seem simple, but just because you made sure your freight company knows where to ship your trade show shipping crates, do they know when they have to at the show? Include that information in your email, fax and phone call. Make sure you give long advance notice to your freight shipper. If you are shipping LTL (Less than truckload) you will probably need more time so that your shipper can put a full load together to where you are shipping. This takes time, allow for it.

Use The Show’s Shipping Labels

To insure that trade show display shipping arrives where it should, when it should, use the shipping labels provided by the show. If the show has not provided a label be sure that you include the name of the show, your company name and show booth number and any special instructions on the shipping label

Track Your Shipment

Get your tracking information as soon as the carrier picks up your trade show shipping crates. Start tracking within a day or two of your shipment’s departure and track often. Then, if a problem occurs, you may have time to resolve it.

Keep It Simple

If your display is small take it with you. Or, if your company has an office in the city of the show’s venue ship it there.

Use Specially Designed Shipping Material

Shipping is hard on displays, with many bumps and lots of vibration for it to contend with. Use appropriate trade show shipping cases and bubble wrap to reduce any disturbance to your display.

Seek Help – Not Blame

In the event you discover your trade show booth shipping will be late, ask for help. Blaming anyone or everyone is not going to solve the problem. Enlisting the help of the show’s personnel, exhibit hall staff, employees of your own and your shipper may solve your problem.

Plan B

Have a Plan B – in case something awful happens to your display, such as its destruction or not arriving, have a company sign and table cover with you in case of an emergency.

By following these tips you have done all that you can to make sure that your trade show display shipping goes smoothly.