Tradeshow Shipping: 4 Essential Resources

12/04/2019 — Leah Palnik

Any seasoned exhibitor will tell you that tradeshow shipping is not something you can take lightly. There are deadlines to plan for, hidden fees to be mindful of, and options to consider. You need all the help you can get. If you want to ensure the exhibit transportation for your next show goes smoothly, these resources are for you.

1. Read some pro tips from an expert who has seen it all.
   Jennifer is one of our Customer Service Managers and has helped countless exhibitors arrange their exhibit transportation. The nature of tradeshow shipping makes it susceptible to a number of issues. However, being prepared can make all the difference. She shared some best practices with us that are tried and true.


2. Learn about sneaky costs that may come up and how to avoid them.
   Perhaps one of the most frustrating parts of tradeshow shipping is how it often feels like you’re getting nickel-and-dimed at every turn. This helpful video goes over some costs you may incur and hidden fees you might not be aware of, so your budget isn’t wrecked.


3. Check out this full break down of pros and cons for shipping to the advance warehouse vs shipping directly to the show site.
   One of the most important decisions you have to make when arranging your exhibit transportation is where you’ll be shipping it to. Depending on your situation, the advance warehouse may be the way to go or it might make more sense to ship directly to the show site. Make sure you’re considering all of the factors first by reading this blog post.


4. Get the complete guide to planning for your show so no detail is overlooked.
   As an exhibitor, there are a number of things you have to do before, during, and after the show. In this white paper, we’ve compiled all of the need-to-know info so you can avoid some common mistakes and ensure you’re working efficiently.

The best way to handle your tradeshow shipping is to be prepared and to work with a freight provider you can trust. PartnerShip has extensive experience helping exhibitors and alleviating some of the headaches of exhibit transportation. Have a show coming up? Get a free quote!

6 Sneaky (But Avoidable) Tradeshow Logistics Costs

12/04/2018 — Jen Deming

Anyone who has ever shipped to an event is probably familiar with the special level of stress and frustration involved in coordinating show shipments. Tradeshow logistics is tricky business - not only are you juggling crunched timelines leading up to  the show, but shippers also have to be aware of the many potential hidden costs involved throughout the process. Any misstep can end up costing shippers in surprise freight fees. The good news is that most of these costs are avoidable, as long as you know what to look out for. We've compiled a list of the things you need to keep an eye on to protect your special event freight spend. 

1. The cost of shipping to advance warehouse vs. show site 

   You have the choice to ship directly to the tradeshow floor or to an advance warehouse where your show materials are held leading up to the actual show start date. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, and as an informed shipper you need to weigh what makes the most sense for you. Shipping to an advance warehouse will give you more time to be flexible should anything go wrong or be delayed. Though material handling fees may be slightly higher, it doesn't cost more to ship to the advance warehouse. An added benefit is less worry about whether your shipment will arrive on time, and you get a leg up on the shipments arriving to the show site. Your shipment materials will be ready and waiting for you at your booth space when you arrive the day of set-up. 

   Shipping directly to site can be tempting to avoid these initial material handling costs, but keep in mind that hundreds of other event shipments will be arriving at the same time as yours. If you've never seen a show-site marshaling yard, think of a rush-hour traffic jam during the last weekend of holiday shopping season. It's not pretty, and hold-ups cost lots of money in detention fees. If your shipment arrives late, the team waiting to build your booth will pass on overtime charges. If you're running extra-late, springing for expedited transportation charges will cost you even more. We've said it before, and we'll say it again: plan ahead, and build in extra time. Make your decisions based on what realistically makes the most sense for your business.

2. Delivering or picking up your shipment in overtime

   The exact time your tradeshow shipment is loaded or unloaded is critical, and meeting your target time will save you significantly. In addition to open dates for both the advance warehouse and show site, there is a window of hours called straight time. These are the hours, and days, your shipment needs to arrive for the show in order not to be hit with overtime fees. This window is usually restricted to typical work hours, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, for most shows, Monday through Friday. Anything that arrives after those hours, or on the weekends, will be considered overtime and incur extra charges. It is critical to check in your exhibitor packet exactly what hours and dates are safe for your shipment to arrive prior to the show.

   You also need to make sure your specific check-in time is noted on the material handling form, especially if your carrier arrives early. Often, a truck will arrive the night before, ahead of schedule. If there's no time noted, the driver may check in and get loaded on overtime, and this will increase your bill significantly. A great best practice to stick to is writing "load only during straight hours" in order to diminish the likelihood it will be loaded outside of that time, as well as act as documentation to help your case should your freight be loaded during overtime and you want to dispute the extra charge.

3. The price of damages and how freight insurance can help
   

   Shipment damage or loss can occur at any time. While carriers do everything they can to keep them from happening, it's just an unfortunate part of freight shipping. With your load moving in and out of several different terminals (especially if your freight is traveling a greater distance), your shipment may encounter a renegade forklift or a heavy-handed loader. That's why it is key to package appropriately and securely. Custom crates are a great idea, especially for furniture and other fragile booth materials. Imagine arriving to a show and your seating is damaged and unusable. Sure, you have the option to rent a couch but it's going to cost you thousands for rental in addition to any repairs you will have to spring for to get things in working order for the next show.

   Because carrier liability is limited, it's always a good idea to look into additional freight insurance as a secondary option. Tradeshow shipment yards, docks, storage rooms, and show floors are all very congested places. Accidents happen, and should they happen to your show materials, at least you know your freight's full value is covered. Just keep in mind that every third-party insurance provider has different terms, so read carefully and make sure you fully understand the coverage you are getting.

4. Using the wrong NMFC and the risk of re-class

   Did you know that materials being shipped to events have their very own class code? Don't worry, unless you are shipping to tradeshows regularly, most shippers don't either. Instead of calculating your shipment based on commodity type (furniture, signage, etc), any item either coming to or departing from a tradeshow should be rated Class 125. This can very well mean that the class is different than what you may be using on other shipments, and as a result, the price could be different than what you are used to seeing. It is important to get this quoted correctly, so if you are tempted to use a lower code because it's what you are used to, beware the risk of re-class. You don't want to receive surprise charges/fees when the carrier catches on and your shipment is rated higher than you wanted. The good news is that many booth material items such as chairs or desks tend to ship at a class higher than 125 anyway, so using a preset tradeshow-specific class code may save you. 

5. Material handling and drayage fees

   Material handling and drayage are common fees incurred by event shippers, and often the least anticipated. This type of handling refers specifically to transportation services from your carrier's delivery vehicle, at the dock, to your booth space. These services include unloading at the dock, moving your materials, as well as storing your empty containers for the duration of the show. Once the show is over, gathering the empty containers from storage as well as transferring the freight back to the loading dock will also incur fees. A top recommendation for tradeshow shippers is to crate your loads, rather than sending loose boxes. Some show decorators charge drayage based on how the shipment is packaged. Crating is the least expensive option and also adds protection against damage and loss by keeping your materials together. 

   Completing a material handling form is crucial to setting up your outbound shipment accurately. Shippers know to have an accurate BOL prepared, but a material handling form is what the decorator looks at. The carrier name for pick-up must be noted, otherwise you will fall victim to "forced freight." This means the shipment will be sent with the decorator's carrier of choice, and that can be pricey. If it's a carrier your 3PL works with (for PartnerShip, UPSFreight or YRC Freight) an LOA can be submitted so you will be billed at your discounted pricing. If not, then you will need to pay the bill direct to the carrier. 

   The tough part about drayage fees is that these services will be performed by a specific decorator that is under contract with the show. That leaves no room for shippers to negotiate with other options the way you might with transportation to and from the event location. However, there are ways that event shippers can try to keep these costs down as low as possible, particularly regarding packaging. The biggest factors determining drayage fees are weight and piece count. Each piece may be assessed a minimum charge, so make good use of palletizing or crating those loads! They are easier to transport to and from the showroom. Go lightweight for additional savings. Heavy building materials for your booth items will quickly increase your drayage bill, so stick to lighter more transportable building options for your booth tables and seating.  

6. Shipping there and back for separate shows
   

   It pays to put the time in to accurately plan how much product, booth materials, marketing collateral, giveaways, and anything else you may need. Successful event shippers create a strategy for what needs to be done before, after, and during the show. Check into any information regarding the tradeshow traffic from past years. Talk to the event coordinators and point people to gauge what you think you will need. Anticipate and plan for a little extra, but don't over do it. If you are going to be shipping to another show, look into whether it is more cost efficient to move directly to the next event rather than scheduling a return shipment back home. Very often, the storage fees at the next show location's warehouse may be cheaper than it would be to ship home then ship back out. You will have added peace of mind, again, that your shipment will arrive with enough time before the show so that you can concentrate on and prepare for the next show rather than worrying whether it will arrive on time.

Managing tradeshow logistics can wear on the patience of even the most seasoned of shippers. Meeting deadlines and managing the details can be tough, and it can be tempting to step away and just hope everything goes smoothly. But, it pays to be diligent and well-informed, because that's the best way you can protect your bottom line from hidden tradeshow costs. If you're still feeling a little overwhelmed this tradeshow season, don't worry - the experts at PartnerShip can help. Call 800-599-2902 to speak with a tradeshow shipping specialist, or download our free white paper for more information about tradeshow shipping.

Dallas, Here We Come! A Look at CAMEX 2018

02/27/2018 — Leah Palnik

Months of planning and preparation lead up to one very important show for us – CAMEX! If you’re not familiar with CAMEX, it is the campus retailing industry’s largest educational conference and buying expo. It’s produced and hosted by our parent company, the National Association of College Stores (NACS), so it’s a big deal for us. CAMEX gives us a chance to meet with our customers, talk to them about their shipping needs, and have some fun with them!

Get excited
If you’re going to be at CAMEX, we’d love to see you. Here are the top four reasons you should visit us in booth #2631:

1. You need a place to chill. We have plenty of space to sit and put your feet up when you need a break from walking the floor. Our booth has comfy couches, tables, and even a charging station so you can juice up your phone. 
2. But first, coffee. You need energy to tackle the day, and we have your fix. We’ll be serving complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and cookies all day. Whatever your preference – it’s our treat! 
3. You can say you went to jail at CAMEX and you’ll have the photos to prove it. Our photo op will transport you into the Wild West, complete with cowboy props. Don’t ask questions — just come check it out.
4. You couldn’t imagine missing your chance to visit with your favorite PartnerShip rep. Our senior account representatives Bryan Chambers and Dillon Rickards want to hear what’s going on with your store and help you with your freight.

Mark your calendars
As you’re planning your days at CAMEX, you’ll want to make sure your schedule includes these events:

• On Sunday from 4pm – 5pm we’ll be hosting a happy hour at our booth! You never turn down an invitation to happy hour, right? 
• On Monday from 1pm – 1:20pm our very own Dillon Rickard will be presenting at the CAMEX Theater. He’ll give you some practical tips on how to become more efficient with your shipping operations and help you identify areas where you can save money.

We’re excited to see everyone in Dallas this year. If you’re going to be at CAMEX, make sure to stop by booth #2631! 

Want to keep up with us during the show? Follow @PartnerShipLLC on Twitter!

It's Show Time! Wrapping up at Fancy Food and Winter NAMM

01/30/2018 — Jen Deming

It's winter tradeshow season here at PartnerShip, and this year two of our favorites are taking place back to back! Senior Program Manager Harry Centa attended both the Winter Fancy Food and NAMM Shows, jet-setting from San Francisco to Anaheim, California, taking in all the music and tasty snacks one could handle over the course of a week.

First up was the Winter Fancy Food Show, put on by the Specialty Food Association and created for industry leaders and innovators eager to exhibit the future of specialty food! Over 80,000 products are exhibited, with plenty of samples and take-homes to enjoy and share. Thought leaders plan sessions on buying, storefront trends and hot new flavor profiles to expect for 2018.

Harry set up shop in the lobby, helping SFA exhibitors prep their event shipments' return trips home and answer any questions about PartnerShip and the shipping services we provide members. The show is also a great opportunity to re-connect with association members and recognize industry leaders with awards honoring creativity and culinary excellence.

After receiving his fill of tasty treats, Harry traveled to Anaheim for the Winter NAMM Show, where artists, tech experts, and music lovers unite twice a year to share industry trends, education, and of course, enjoy live music! The bi-yearly event, put on by the National Association of Music Merchants, serves as a gathering place for industry leaders who want to expand and present the newest innovations in musical development, sound recording, lighting technology and serves as a platform for educational programs promoting the importance of making music. 

Now entering its 117th year, the show features over 7,000 brands and five stages featuring live concerts from up and coming musical artists, as well as quite a few big names. One of the highlights of the show included the Breakfast of Champions with special guest Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead as well as She Rocks Awards at the House of Blues, honoring women in music with a performance by Melissa Etheridge.

From snacks to songwriting, the Fancy Food and NAMM shows allow PartnerShip the opportunity to say hello to old friends and meet business owners and industry professionals who can benefit from their association memberships. These are two of the most anticipated events we visit during the year, and we would like to thank all of the attendees and exhibitors who helped make them such great shows!

Trade Show Shipping Tips

01/26/2018 — Leah Palnik

Trade show shipping can be nerve-racking and a bit confusing for exhibitors. Nobody knows this better than Jennifer Hammersmith, our Customer Service Manager. Her team helped exhibitors ship to 215 different trade shows last year, and she has seen it all. I asked her a few questions and she was kind enough to share some wisdom about what exhibitors can do to make everything go as smooth as possible.

How far in advance should you get a quote for your exhibit shipment?
One to two months out from the show is the ideal time to get a quote. Any farther out and rates may change due to fuel. But you don’t want to wait until the last minute either. Use the advanced warehouse rather than shipping directly to the show site to ensure your exhibit materials are ready to go for the show.

What tips do you have for first time exhibitors?
Don’t overdo it. Start small with a 10x10 booth and a modest stock of product. Your first year is a great time to learn and gather new ideas. Once you’re there, make sure to walk the show floor to look at what other exhibitors are doing and to get inspiration. Also, take plenty of notes about what worked and what didn’t. That way when you plan for the following year you’ll be ready to take it bigger.

What is a common question you get from exhibitors?
Exhibitors usually ask about the roles between PartnerShip, the carrier, and the decorator. As the broker, PartnerShip helps exhibitors set up their shipment. One of our customer service representatives will recommend specific days to ship your materials out, secure a discounted rate with the carrier, and help you schedule your shipment. The carrier then picks up and delivers your shipment. Once it arrives, that’s where it’s handed off to the show decorator. The decorator is responsible for the drayage and material handling, meaning they get it to your booth.

What’s the best way exhibitors can plan around bad weather?
The advance warehouse exists for a reason. Take advantage of it and ship early! Keep an eye on the weather – not just in your city and the show city, but also nationally. Think about what happens to airlines when one city is hit with a bad storm. Flights in and out of that city aren’t the only ones affected. Airlines will often have to delay and cancel flights across the board. Shipping is very similar. Bad weather in one area affects a carrier’s network all across the country, causing costly disruptions.

What are some best practices exhibitors should follow?

1. Ship early (have you noticed a trend?). It’s the best way to ensure you’re all set for the show. If there’s damage to your shipment or you experience delays due to weather, you’ll have time to create a contingency plan.
2. Use bright, unique packaging. The best way to think about this is how you mark your luggage when flying. The more you can make your luggage stand out, the easier it is to identify it as it comes through baggage claim. A simple way to do this is to find patterned duck tape and wrap it around your container.
3. Track and confirm delivery. When you confirm delivery with the decorator you can also have them send you a picture. That way you’re able to see if there’s any visible damage ahead of time. This extra step will save you from potential heartache when you arrive to the show.
4. Take a picture of your freight before it leaves. If you have a picture of your freight (with a time-stamp if possible), you can easily help the carrier or decorator locate it if it’s lost. You’ll also have evidence of its prior condition if it sustains damage during transit.
5. Create a pack list. If the shipment is lost or damaged, you’ll have all the information you need ready to go. Include a list of your products, along with the quantity and costs.
6. Be prepared for the worst case scenario. To compare trade show shipping to flying again, think of how you might protect yourself against lost baggage by putting some essentials in your carry-on. Bring some extra product or collateral in your luggage, just in case something happens to your shipment. Also, think of all aspects of the show – not just your shipment. Have a plan for if you encounter any other disruptions like delayed/canceled flights or the wrong carpet in your booth.

There are a lot of things that can go wrong when you’re exhibiting at a trade show, but if you follow Jennifer’s advice, you’ll be in good shape. If you have a show coming up, you can reach our customer service team by calling 800-599-2902 or emailing sales@PartnerShip.com - or simply request a quote by clicking below.

CAMEX 2017 is in the Books! (So to Speak...)

03/07/2017 — PartnerShip

One of the most important tradeshows for PartnerShip is CAMEX, the campus retailing industry’s largest educational conference and buying expo, which brings together thousands of attendees from campus stores as well as hundreds of exhibitors.

PartnerShip is the endorsed shipping partner of the National Association of College Stores (NACS), and through the NACS Shipping Program, we help college stores and vendors save on their shipping costs. CAMEX is a great place to meet with members, rekindle old friendships, and find more ways to help them ship smarter and stay competitive.

This year, CAMEX happened in Salt Lake City, and here are a few of our favorite memories:

Free coffee and cookies

Once again, PartnerShip provided free coffee and cookies to weary CAMEX walkers and workers. We love doing it because it gives us the opportunity to say thank you to our customers and let them recharge.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a beautiful place, and we hope that you got to explore Temple Square, or see the Great Salt Lake, or just enjoy the wonderful views of the Wasatch Mountains in the distance.

Games

Did you get a chance to play the skiing or snowmobile simulator games in the PartnerShip booth? We hope you did and had a few minutes of fun because we know how much work tradeshows are.

New branding

Did you see the new PartnerShip branding in our booth? Stay tuned, because a new PartnerShip.com website will be launching soon.

You!

Really, the best part of CAMEX is you. We love the opportunity to talk with all of you – attendees, exhibitors, and everyone in-between. Whether you stopped by our booth or we got a chance to talk to you at one of the receptions, we enjoyed spending time with you and hope you had a great show!

CAMEX 2017 was a great time and we look forward to seeing you next year in Dallas, March 2 – 6, 2018!

Tradeshow Shipping: Advance Warehouse or Show Site?

05/26/2016 — PartnerShip

It’s a question we get asked a lot: “Should I ship to the advance warehouse or direct to the tradeshow site?” The answer really depends on your tradeshow schedule and / or the size of your booth.

When you exhibit at a tradeshow, you have to ship your booth, booth furnishings, marketing collateral and handouts, and product to the show site in order to have a successful show. Your shipping choices are to ship direct to the tradeshow floor to arrive when your booth staff does, or you can ship days or even weeks earlier to the advance warehouse. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of both options.

Shipping Direct to Show Site - Advantages

• You can wait until the last minute to get everything ready to ship, such as booth graphics, product prototypes or mock-ups, and marketing collateral
• Your material handling charges will be a bit lower**
• You can ship small packages directly to the show floor

Shipping Direct to Show Site - Disadvantages

• Your shipment may be one of hundreds arriving at the same time, so even though it may arrive early in the day, it might not reach your booth until much later
• The I & D (Install and Dismantle) team waiting to build your booth may have to wait for your shipment, causing you to incur overtime charges
• If your shipment arrives earlier or later than your move-in time, you will incur additional charges
• If you have a targeted move-in time assigned by the show, you may have to pay higher shipping charges for guaranteed delivery during your assigned move-in window
• You may have to pay overtime charges, especially if your shipment has to arrive on a weekend or after hours

Advance Warehouse - Advantages

• Each show has a dedicated warehouse for delivery and storage of all shipments. Your materials are kept dry and secure until show time
• On the first day of move-in your freight will be waiting for you at your booth
• You can confirm your shipment has arrived and that everything is intact. In the event damage does occur, you have time to react and adapt
• The weather! Tradeshows often take place in months when severe weather can delay your shipment
• Your shipment can typically arrive up to 30 days prior to move-in, meaning delivery dates and times are more flexible so you can lower your shipping costs by using a non-priority service

Advance Warehouse - Disadvantages

• If your freight arrives after the deadline, it will still be received, but additional charges will apply
• The warehouse will only accept crates‚ palletized items, trunks/cases and carpets. Loose or small packages must be sent directly to the show site
• Slightly higher drayage (material handling) fees**

** A word about material handling / drayage fees: Material handling fees are charges based on various operational activities, such as storage of your freight, labor and equipment to unload inbound shipments, delivery to your booth, delivery of empty containers to and from storage, and moving materials from your booth to the outbound carrier. Material handling fees are unavoidable; you pay them whether you ship to the advance warehouse or the show site. Typically, advance warehouse material handling fees are only about 10% higher than show site material handling fees.

Our suggestion: if you are not constrained by a tradeshow schedule that forces you to ship your booth from one show to the next, the advance warehouse is your best shipping option. It might be a bit more expensive, but the time, stress and anxiety savings will more than make up for it.

If you have a small tabletop or pop-up booth that can be assembled quickly with no help needed, and you are not anticipating any potential weather delays, shipping direct to the show site is an acceptable option.

We’ve helped thousands of companies ship their tradeshow materials and we’ve accumulated a great deal of knowledge, tips, and tricks to make your tradeshow experience a smooth one. Email us at sales@PartnerShip.com for more information or with any tradeshow question! 

4 Reasons to Get Excited for CAMEX 2016

02/15/2016 — Leah Palnik

This time of year there’s one word you’re guaranteed to hear all around the PartnerShip office…CAMEX. CAMEX is the campus retailing industry’s largest educational conference and buying expo, attracting more than 2,250 attendees from nearly 1,000 campus stores as well as 650+ exhibiting companies. It’s produced and hosted by our parent company, the National Association or College Stores (NACS), so it’s a very important show for us. Our staff has been busy preparing for CAMEX 2016 and we can’t wait to share all of the great things we’re brining this year with you. Here’s why you should be looking forward to joining us in Houston:

1. Because no one can resist free coffee and cookies
You read me right – FREE. During the show you can come to our booth to relax and enjoy a cookie with a hot beverage. We know that when you come to CAMEX you're doing a lot of running around and it can be tiring. That’s why we want to give you the opportunity to kick up your feet and recharge.

2. Because we’re all just big kids at heart
If relaxing and recharging isn’t quite up to your speed, we have something else you might enjoy. You can get in the action with our new racing game! Who says race cars are just for kids? You can challenge your fellow show attendees or one of our staff (just don’t expect us to let you win) in a variety of battle and race modes on this exciting track.

3. Because we like winners
We’ve joined forces with our fellow NACS Inc. subsidiaries, IndiCo, NACS Foundation, and NACSCORP, to give you a chance to win one of five great prizes. Four people will be selected to win a gift basket valued at $250 and one lucky winner will go home with the grand prize – an iPad Air.

4. Because an aquarium is a pretty awesome place to throw a party
The fun doesn’t stop at the show. We’re sponsoring a party with IndiCo, NACS Foundation, and NACSCORP at the Houston Downtown Aquarium on Sunday night. Make sure you come to the Night at the Aquarium to explore the rides and exhibits and enjoy some complimentary food and drinks.

Are you excited yet? All fun and games aside, the best part of CAMEX for us is the opportunity to connect with you. If you’re going to be at the show, we hope you stop by booth #2931 to have some fun with us. See you in Houston!

PartnerShip Exhibits at NBAA2015

12/02/2015 — Matt Nagel

PartnerShip recently exhibited at NBAA2015 in Las Vegas. Held November 17^th through the 19^th, NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition showcased the industry’s vitality and relevance. The show featured over 1,100 exhibitors, taking up 2/3rds of the Las Vegas Convention Center and part of the Henderson Executive Airport. The more than 27,000 attendees enjoyed educational and networking sessions, special guests (including Dirks Bentley and Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger), product announcements, indoor and outdoor static displays, and much more!

As the company that manages the NBAA Shipping Program, PartnerShip always looks forward to this show as a way to connect with members, see what’s happening in the industry, and save members money on shipping. PartnerShip set up shop right next to the Innovation Zone, one of the most exciting parts of the show, which featured sessions on everything from the future of planes and flying, to flight deck connectivity issues to developments in "detect and avoid" technology for unmanned aircraft systems. In that space, we provided information on the shipping program, enrolled members in the program, and collected information from attendees to win a FedEx Model Plane! We had close to 200 entries for the plane but there can only be one winner….congratulations to Bruce from Golf Cart Connection! Thank you to everyone who entered and better luck next year at NBAA2016!

NBAA has put together some great recap information on the conference, including a press release that details all of the show highlights. We picked out one to share in this post – the NBAA2015 Video Minute below which provides a great overview of the sights and sounds of the show.

Top 5 Trade Show Shipping Mistakes

08/20/2015 — Matt Nagel

Trade shows are commonplace for just about every industry you can name. Millions of attendees flock to trade shows each and every year, and, for the exhibitors, trade shows provide a unique opportunity for face-to-face interaction with their customer base. However, before an exhibitor can get in front of customers, they need to get their exhibit materials to the show.

Shipping to a trade show comes with its fair share of pitfalls that could leave you high and dry at an event. Learn from other’s mistakes and shy away from the following top trade show shipping blunders:

1. Using the decorator – Most shows will use a third-party partner to manage the specifics of their show. Shipping falls under these specifics and the decorator will often times offer shipping solutions to exhibitors at a hefty mark-up. However, it’s important for all exhibitors to know that they have options and are under no obligation to use the decorator’s shipping rates. Shop around and find a great rate with a shipping partner you trust. You’ll be glad you did and most likely positively impact the show’s overall ROI for your company.
2. Paying extra drayage – Drayage is the charge for moving your exhibit materials from the dock to your booth space before the show. As well as moving your materials back to the dock at the end of the show. Drayage fees will vary based on the type of shipment, the amount of handling, the time of day, and other factors. Avoid paying extra by consolidating to one pallet/shipment and paying close attention to shipping deadline dates.
3. Mistakes in documentation and labeling – Properly documenting your shipping preferences are important before and after the show. On your shipment to the show, abide by the same methodology and rules you would on any freight shipment you send – accuracy in your freight class (trade show shipments are typically class 125), on the shipment weight, billing information, and consignee information is key. Also, provide ample labeling on the items contained on your pallet to guard against lost pieces in transit. After the show, fill out your material handling form carefully. List the shipment information provided by your carrier partner and pay extra attention to the “Bill To” section of the form. Leaving the "Bill To" blank could jeopardize previously agreed on pricing and leave you on the hook for a larger bill.
4. Not using the advanced warehouse - You have two options to ship your trade show shipment to your show: the advance warehouse or directly to the show site. Shipping to the advance warehouse gives you the ability to track your freight and ensure that it has been received, with time to double-check. Your freight will already be in place when you arrive for setup. Although some show decorators may charge slightly higher drayage for a shipment sent to the advance warehouse, the pros generally outweigh this cost.
5. Not planning for weather – If you do not ship early to the advanced warehouse and decide to go to the show site, be sure to build in a least an extra day or two for shipping. As we all know, weather in most parts of the country is unpredictable and doesn’t care if you’re left without a booth at your show. Plan ahead, give yourself extra time, and have your exhibit materials ready to go at the show when you are.

Avoid making these rookie mistakes and you’ll be shipping to trade shows efficiently and worry-free!

We attend and exhibit at over 50 trade shows a year and we’ve accumulated a great deal of knowledge, tips, and tricks to make your trade show experience a smooth one. Download our white paper, the 411 on Trade Show Shipping, or email us at sales@PartnerShip.com for more information or with any questions! 

Sights, Sounds, and Highlights from Summer NAMM 2015

07/15/2015 — Leah Palnik

If you’re in the music products industry, Summer NAMM is the show for you. Appropriately located in Nashville at the Music City Center, Summer NAMM is alive with the sights and sounds of a music enthusiast’s dream. Attendees come from all over the world to network with their peers, learn about business tips, and pick up the latest product trends. PartnerShip is no stranger to the industry’s favorite mid-year event. Senior program manager Harry Centa has been attending for years and is a Summer NAMM veteran.

Harry set up shop near the member center, close to fellow NAMM endorsed service providers. The PartnerShip booth received a good amount of traffic and Harry was able to talk to a great deal of attendees and exhibitors about their shipping needs. As always, Summer NAMM provides PartnerShip with a great opportunity to connect with NAMM members.

A top highlight from the show was the Insight pre-show party, hosted by Vince Gill and Tom Bendell. Harry and the other guests enjoyed food and drinks…and music, of course. Tim Akers & the Smoking Section put on a great performance.

Thank you to NAMM and all those in attendance at this year’s Summer NAMM for making it a great show for PartnerShip!

The Can't Miss Event for Association Professionals

06/08/2015 — Matt Nagel

PartnerShip will be exhibiting at the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition this year in Detroit, Michigan on August 8^th-11^th. As a partner to over 140 associations, the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exhibition is a date that is circled on our calendars every year. It’s a great chance to spread the word about a PartnerShip managed Shipping Program as a valuable member benefit, as well as see some current association partners.

From an association standpoint, there are many reasons to attend the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition year after year. For some, it’s the 120+ education sessions designed to generate ideas and provoke new thinking. For others, it’s access to fabulous parties and networking opportunities with over 5,000 colleagues from around the country.

We can vouch for the value of this show and encourage all association professionals to make their way up to Detroit for this once-a-year opportunity.We'll be in booth #233, so stop by and say hello!

Click here to register for the event and then visit the Schedule-at-a-Glace for information on show activities. If you need more convincing, watch the short ASAE video below with testimonials from association executives and the value they found at the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition.

The Work Truck Show 2015 breaks records and drives innovation

03/10/2015 — Matt Nagel

The Work Truck Show, presented by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA), is the must-attend event for the work truck industry. As in years past, the 2015 show in Indianapolis was buzzing with new products, innovative exhibitors, and of course, trucks. The Indianapolis Convention Center was flooded with a record number of attendees that were looking for the latest products and industry trends to keep their businesses hitting on all cylinders.

Among other highlights, attendees of the Work Truck Show 2015 enjoyed industry focused training courses, access to technical engineering representatives, and NTEA’s President’s Breakfast where Tony Dungy was the keynote speaker. The show also has growing green initiatives to address the demand for advanced vehicle technologies and fuels. The Green Truck Summit, held in conjunction with the Work Truck Show, was a day-and-a-half event for attendees and offered strategies and solutions for practical deployment and application of green technologies for the industry.

As the endorsed shipping provider of NTEA, we were exhibiting in the NTEA booth and sharing information about the shipping savings available to all NTEA members. We’re always excited for the NTEA Work Truck Show as it provides great opportunities to stay up to date on the industry happenings and produces valuable interaction with our customers. We had a chance to snap some pictures while at the show and invite you to scroll through the album below!

Top 5 Highlights from CAMEX 2015

03/03/2015 — Leah Palnik

As you may have read in our previous post, CAMEX is a very special show for PartnerShip. We are the endorsed shipping partner of the National Association of College Stores (NACS) and the college retail industry is an important customer segment for us. With the show in Atlanta this year, we knew it was going to be a good time. Here are a few of our favorite memories from exhibiting at CAMEX 2015:

1. Opening Reception at the College Football Hall of Fame
   This reception celebrated the opening of the 92nd CAMEX. There was a nice selection of food and drinks and it was a great opportunity to network with members of the industry. We also got to explore the venue through interactive exhibits highlighting the history of college football.
2. The PartnerShip Coffee Bar
   Our barista skills were put to the test at CAMEX while we served coffee and cookies to show attendees who stopped by our booth. It gave us a great chance to say thank you to our customers and let them relax and recharge.
3. Dine Around Atlanta
   Our sister company, NACS Foundation, set up a great fundraising initiative called Dine Around Atlanta. When you went to participating restaurants and presented your CAMEX badge, a portion of your check was donated to the NACS Foundation. We dined at several of the participating restaurants, which were not only delicious but also directly benefited the industry and our college stores and vendors.
4. Closing Reception
   The closing networking reception was an opportunity to connect with members of the NACS community at the end of the show. Good company, conversation, and hors d’oeuvres were had!
5. YOU!
   Last but certainly not least, one of our biggest highlights was getting to talk to all of you – attendees, exhibitors, and everyone in-between. Whether you stopped by our booth or we got a chance to talk to you at one of the receptions, we appreciate you taking the time to chat with us. We hope you enjoyed your time in Atlanta and had a great show!

Overall, CAMEX 2015 was non-stop entertainment and a wonderful experience. If you stopped by our booth or were at the show, we hope you enjoyed yourself and we look forward to seeing you next year! Check out our pictures from the show below.

We're Ready for CAMEX 2015!

02/18/2015 — Leah Palnik

Every year the staff at PartnerShip spends months gearing up for CAMEX, one of our most important trade shows. CAMEX is the collegiate retailing industry's largest trade show and educational event, attracting more than 2,100 qualified buyers from more than 1,060 campus stores as well as 750+ exhibiting companies. The show is about to kick off in Atlanta and we couldn’t be more excited.

As the endorsed shipping partner of the National Association of College Stores (NACS), we always play a large part in supporting this event every year. Through the NACS Shipping Program, PartnerShip helps college stores and vendors save on their shipping costs with FedEx, UPS Freight, YRC Freight and other reputable carriers. CAMEX is a great place to meet with members to learn more about their business and find ways to help them with their specific shipping needs.

We’ve already been busy helping CAMEX exhibitors with their shipments to the show and we’ll be there to help when they ship their materials back as well. We also ran a special promotion for attendees. By shipping incrementally more shipments compared to last year during their fall returns season, they were able to earn up to two free registrations. 27 stores won at least one registration and it was great to see so much participation!

As in years past, we will also be serving complimentary coffee and cookies. It’s our way of treating our friends in the industry and saying thank you to our customers. If you’ll be at CAMEX, make sure to stop by booth #3740 when you need a quick pick-me-up!

PartnerShip at the Winter Fancy Food Show!

01/20/2015 — Matt Nagel

The 2015 Winter Fancy Food Show, held in San Francisco, has come and gone and our very own Harry Centa was in attendance. Harry is a Senior Program Manager at PartnerShip and has become a staple at both the Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows presented by the Specialty Food Association.

"This show is always a great opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products and for the retailers, restaurateurs, and distributors that attend to bring new, exciting, and unique items and ideas to their businesses," said Harry. "It's also an invaluable opportunity for PartnerShip to showcase its money-saving member benefit, the Specialty Food Association Shipping Program, which is available to all Specialty Food Association members."

As the west coast's largest specialty food and beverage event, highlights include: 14,000 exhibitors from 35 countries, 19,000+ industry professionals, and 30 emerging food entrepreneurs. The show also features new product showcases, 15+ educational seminars, and custom matchmaking for buyers and suppliers. These are just a few of the great opportunities offered by the Specialty Food Association through this show.

In addition to the above highlights, Harry also collected submissions for a drawing for a $100 Visa reward card. Congratulations to our lucky winner — Jared at Aloha from Oregon! 

Don't worry if you missed out on the winter show, as the Fancy Food Show comes not once, but twice a year in the summer and winter. 

"The Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows are dates that are always circled on my calendar," Harry added. "The show always entertains, informs, and produces quality customer interaction year in and year out for PartnerShip....not to mention all the great food!"

Check out some of Harry's pictures from the event in the slideshow below.

Another Great Year at Summer NAMM!

07/28/2014 — Leah Palnik

Our very own Harry Centa, senior program manager for PartnerShip, had the pleasure of attending Summer NAMM 2014 in Nashville earlier this month. NAMM (one of over 120 associations that endorses PartnerShip for shipping services) supports businesses in the music products industry, and this annual show attracts some of the most fascinating and talented people around.

One of the biggest highlights of the show was the Top 100 Dealers Awards, which recognizes the industry's very best music product retailers and shares their stores' strategies for success. The —Dealer of the Year' and eight —best of' category winners are chosen from among NAMM's Top 100 Dealers, named earlier this year. Congratulations to The Candyman Strings & Things of Santa Fe, New Mexico for winning the top award of —Dealer of the Year.'

This year's Summer NAMM also proved to be another successful show for PartnerShip! It was a great opportunity for Harry to connect with NAMM members and educate them on the services and discounts available to them through PartnerShip. The NAMM Shipping Program provides members with discounts on their inbound and outbound, small and big package shipping, one of the many valuable benefits offered through the association. Harry also collected submissions for a drawing for a $100 Visa reward card. Congratulations to our lucky winner — Christie at Hell Creek Music & More!

Thank you to NAMM and all of the Summer NAMM attendees for helping us make it BIG in Nashville this year! Check out the slideshow below to see pictures from the show.

The 2014 Summer Fancy Food Show

07/07/2014 — Matt Nagel

PartnerShip, as in years past, exhibited again at this year's Summer Fancy Food Show - North America's Largest Specialty Food & Beverage Event. The event was held in New York City from June 29^th - July 1^st and featured 180,000 products including confections, cheese, coffee, snacks, spices, ethnic, natural, organic and more. The show also boasts 2,400 exhibitors from 80 countries & regions.

Highlights from the show included:

• The 2014 sofi Awards Ceremony — a red carpet awards ceremony acknowledging the best innovations and tastes of the past year. Check out who took home the gold this year.
• Business Builders — a free "match-making" program for exhibitors and attendees
• Numerous educational programs — ranging from —The Business of Specialty Foods to —The State of the Specialty Food Industry 2014'
• Exhibitor Showcases — the over 2,000 exhibitors always bring new, innovative products that make this show what it is

Since PartnerShip is the endorsed company that manages the Specialty Food Association Shipping Program, is an important relationship-building event for us. Harry Centa, senior program manger for PartnerShip, attended the show to spread the good word about the PartnerShip services and discounts available to SFA members for small package and freight shipping. Harry also had a chance to take a few great pictures at the show that capture the sights, energy, and fun that this show offers year in and year out. See our Flickr slide show below for the highlights.

*The winner will also be notified directly.

CAMEX 2014 - Thanks for the Memories!

03/12/2014 — Scott Frederick

PartnerShip® is a leading shipping solutions provider to small businesses across North America and - as the only endorsed NACS and CAMEX shipping provider - the college industry remains an important customer segment for us. That is why we annually have a large presence at CAMEX - the collegiate retailing industry's meeting place for the past 80 years.

CAMEX 2014 was especially important to PartnerShip as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary this year. Once again, we sponsored opening night on Friday, hosted a special customer appreciation party on Saturday night, and used a coffee bar style booth to serve up coffee and cookies on the trade show floor Sunday through Tuesday.

Here are a few video and picture highlights from this year's event.

CAMEX is a great way for PartnerShip to say THANK YOU to our many college industry customers for their business and loyalty over the past 25 years! The following video/slide show contains pictures submitted by numerous college stores that either attended our 25th Anniversary Customer Appreciation Party at CAMEX 2014, or those that visited our 25th Anniversary College Store Appreciation website at www.PartnerShip.com/25years

PartnerShip also has shipping programs and services for non-college industry small businesses, retailers and suppliers. With over 17,000 active customers across North America, our customer base has become very large and diverse. We ship everything from shoes to auto parts, and everything in between. So, if you're one of our many non-college industry customers, we want to say THANK YOU for your business as well. In fact, if you visit www.PartnerShip.com/25th, you can watch our short thank you video and sign-up for some fun prizes we'll be raffling off throughout the year.

By Scott Frederick

Tradeshow Shipping: 3 Weather Tips for Exhibitors

12/10/2013 — Leah Palnik

One of the biggest issues that keep exhibitors awake at night during the winter months is a trade show shipment that is delayed due to weather. If you plan on exhibiting at any upcoming trade shows, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

1. Build in one or two extra days for shipping, especially for cross-country shipping or shipping into cities that historically are affected by weather.
2. Work with a proactive shipping partner (like PartnerShip) that tracks your exhibit shipment EVERY day, and when issues arise, will work with you to come up with acceptable alternatives.
3. Always have a "Plan B". Most carriers will not honor delivery guarantees to trade shows when delays are caused by weather conditions. So it is important that you have contingency plans in place if your primary exhibit shipment is unexpectedly delayed (e.g., a secondary booth, experienced personnel who can expedite replacement materials, etc.).

PartnerShip has nearly 25 years of experience both as an exhibitor and as a shipper of exhibit materials. We stand ready to help exhibitors with our knowledge and know-how during this busy time of the year for trade shows, expos, and conferences. In fact, earlier this year PartnerShip helped nearly 300 exhibitors overcome nasty weather so they could have a successful CAMEX 2013 show in Kansas City, Missouri. Two crippling snow storms crashed over the Midwest affecting exhibit transportation during show move-in and move-out. Check out the video below to hear what these exhibitors had to say about working with PartnerShip to overcome the weather and still have a successful show.

Got questions? Give our Tradeshow team a call at 800-599-2902 option 3; or click the button below to request a free, no-obligation rate quote on your next exhibit shipment.

PartnerShip Carriers Recognized for Quality Services

08/26/2013 — Scott Frederick

Just like last year, once again, almost all of the PartnerShip core carriers were recognized with Quest for Quality awards this year by the readers of Logistics Management magazine.

As part of the 30th annual Quest for Quality awards competition, Logistics Management readers evaluate companies in all modes and service disciplines, choosing the top performers in key categories. This year the research group received 6,179 total responses. In order to be a "winner," a company had to receive at least five percent of the category vote. Transportation service providers are rated on five key criteria: On-time Performance, Value, Information Technology, Customer Service, and Equipment & Operations.

Here are the PartnerShip carriers that received awards this year:

• National LTL Freight:

• National: FedEx Freight, Con-way Freight
  

• Multi-Regional: FedEx Freight, Old Dominion, UPS Freight
  

• Surface Package: FedEx Ground, UPS

• Regional LTL Freight:

• Northeast/Mid-Atlantic U.S.: New Penn, Pitt Ohio

• Western U.S.: Reddaway

• Truckload/Specialized:

• Dry Freight: Pitt Ohio, Con-way Truckload

• Expedited: UPS Urgent, Old Dominion, Pitt Ohio, FedEx Custom Critical

• High Value Goods: United Van Lines

• Air Express:

• Air Express: FedEx Express

On behalf of PartnerShip, our employees, and the thousands of our customers that rely on your services as part of our shipping programs - congratulations to all of the carriers that won Quest for Quality awards this year! PartnerShip works with only the best carriers in the industry - and you've all proven to be in that category once again.

The Best Way to Transport Your Display Materials to an Event

08/14/2013 — Leah Palnik

If you find yourself traveling frequently for business — whether it is to meetings, conferences, or trade shows — you know that it can be a challenge to find the best way to transport your marketing collateral and materials. Sometimes you may require exhibit transportation services for your larger, palletized shipments, but other times you might just have display materials for a small booth or table. Before you try to stuff all of those materials into your suitcase, consider shipping them. 

Shipping to a conference or a meeting can be a cost-effective and convenient option to get your materials where they need to be. But where do you ship it to? Through FedEx, you can ship your package to a nearby FedEx Office store at no extra cost. There are many FedEx locations around the country — often times right around the corner from, if not in, your hotel or conference center. And if you are an enrolled member in a PartnerShip association shipping program, your FedEx discounts still apply to the shipment.

Gone are the days that you try to stuff your marketing collateral in your personal luggage or pay extra to check an additional bag! Not to mention, you don't have to worry about lugging another set of luggage around the airport and to your hotel or show site.

Watch the video below or follow these simple steps to benefit from this free service:

1. Find a FedEx Office location

2. Create your shipment

3. Select the option —hold at a FedEx location'

4. Pickup at your convenience

Tradeshow Shipping - Exhibitor Testimonials

07/12/2013 — Scott Frederick

The PartnerShip exhibit transportation team continues to accumulate many accolades and testimonials for our tradeshow shipping services. Common points of feedback tend to include:

• 'Your team is there supporting me from A-Z, start-to-finish for every show.'
• 'You help take the burden off the exhibitor of finding the right carriers and completing the right paperwork.'
• 'You've got great people working on your team, and I know they are always just a quick phone call or email away.'
• "PartnerShip makes every trade show go smoothly - we have never been dissapointed."
• 'In the rare cases where I have a problem or delay, your team is very responsive in resolving the issues.'
• 'The proactive communications and tracking information your team provides me goes above and beyond my expectations.'
• 'You guys are awesome, thanks!'

We love happy customers, and we love it when our customers share their experience with us (both good and bad), which is why we ask every exhibitor for their candid feedback after each tradeshow shipment we handle. In fact, we've recently started taking a camcorder with us to some of the bigger shows that we support in order to capture live feedback from a few of the exhibitors we serve. Here are three recent shows and testimonials captured on film by one of our very own senior tradeshow representatives, Bryan Chambers  - who we now affectionately refer to as "Bryan Seacrest" (the first video also includes an introductory interview conducted by Harry Centa, senior program manager for PartnerShip).

;     

We typically share our tradeshow videos and stories on The Tradeshow Stories Blog - and we also encourage our exhibitors to share their stories using a simple, online form. So if you're an exhibitor looking to work with one of the best, most experienced, tradeshow shipping providers in the industry, I encourage you to check out these resources and then give us a call for a free, no-obligation quote on your next exhibit shipment. 

Scott G Frederick

Best Practices for Exhibiting at Your Next Tradeshow

08/20/2012 — Matt Nagel

A tradeshow is a great way to get in front of your customers.Managing shipping programs for over 100 associations means that PartnerShip attends its fair share of tradeshows and events. What we've gleaned from all of these tradeshows is that there is always something new to learn, and things are always changing. That's why we called on one of the PartnerShip resident tradeshow experts to share some experience and knowledge that he has gathered over the years.

Harry Centa, a senior program manager with PartnerShip, has attended over 100 tradeshows in his seven year career with the company. When asked why tradeshows are important to small businesses, Harry said, —Tradeshows are a great way to put a face and personality to your company. The face-to-face interactions and conversations you have at tradeshows go a long way in building relationships and solidifying leads for your company. That's why we take tradeshows seriously and invest resources in this valuable tool.'

We asked Harry for some tips on pre-show, at-show, and post-show best practices and this is the advice he had to offer:

• Pre-Show — —Decide on a plan of attack for the upcoming show. Establish what you want to accomplish, how you are going to accomplish it, and what tools you'll need to successfully carry out your plan. You can then start thinking about collateral, giveaways, and promotions leading up to the show. Determine if your booth will ship to the advance warehouse or directly to the showsite. Lastly, bringing your own table, chairs, modular carpet squares, etc. can dramatically reduce your exhibiting costs.'
• At-Show — —If possible, setup your booth a day in advance of the show start, that way you are not rushed, have plenty of time to make extra copies of your marketing materials, and deal with any emergencies that can arise from time to time. Take advantage of every networking opportunity, and be sure to track all leads. For larger shows, renting a lead retrieval scanner is a wise choice, and for smaller shows, taking notes on business cards works just as well."
• Post-Show — —Write down what you learned through your show experience — it will be valuable for future shows. Also, be sure to follow up with any leads you received at the show in a timely manner. Striking while the iron is hot will ensure you are fresh in the prospect's mind and you won't get sent to voice mail with the rest of the sales calls. Another best practice is to send a post show eblast and/or postcard to the attendees list (if offered) to remind them of your product or service.'

Additionally, Harry emphasized, —The most important aspect of tradeshows is getting your booth and show materials to the tradeshow on-time and in one piece. Without a booth or materials for customers, the tradeshow experience is hampered considerably.' Harry went on to say, —Shipping my tradeshow materials is one part of the tradeshow process I leave to the tradeshow shipping experts here at PartnerShip!'

Your booth is now at the show, you've followed Harry's pre-show rituals to a T — now, how do you drive people to your booth? —There's not much point in going to a tradeshow if your just going to stand there and shuffle your feet for 8 hours.' said Harry, —I use giveaways as a method for driving traffic to my booth, and once customers are there I use that opportunity to discuss PartnerShip and the services we provide. Tradeshows are constantly changing, but one idea will always hold true: People love free stuff - pens, pads or any swag in general!' Harry went on to stress that a consistent, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing display is an important tool in catching people's eye, getting your sales pitch out, and getting literature in a customer's hand.

Tradeshows can be an investment for your company, but when done right, tradeshows are one of the most useful tools in your sales toolbox. The PartnerShip goal is to make sure your booth is at a tradeshow on-time and you are prepared for a successful show. That's why we've developed some tradeshow specific information for our customers: The 411 on Tradeshow Shipping and our tradeshow helpful hints page.

If you have any additional questions about shipping to tradeshows, about tradeshows in general, or would like to quote a shipment to your next show — contact the PartnerShip dedicated tradeshow team at tradeshow@PartnerShip.com or call 800-599-2902. You can also contact Harry Centa at the above information.

Tradeshow Shipping - Exercise Your Options!

08/03/2012 — Tina Straw

Whether you’re a frequent tradeshow exhibitor, an occasional exhibitor, or a show organizer, you inevitably begin with a long list of “to-do’s” when planning your exhibit or event. You’ve probably spent months carefully considering your booth design, literature, show floor strategy, and giveaways. But one thing is for certain, your plans all hinge on your show and conference materials arriving at your event – on time and in good condition!                                                 

This is one part of the process that is often the most overlooked, and least considered – getting your precious cargo from Point A to Point B. When it comes to tradeshow shipping, many exhibitors believe that they can save time, money and energy by using the decorator’s freight solution, shipping through a small package ground program, or bringing the materials in themselves.  Sometimes exhibitors will choose to go with a lesser-known freight carrier, thinking that they will have the lowest rates.                                                                                                              

If your tradeshow shipment is at least 150lbs., you will want to find a shipping option that meets all of your most important criteria:                                    

1. Use a transportation partner that has a dedicated tradeshow shipping department – Tradeshow shipping is a unique line of business in the freight transportation world, so pick a partner that specializes in getting to know the logistics of your event. Inbound and outbound shipping paperwork, and warehouse deadlines all become easier to navigate when you’ve picked the right partner.                     

2. Who’s watching your shipment? – The success of your business can hinge on your success at a large tradeshow or event, so pick the partner that’s going to track your shipment from the time it leaves your dock to the time it gets to the show.

3. Money isn’t everything, but… – You don’t want to end up spending all of your hard-earned profits from the show on freight, but you want to make sure that you don’t jump at the lowest offer if it’s a carrier that you’ve never heard of. “Bob’s Trucking” may be offering you the lowest shipping rate, but make sure you won’t be charged additional fees that you didn’t know about, such as “wait time” and “lift gate” fees. Also, you’ll want to make sure that your show materials are covered by a certain amount of liability insurance with the carrier that you’ve chosen.

PartnerShip can help you with all of your tradeshow freight shipping, using the best national carriers, and at the most competitive rates. When you ship to a tradeshow using PartnerShip services, you can be sure that you’re getting the best service from a partner that will treat your shipment as if it was our own – daily tracking, preparing your paperwork, and providing you with the best liability insurance in the industry.

Visit TradeshowSelect.com to get a free rate quote and learn about our services. For more information, email tradeshow@PartnerShip.com or call our dedicated tradeshow team at 800-599-2902 from 8 a.m to 8 p.m. ET. Want even more tradeshow info from the experts? Download our whitepaper – The 411 to Tradeshow Shipping.