Trade show events are the lifeblood of many industries and businesses. Attendance is a big contributor to finding clients and networking. To support businesses that feature at these events, many freight forwarding companies offer trade show shipping. This service allows the businesses to have their marketing materials and set up for booths arrive at the venues in good time. Even as they travel from one city to another, this kind of shipping ensures they find their materials ready to set up every time. Here is how you can take advantage of this service and avoid mistakes that can cost your attendance at the event.
Plan Ahead
These events tend to have firm fixed dates that attendees and exhibitors are informed about early on. Use this information to organize your shipping schedule. If you delay, you may cause your trade show shipment to arrive on the wrong date and lead to embarrassment. Last-minute shipping means having to contend with far fewer available slots, if any remain. This can mean having to pay extra for special delivery.
Consult The Exhibitors’ Manual
Trade show organizers will normally send out a manual to exhibitors so they know how the event will work. This often includes requirements such as insurance and deadlines. They will also advise exhibitors of shipping guidelines and available storage facilities. You need to ensure you provide accurate information to your freight forwarder so they abide by these requirements. in some cases, the trade event organizers may even recommend specific freight forwarding firms they normally work with and will be better able to cater to your trade show shipping needs.
Ensure Clear Labeling
When putting together your trade show shipment, ensure that every box is properly labeled. It should clearly detail the destination venue and booth number. Do not just label one or the largest box. Each one should have these details so there is no confusion. Consider pre-printing these labels ahead of time so they are ready to affix once you have finished packing. Printed labels are less likely to be misread than those that are handwritten.
Have Tracking Enabled
Working with a service provider that offers tracking capability is a good way to ensure your shipment is on the right path and gets to the right destination. You simply go online and you can tell where your shipment is at any given time. This way you know when the shipment has arrived and can even arrange for a local contractor to get to work setting up your booth.