Save transportation cost
Operational costs - shipping, drayage, install and dismantle (I&D) - are often over-looked or under-estimated by new exhibitors. It's not unlike new homeowners forgetting about personal property taxes and mortgage and homeowners insurances. Lightweight, easy-to-assemble exhibits can add up to big transportation savings... so can these transportation tips:
- Know the weight of the shipment so you can verify the bill.
- Instead of shipping several small boxes, consolidate in one large box or shrink-wrap on one pallet.
- Make one shipment to the convention center. Inbound shipments are charged a minimum rate (usually 100 lbs) regardless of actual weight.
- Specify your carrier for outbound shipments from the hall. If you don't the drayage contractor can divert your shipment to another carrier resulting in much higher transportation costs.
- When scheduling labor avoid paying weekend and overtime I&D costs.
- Don't scrimp on shipping containers. It's expensive to redo graphics if they get damaged during shipping.