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

Custom made displays are costly, and need special handling. The equipment that needs to be shipped is often frail and packed in several separate boxes. A trade show shipping company has the skill to get the entire display to its location, in top condition and on time.

Planning ahead is very important. Know which shipper you will use, and how your materials will be packed. Shipping an exhibit is far more complicated than sending a box of parts to a customer. Because of the special nature of exhibit materials, normal boxes or crates are rarely the most appropriate kind container to use. Instead, consider using trade show shipping containers.

Many durable cases produced specifically for the components used in trade show exhibits. Fiberglass cases are especially resistant to weather and wear out. They are available with dividers, keyboard shelves and other attributes commonly used in a booth. Custom cases can be created to contain special equipment. This decreases the likelihood that an essential part of your exhibit will be damaged.

Consider having your trade show shipping crates decorated with your corporate logo. This not only makes them more identifiable, but also serves as additional marketing for your company. Specifics like this make a important statement. When it comes time to decide which shipping company to provide your trade show shipping services, the first thing you should inquire into is whether the event host has a favored service that can offer a discount . Use your contacts with industry organizations and other companies to get referrals. Web listings should also provide you with a beginning point in your research. Rush transportation is usually expensive, so include plenty of time for delivery.

Before deciding your final selection, you will want to know what services the shipper will supply, what form of packing and shipping approach is used to protect your material from shaking, shock and other types of risks, in addition to how the shipment will be tracked. Request references, and what experience the carrier has with the trade show location. The carrier should also supply a written price quote for your particular needs.

When the show is over, always stick to event instructions on how to get your materials transported to your shipping company. 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 transportation budget.

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