What’s in this Freight Paper?

1. Steps for delivering or picking up from a tradeshow.
2. What freight class to use on tradeshow shipping.
3. Necessary information to have on your tradeshow BOL.

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If you’ve ever been in charge of setting up a booth in a major tradeshow you’re aware of the complications and headaches that can arise from getting all your ducks in a row. Tradeshows are the result of many moving pieces rotating independently of one another, but with each separate piece concentrated on the same final goal. It’s like the gears in a clock telling us the correct time, or more in line with our subject, it’s like the freight industry. It’s no surprise that tradeshow shipping in the freight industry can be a real pain, but luckily FreightPros is here to tell you exactly what you need to know about tradeshow shipping.

Using the correct BOL at pickup is CRUCIAL.

On the freight bill of lading used at the time of pickup, you’ll need the following information visible and easy to read:

• The physical address of the building or complex hosting the tradeshow.
• The specific name of the tradeshow the shipment is going to. Sometimes multiple tradeshows are hosted at the same time, in the same vicinity.
• The tradeshow booth name and number.
• Contact name and phone number.

All of this information needs to be organized and written on the BOL used at pickup.

Do all freight carriers pickup and deliver to tradeshows?

Tradeshow shipping requires certain permits and paperwork that some regional and smaller carriers don’t have. Therefore, some carriers cannot pickup or deliver freight at tradeshows/convention centers. It’s important to make sure the freight carrier you are using is able to participate in tradeshow shipping. Otherwise, you might end up with stranded freight, and then you might have to worry about storage or disposition charges (which are an expensive pain).

What is the freight class for tradeshow shipments?

In our previous freight class explanations, we’ve discussed the complications of freight class. The good news with tradeshow shipping is the simplification of the freight class. ANY ITEM PICKING UP OR DELIVERING TO A TRADESHOW WILL BE CLASS 125. This means that your tradeshow shipment might be cheaper or more expensive depending on the usual class of the item that you’re shipping. If nothing else, it simplifies the complicated tradeshow shipping process.

What if my freight is left at the tradeshow?

The madness of tradeshow shipping doesn’t end when the freight is dropped off. Once the tradeshow ends, it’s imperative to pick up your freight as soon as possible, otherwise it might be sent to tradeshow storage. When a tradeshow ends, leftover booths are moved out and sent to a separate storage location. It is costly and complicated to get your freight out of tradeshow storage, so the best medicine is to make sure it never gets there. Know when the tradeshow ends, and make plans to get your freight picked up and moved out in a timely manner.

Download this Freight Paper