What you need to know about shipping post Covid.
We are thrilled that in-person trade shows are finally coming back and look forward to an exciting and productive Fall show season!
As shows return we are adapting to changes in how shows are held and how we interact on the show floor due to COVID. However, COVID has also impacted the trucking industry, and as such is changing how we ship to and from shows.
Increased freight demand combined with a supply shortage of drivers and equipment, is causing an industry imbalance resulting in LTL and truckload carriers being stretched thin and short on capacity.
Expected to continue through 2021, this imbalance is creating increased costs, longer transit times, carrier restrictions on freight size and the type of freight a carrier will transport, and depending on the situation, even challenges in making a shipment happen at all.
What does this mean for exhibitors returning to shows this Fall?
Understand that delays and additional charges may arise, and some upfront planning may be needed to overcome any challenges, maximize access to capacity and services, and minimize rate increases.
Some tips to help you through:
Avoid last minute and/or time critical shipments whenever possible. Book your shipments early to get your materials moving quickly, allow for some extra transit time, and ship to the show’s advance warehouse to have your materials delivered early.
Avoid shipping oversized pieces (greater than 96” long, wide or high) whenever possible as oversized pieces may result in less available capacity, additional cost and/or additional transit time. For example, depending on the situation it may be beneficial to temporarily rent carpet instead of ship large skids of rolls and padding.
Consult with your transportation partner early to identify any challenges and to determine which shipping modes are best for each of your shipments at that time. Communicate with your transportation partner regularly to stay on top of current capacity issues, costs, transit times and any other changes that may arise.
Expert Show Logistics specializes in transportation services for the Trade Show and Special Event Industries. We are your resource to navigate the current trucking market and develop a customized strategy that optimizes your transportation costs and services.