How To Reduce Drayage Costs At Trade Show Exhibits

Those familiar with trade events and shows know that drayage costs can be expensive if measures aren't taken to reduce these costs

. Drayage is defined as transporting goods short distances. In the world of trade events, it refers to moving exhibit materials from the loading dock to the trade show booths' space and back again.

How Drayage Costs Are Calculated

Exhibitors pay show contractors a pretty penny to haul this material. Transport is typically charged by 100-pound increments or the 'hundredweight' (abbreviated 'cwt'). Each show has a specific cost to transfer goods. If the trade show exhibits' rate is $60 per cwt, you would find out the weight of your display, divide it by 100 pounds, and multiply it by 60. For instance, if the weight of your exhibit is 2,400 pounds, divide that number by 100 to get 24, and multiply that by 50 to get $1,200. It is easy to see how it can quickly get expensive to haul your exhibit and materials to a booth space for each and every show!

Learn How To Trim Drayage Expenses

Trade show booths are typically heavy because they simply consist of a lot of material. However, today's custom modular exhibits are much lighter than older displays. If your current exhibit is older and quite heavy, consider trading it in for a lighter model. This is one of the best ways to reduce costs immediately. Companies might also consider storing their show displays closer to the show sites. Some exhibit houses have multiple storage facilities across the country, and they will maintain your display and ship it to the shows. Another tip would be to consolidate shipments. Additionally, you might consider renting trade show booths instead of purchasing them. Rental companies often provide all-inclusive packages that include transport costs and other services. Also consider attending trade show exhibits in smaller cities and towns, because they typically have lower rates to begin with.

More Tips For Cutting Drayage Costs Of Trade Show Booths

There are additional tips that may help your business save on transport costs. A few things to be aware of are that drayage on common carrier shipments is slightly less than through a specialized carrier like a company truck. However, look for carriers that specialize in event freight and know how to carefully handle such equipment. Also, rates to the site of trade show exhibits are usually less expensive than rates to the advance warehouse. Crated shipments typically fetch a lower fee than pad-wrapped shipments as well.

Beware of surcharges and minimum weight requirements. You'll pay more after hours and on weekends, sometimes up to 35% more. Minimum drayage rates are also usually 200 pounds, so send all freight as one shipment if possible. And be sure to get drayage cost estimates and a contract in writing before the show. Compare this agreement to the actual received bill before leaving the show.

Considering newer, lighter trade show booths is an important first step in cutting drayage expenses. By following this advice and other tips, businesses should be able to reduce their drayage costs.

by: Chris Harmen

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