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Special handling is an additional charge assessed by the show contractor for handling of shipments that are packed in such a way that requires additional resources to properly handle. Examples of special handling include:
- Ground Loading: Loading and unloading vehicles that are not dock height.
- Side Door Loading: Loading and unloading vehicles from side door and not rear of truck.
- Constricted Space Loading: Freight loaded as to make shipments not readily available.
- Designated Piece Loading: Loading a trailer in a specific order or manner to ensure all freight fits.
- Stacked Shipments: Receiving shipments that are stacked and require un-stacking.
- Improper Delivery Receipts: Receiving shipments that do not include a hardcopy delivery receipt.
- Uncrated Shipments: Loading and unloading material that is loose or pad-wrapped.
A Target is a designated day and time for arrival of freight assigned to a particular exhibitor or exhibit area depending on their location within the facility. Targets help to ensure a smooth move-in and move-out. If your booth or shipment does not arrive within the target, you may be subject to additional charges.
Forced freight is freight “forced” or sent back to the show contractor’s warehouse after the show move-out when the assigned pickup carrier fails to check in for that shipment.
The Move-Out Process is a specific process for exhibitors to pack up and ship their freight out of the show, which normally includes the following:
- When show ends, the show contractor will return the exhibitor’s empty pallets, crates, or other packing material directly to your booth.
- After the exhibitor (or contractor) has fully packed freight, a bill of lading (normally an Outbound Bill of Lading or MHA) must be completed and returned to the Contractor’s service desk. The carrier scheduled to pick up that freight must be listed in the “Carrier” section of the Outbound Bill of Lading.
- The driver of the carrier assigned to pick up the shipment will check in for that specific shipment.
- Driver will be called to the dock to load shipment.
The MHA (Material Handling Agreement) is also known as the Outbound Bill of Lading. It is the show contractor supplied bill of lading. Every exhibitor (or contractor) must complete this paperwork to ensure the shipment will be picked up by assigned carrier.
Drayage is the charge the show contractor charges for moving and handling your exhibit material during show move-in and move-out. Drayage also applies to shipments delivering to the advance warehouse.
An advance warehouse is a location designated by show contractor that accepts show shipments 30 days prior to the show move-in.
It depends on the show and your set-up schedule. Benefits to shipping to the advance warehouse include:
- No time specific or special delivery parameters are required.
- Normally the advance warehouse freight is the first to be unloaded at the show.
- Less chance of detention at delivery. Drawbacks to shipping to the advance warehouse include:
- Drayage is usually more expensive.
- Earlier shipping date is required.
- Increased handling of freight, which can result in a better chance of damage.
