Shipping and Advance Warehouse
You have two options for getting your freight to the show: the advance warehouse or direct-to-show. This page explains the differences and when to use each.
Advance Warehouse Shipping
The advance warehouse accepts your freight in the weeks leading up to the show. Your materials are held at the warehouse until the show's move-in period, then delivered to your booth automatically.
Advantages
- No dock scheduling or wait times
- Materials are guaranteed at your booth when you arrive
- Flexible ship dates — you can send well in advance
Deadlines
Each show has an advance warehouse deadline, typically 5 business days before move-in begins. Late shipments to the advance warehouse are subject to surcharges. Always check your show's specific deadline before shipping.
Direct-to-Show Shipping
Direct-to-show shipments arrive at the venue during the official move-in period. Your carrier checks in at the marshalling yard, receives a dock assignment, and unloads at your scheduled window.
Advantages
- Lower drayage rate than advance warehouse
- Better for oversized or temperature-sensitive freight
Disadvantages
- Requires coordination with your carrier for dock times
- Long wait times during peak move-in days
- Missed dock windows may delay booth setup
Which Should You Choose?
Advance warehouse is the safer choice for most exhibitors — especially first-timers. Direct-to-show is best for large, complex, or time-sensitive shipments where the lower drayage rate justifies the logistical coordination.
Regardless of which option you choose, label every piece clearly with the show name, your company name, and your booth number.