What is material handling?
Material handling, or drayage, is moving the freight from your carrier’s vehicle on the dock to your booth space by the show contractor. The cost also includes storing your crates and skids during the show and taking it all back to your carrier on the dock when the show is over, after it is packed up. This is an unavoidable charge from the show contractor with a set rate that is non-negotiable.
How can you lower your costs if they are un-avoidable?
One way to keep your material handling costs as low as possible is to combine as much as you can and avoid shipping multiple small boxes. Shows charge a set amount per carton, with a minimum of usually 100-200 pounds. That means if you ship 4 boxes weighing 20 pounds each, and the material handling fee is $100 per CWT with a 100 pound minimum, you will pay $400 just for those boxes. If you combine them onto a pallet and ship the pallet, this would cost you $200 including the weight of the pallet. You can also save time and money by shipping to advanced warehouse. If you ship direct to show, make sure the carrier knows the time frame for delivery and where to go on the dock. Arriving out of the time frame, adds additional charges on your invoice. Eliminating unnecessary items from your show is another way you can cut back on material handling charges. Planning ahead can make a difference on your total bill.
