Let’s not sugarcoat it. Exhibitors HATE material handling charges. Mostly because drayage seems arbitrary, excessive, and unpredictable. Over the years, GSC’s have occasionally tried to justify it. Last year, CEIR released “Unraveling the Myths about Material Handling.” The report explained what’s included (which was helpful), but let’s be honest, it still felt like cheap primer painted over a dark wall.
Recently, Fern and Freeman announced new material handling policies which eliminate most special handling fees and offer simplified per-pound charges. In addition to more flexible cancellation policies. Click on the link for a more detailed article in ECN about Fern’s new polities.
At first glance, these seem positive… but let’s examine them in greater detail.
Here are two Freeman examples (PDFs). Admittedly a simple analysis. In both cases, only crated shipments are accepted at the warehouse. Uncrated and pad wrapped ships are accepted at the show site:
Let’s Assume a 2000 lb. crate.
After Deadline:
Small Packages (with conditions):
Surcharges:
At first glance, most exhibitors won’t save much, assuming their freight arrives on time and in crates. The real savings are the surprise “special handling fees” and CWT rounding charges. This means greater predictability for the exhibitor since material handling is based exclusively on actually weight.
It’s a start, but the NAB Show Cares Program offers a much better model for exhibitors and the long-term health of the trade show industry. Now, here’s an even better question… Why isn’t EXHIBITORLIVE adopting the NAB Cares model?
–Mel White
mel@classicexhibits.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
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Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, hybrid, custom, rental exhibit solutions. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100 or www.classicexhibits.com.
Our HUGE thanks to Marlys Arnold from the Exhibit Marketers Cafe for the discussion with Mel White on Post-COVID exhibit design. The conversation didn’t stop there. They discussed new technologies, the blending of real and virtual tradeshows, and rental exhibits as options. In addition, Marlys and Mel talked about how COVID represents an opportunity to reset the North American trade show experience for everyone. Enjoy!
See past interviews on Marlys’s YouTube channel.
Share our predictions of post-COVID trade shows in the comments.
Search for PPE Safety Solutions from Classic Exhibits. Complete the word search and send your answer to mel@classicexhibits.com by November 7 for a chance to win a $15 Starbucks Gift Card. For a full range of Safety Divider Solutions, CLICK HERE.
Recently, IFES published an international survey on the impact of COVID-19 on the Exhibition and Event Service Industry. In total, 86 participants from around the world filled out the survey. The results were aggregated into global totals and also broken down into geographic regions: Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.
Questions Included:
Read the 73-page PDF Report HERE.
