Question 1

Is this available at all trade shows?

Accepted Answer

We operate at all major U.S. trade shows and convention centers, with over 13,000 shows in our directory. Enter your show in the rate tool to confirm availability and see pricing. If your show isn't listed, request it and we'll add it within 24 hours.

Question 2

Do you service regional or smaller shows?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We service shows of all sizes across the U.S. — from major conventions like CES and SEMA to regional industry shows and smaller events. If the venue has a loading dock and an official decorator, we can service it.

Question 3

How do I know if NEX EXPO services my specific show?

Accepted Answer

Search your show name in our rate tool or trade show directory. If it's listed, we service it. If it's not listed, use the Request a Show form — we add new shows within 24 hours.

Question 4

My show isn't in your directory. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

Use the Request a Show form on our Trade Shows page. Provide the show name, city, venue, and dates. We'll add the show to our directory within 24 hours and notify you by email when it's ready to book.

Question 5

Do you handle international trade shows?

Accepted Answer

NEX EXPO Express currently covers U.S. trade shows only. For international show shipping, our parent company NEX Worldwide Express offers global freight services. Contact us and we'll connect you with the right team.

Question 6

What shipment types do you handle?

Accepted Answer

We handle trunks and road cases (≤350 lb), standard pallets and skids (≤1,000 lb), tall pallets up to 72" height (≤1,000 lb), and wooden or OSB crates (≤800 lb). For oversized or special freight, contact us for a custom quote.

Question 7

How does NEX EXPO deliver directly to the show dock?

Accepted Answer

NEX EXPO is a direct-to-dock carrier — we pick up from your location and deliver freight straight to the show-site loading dock, bypassing the advance warehouse entirely. We coordinate dock appointments on your behalf.

Question 8

Who handles moving my freight from the dock to my booth?

Accepted Answer

The official show decorator (such as Freeman or GES) is the only company authorized to move materials on the show floor. They handle dock-to-booth for every exhibitor at every show — regardless of how you ship. NEX EXPO delivers to the loading dock; the decorator takes it from there.

Question 9

Do I completely avoid drayage?

Accepted Answer

You avoid the warehouse stage — which is the largest and most expensive part of drayage. The decorator's on-site dock-to-booth handling is smaller and remains, as required by show regulations. This applies to every exhibitor at every show, regardless of shipping provider — it cannot be avoided.

Question 10

Do you deliver inside the exhibition hall?

Accepted Answer

No. We deliver to the show-site loading dock. Dock-to-booth handling is performed by the official show decorator, as required by venue rules.
This is true of all direct-to-dock carriers.
The decorator fee for this service is separate and applied by the show organizer.

Question 11

Can you deliver to any U.S. show venue?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NEX EXPO delivers to show-site loading docks at major U.S. trade show venues including the Javits Center (NY), Las Vegas Convention Center, McCormick Place (Chicago), Orange County Convention Center (Orlando), and many more. Search your show to confirm availability.

Question 12

What paperwork do you handle?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate dock appointment scheduling on your behalf — the logistics step exhibitors typically struggle with most. Some pickup facilities such as office buildings, corporate campuses, or warehouses require a certificate of insurance from the carrier before allowing truck access. We provide this automatically when needed. You don't need to arrange or submit anything on your end.

Question 13

Do I need to arrange anything before pickup?

Accepted Answer

No. Just provide your pickup address and preferred pickup window when booking. We handle all pre-pickup coordination. If your facility requires carrier insurance documentation before allowing truck access, we take care of it — we'll confirm any requirements directly with your facility.

Question 14

What if the show requires specific documentation I don't have?

Accepted Answer

We handle all required show documentation as part of every booking. If a show has unusual requirements we'll contact you directly to confirm details. You never need to navigate show paperwork on your own.

Question 15

How does flat-rate pricing work?

Accepted Answer

You get one all-inclusive price before you ship — covering pickup, transportation, decorator coordination, dock appointment scheduling, and show dock delivery.
No per-hundred-weight math, no fuel surcharges, no post-show invoices.

Question 16

Are there any fees not included in the flat rate?

Accepted Answer

The only fee not included is the decorator's standard dock-to-booth handling fee — this is charged by the official show decorator (e.g. Freeman, GES) and applies to all exhibitors regardless of shipping provider. It cannot be avoided. All NEX EXPO fees are included in your flat rate.

Question 17

What zones are prices based on?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is based on shipping distance from your origin ZIP to the show venue. Zone 1 is up to 500 miles, Zone 2 is 500–1,000 miles, Zone 3 is 1,000–1,500 miles, and Zone 4 is 1,500+ miles. Enter your ZIP in the rate tool to see your exact zone and price.

Question 18

Do prices change between shows or zones?

Accepted Answer

Zone pricing is based on distance from your origin ZIP to the show venue — so the same shipment may be in a different zone for a show in Chicago vs Las Vegas. Base rates per piece type are consistent across all shows within the same zone.

Question 19

How do multi-pallet discounts work?

Accepted Answer

Discounts apply to Standard Pallet shipments automatically at checkout. Ship 2 or more Standard Pallets and save $50 each. Ship 4 or more Standard Pallets and save $100 each. Book return shipment at checkout and save an additional 15% on the return rate.

Question 20

Is there a minimum shipment size?

Accepted Answer

No minimum. We ship single trunks, single pallets, or any combination. Volume discounts apply automatically when you ship 2 or more pallet shipments.

Question 21

How do I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Enter your show name, origin ZIP, and piece types in our rate tool. Your flat-rate quote appears in under 60 seconds. No account needed to get a rate.

Question 22

Do I need an account to get a rate?

Accepted Answer

No. You can get an instant flat-rate quote in under 60 seconds without creating an account. An account is only required when you're ready to confirm and book your shipment.

Question 23

What information do I need to book?

Accepted Answer

You'll need your show name, pickup address, piece types and quantities, and a preferred pickup date. We collect booth number and exhibitor details during booking — not during the rate step.

Question 24

How long is my quote valid?

Accepted Answer

Your quote is valid for 30 days from the date it's generated. Pricing is based on piece types, counts, and your shipping zone at the time of the quote. Changes in quantities or sizes may result in revised pricing.

Question 25

What is the latest I can book before a show?

Accepted Answer

Each show has its own booking deadline — shown on the show page. We recommend booking at least 2–3 weeks before move-in. Last-minute bookings may be accommodated depending on availability — call us directly at (877) 847-9999.

Question 26

Can someone else book on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Event agencies and logistics managers frequently book on behalf of exhibiting clients. Contact us to set up a multi-client account if you manage bookings for multiple companies.

Question 27

Can I cancel or modify my booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes — modifications and cancellations are subject to our standard terms and conditions. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes. Requests made well in advance of pickup are generally easier to accommodate. See our Service Agreement for full details.

Question 28

How far in advance do I need to ship?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking at least 2–3 weeks before your show move-in date. Each show has an advance booking deadline — check your specific show page for exact dates. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you have on pickup windows.

Question 29

Can I track my shipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once your shipment is booked you can track it in real time through your account dashboard. You'll also receive email updates at key milestones — pickup confirmed, in transit, and delivered to show dock.

Question 30

What if my freight arrives late or misses the move-in window?

Accepted Answer

If a delay occurs we contact you immediately and work to resolve it. We coordinate directly with the show decorator on your behalf. For time-sensitive situations call us at (877) 847-9999 — our operations team handles show-day issues directly.

Question 31

What happens if my freight is damaged or lost?

Accepted Answer

NEX EXPO Express handles your freight with care through the entire transportation process. Optional cargo insurance is available at checkout for added protection. If issues arise, contact us immediately at (877) 847-9999 or support@nexexpoship.com.

Question 32

Can I ship my freight back after the show?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Book your return shipment at checkout when booking your outbound shipment and save 15%. We pick up from the show dock after move-out and deliver back to your specified location. Return shipments can also be booked after the fact — contact us directly.

Question 33

Do you offer storage between shows?

Accepted Answer

Yes — secure, climate-controlled storage is available as an optional add-on service. This is ideal for exhibitors who attend multiple shows throughout the year and want to avoid shipping back and forth between events. Pricing is shown before you confirm.

Question 34

What if I forget to book my return shipment at checkout?

Accepted Answer

No problem. Contact us before or during the show and we'll arrange return pickup. Note that the 15% return discount only applies when booked at the same time as your outbound shipment.

Question 35

How long does return delivery take?

Accepted Answer

Return transit times follow the same zone-based schedule as outbound shipments. Zone 1 typically 1–2 business days, Zone 2–3 typically 2–4 days, Zone 4 up to 5 business days after show dock pickup.

Question 36

Will I receive a post-show invoice?

Accepted Answer

No. Your flat rate is locked in before you ship. What you see at checkout is what you pay — no post-show invoices, no surprise charges. The only additional fee you may receive is from the official show decorator for dock-to-booth handling, which is outside NEX EXPO's control.

Trade show FAQs.Questions we hear a lot.

Coverage & Shows

How It Works & Delivery

Pricing & Rates

Booking & Process

Shipping & Delivery

After the Show

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