Question 1

How do I check my show’s shipping options?

Accepted Answer

Select your show in the directory or rate tool to see its delivery options. NEX EXPO coordinates arrival with the show’s receiving schedule.

Question 2

Do you service regional or smaller shows?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate freight for major conventions and smaller events. Select your show to see its delivery options, or request your show through the directory.

Question 3

Why should I select the exact show edition?

Accepted Answer

Receiving dates, addresses and shipping options belong to a specific edition. Match the show’s dates and location when selecting it; use past-edition pages as references for that edition.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Use Request a Show on the Trade Shows page. Provide the show name, city, venue and dates so the NEX EXPO team can review the shipping options.

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

Choose package types and quantities: trunks or road cases up to 350 lb, Standard or Tall Pallets up to 1,000 lb, and crates. Standard crates use the 50 × 48 × 84-inch allowance with the 800 lb or 1,500 lb band. For custom crates, enter dimensions and weight up to 4,500 lb per piece; supported sizes receive calculated rates online. The form checks size and handling requirements.

Question 7

How does NEX EXPO deliver directly to the show dock?

Accepted Answer

NEX EXPO coordinates pickup, freight transportation, carrier arrival and receiving instructions for delivery to your show’s receiving dock.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

NEX EXPO delivers to the show’s receiving dock. The show contractor handles dock-to-booth movement and bills material handling and other selected show services separately.

Question 9

How does direct-to-show differ from advance-warehouse delivery?

Accepted Answer

Direct-to-show shipping goes to the show’s receiving dock during its receiving window. An advance warehouse receives and holds freight earlier, then transfers it to the venue.

Question 10

Which address should I use for show delivery?

Accepted Answer

Use the receiving address and instructions for the option selected in your booking, as shown on your current shipping labels. Do not use the venue’s visitor entrance. Check your show’s dates, exhibitor name and booth details before labeling freight.

Question 11

Where can I find venue guidance?

Accepted Answer

Browse the venue guides for addresses and receiving notes, including Javits, Las Vegas Convention Center, McCormick Place and Orange County Convention Center. Use your exact show edition for its dates and shipping options.

Question 12

What paperwork do you handle?

Accepted Answer

NEX EXPO prepares your shipping labels and bill of lading, and coordinates receiving instructions and carrier check-in. Tell us about any facility insurance-document requirements. For pickup from a show, your team must complete and submit the decorator’s freight-release form, then upload a copy to NEX EXPO.

Question 13

Do I need to arrange anything before pickup?

Accepted Answer

Have your freight packed, labeled and accessible for the agreed pickup window. Share facility access and insurance-document requirements with NEX EXPO so we can coordinate the carrier’s arrival.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Send the receiving or release instructions to NEX EXPO. We help coordinate carrier paperwork and identify anything your exhibitor team needs to complete, including the decorator’s freight-release process.

Question 15

Where do I get my shipping labels, and how do I attach them?

Accepted Answer

Your shipping labels and bill of lading are available in Documents within your booking. Check the exhibitor name, booth number and receiving address. Secure the correct label to each piece, preferably in a clear pouch, and remove outdated shipping labels. Follow any additional labeling instructions from your show.

Question 16

How does flat-rate pricing work?

Accepted Answer

Your transportation rate covers the selected pickup, freight transportation and coordinated delivery. Review your package details and any selected optional services before booking. The show’s handling team charges separately for moving freight to your booth.

Question 17

How are optional services priced?

Accepted Answer

Your quote lists transportation and any selected services, so you can review the charges before booking. Value Protection is optional and subject to its terms.

Question 18

What zones are prices based on?

Accepted Answer

Pricing zones are based on the distance between your selected pickup and delivery locations. Zone 1 is up to 500 miles; Zone 2 is over 500 through 1,000 miles; Zone 3 is over 1,000 through 1,500 miles; and Zone 4 is over 1,500 miles. Select your show, route and relevant ZIP code in the rate tool to see your zone and price.

Question 19

Do prices change between shows or zones?

Accepted Answer

The distance between your selected pickup and delivery locations determines your zone, so the same freight may fall into a different zone for another show. Base rates for the same package type are consistent within a zone. Your quote also accounts for custom crate details and selected services.

Question 20

How do multi-pallet discounts work?

Accepted Answer

Automatic volume discounts apply to Standard Pallets and Tall Pallets, with quantities counted separately for each type. Ship 2–3 of the same type and save $50 per pallet; ship 4–9 of the same type and save $100 per pallet. Ten or more of one type require a custom quote. Book your return together with your outbound shipment to receive 15% off eligible return freight. Optional services are priced separately.

Question 21

Is there a minimum shipment size?

Accepted Answer

You can ship one trunk, one pallet or a combination of supported packages. Volume discounts apply to eligible Standard Pallet quantities.

Question 22

How do I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Select your show and route, enter the relevant ZIP code, and choose your package types and quantities. Enter dimensions and weight for custom crates. Supported shipments receive a transportation rate online. Getting a rate does not book your shipment; you choose when to continue and confirm your booking.

Question 23

Do I need an account to get a rate?

Accepted Answer

No. You can get a transportation rate without an account. Create or sign in to an account when you are ready to book.

Question 24

What information do I need to book?

Accepted Answer

Have your exact show edition, pickup address, package types and quantities, and preferred pickup date ready. Add packed dimensions and weight for custom crates. Booth number and exhibitor details are collected during booking, not the rate step.

Question 25

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 26

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 27

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 28

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 29

How far in advance do I need to ship?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking at least 2–3 weeks before move-in when possible. Your pickup date depends on your route and the show’s receiving window. Follow the confirmed pickup date and check your exact show edition for receiving deadlines. The show’s opening date is not the freight delivery deadline.

Question 30

Can I track my shipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your account shows recorded shipment activity and available photos. Email updates cover recorded pickup, delivery and warehouse receipt milestones.

Question 31

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

Accepted Answer

Contact NEX EXPO at (877) 847-9999 for a time-sensitive delay. Our operations team coordinates with the show contractor on receiving arrangements and next steps.

Question 32

What happens if my freight is damaged or lost?

Accepted Answer

Contact NEX EXPO promptly at (877) 847-9999 or support@nexexpoship.com with your booking reference and details of the issue. Optional Value Protection is available at checkout and subject to its terms.

Question 33

Can I ship my freight back after the show?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Book your return with your outbound shipment to receive 15% off eligible return freight. NEX EXPO coordinates pickup from the show dock around the confirmed move-out arrangements and delivery to your selected destination. You must repack, label your freight and complete the decorator’s release requirements before pickup. See “What do I need to do before my return pickup?” for the required steps.

Question 34

Do you offer storage between shows?

Accepted Answer

Yes — secure warehouse 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 35

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

Accepted Answer

Select “Ship From Trade Show” in the rate tool to check available return options, or contact our team before the show’s move-out deadline. Pickup depends on availability and the show’s release requirements. The 15% return discount applies when the return is booked together with your outbound shipment.

Question 36

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 37

Will I receive a post-show invoice?

Accepted Answer

Your quote shows the transportation rate for the shipment booked. Invoices follow your payment terms; later shipment changes or services you request may change the amount due.

Question 38

What do I need to do before my return pickup?

Accepted Answer

If your return is already booked, do not book it again. Repack, remove old shipping labels, attach your current NEX EXPO return labels to each piece, and confirm readiness with our team.

Enter NEX EXPO Express as the outbound carrier on the decorator’s freight-release form. Submit it to the decorator by their deadline, then upload a copy through your booking or reminder link. Uploading to NEX EXPO alone does not release freight or confirm pickup.

Trade show shipping FAQs

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Coverage & Shows

How It Works & Delivery

Pricing & Rates

Booking & Process

Shipping & Delivery

After the Show

Helpful guides for your next show

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Prepare your freight

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