Our role: Direct-to-Dock Carrier

NEX EXPO Express operates as a direct-to-dock carrier at U.S. trade show venues. This means:

• We transport freight from origin directly to the show-site loading dock, bypassing the advance warehouse.
• We coordinate dock appointments through official venue or decorator channels on your behalf.
• We comply with all venue access rules, security protocols, union labor requirements, move-in schedules, and show management policies.
• We do not have show floor access. Movement of freight from the loading dock to the exhibit booth is performed exclusively by the official show decorator.

Show floor access limitation

At every U.S. trade show venue, the official show decorator (such as Freeman, GES, Shepard, or another venue-appointed contractor) holds exclusive jurisdiction over the show floor and dock-to-booth freight movement.

• NEX EXPO delivers to the loading dock only. We cannot and do not deliver freight inside the exhibition hall or to the booth.
• The decorator's standard drayage fee for dock-to-booth handling applies to every exhibitor at every show, regardless of which carrier transported the freight. This is a show requirement — not a NEX EXPO fee.
• The decorator's dock-to-booth fee is not included in the NEX EXPO flat rate. It will appear on the exhibitor's decorator invoice.
• NEX EXPO has no authority over the decorator's fees, schedules, or labor practices.

Dock appointment process

NEX EXPO coordinates dock appointments on your behalf for every shipment. The standard process:

• After booking, we review the show's dock appointment requirements and move-in schedule.
• We contact the official decorator or venue scheduling desk to secure a delivery appointment during the move-in window.
• Dock appointment confirmation is included in your shipment tracking updates.
• Some venues require Customer-specific credentials, badge numbers, or show authorization. NEX EXPO will contact you if this information is required — please respond promptly as missed deadlines can affect delivery windows.
• Dock appointments are subject to decorator/venue availability and may be assigned outside the Customer's preferred window. NEX EXPO is not responsible for appointment slots assigned by the decorator or show management.

Advance warehouse option

NEX EXPO is designed to bypass the advance warehouse. However:

• Some shows require advance warehouse delivery for all exhibitors. Where this applies, NEX EXPO will notify you at or before booking.
• When advance warehouse delivery is required or selected, the decorator's advance warehouse receiving, storage, and transfer fees apply. These fees are charged by the decorator and will appear on your decorator invoice, not your NEX EXPO invoice.
• The advance warehouse option is displayed at booking when available, with all applicable additional fees disclosed upfront.

Venue compliance requirements

By booking with NEX EXPO, you confirm that:

• All shipment contents comply with venue, show management, and applicable legal requirements for the event you are attending.
• You will provide accurate show and booth information (show name, venue, booth number, move-in date) to enable proper dock appointment scheduling.
• You will not ship items prohibited by the venue, show management, or applicable law (see Prohibited Items in our Terms of Carriage).
• You accept responsibility for freight that misses the assigned move-in window due to Customer-caused delays, inaccurate booking information, or late packaging/labeling. Re-delivery or advance warehouse transfer fees in such cases are the Customer's responsibility.

Decorator coordination

NEX EXPO operates within the official decorator's framework at every show:

• We follow all venue and decorator access protocols without exception.
• We do not bypass official labor, security, or dock scheduling procedures.
• Where a show requires specific carrier documentation or approved carrier registration, NEX EXPO manages these requirements as part of our standard service at no additional charge.
• NEX EXPO communicates directly with the show decorator on operational matters. You do not need to contact the decorator separately regarding freight delivery scheduling.

Packaging requirements for show delivery

Freight must be appropriately packaged to withstand trade show transport and comply with venue receiving standards:

• Pallets: Must be properly stretch-wrapped. Loose boxes must be secured. Pallet must be stable and within show size/weight limits.
• Crates and cases: Must be structurally sound and road-worthy. Lids and latches must be secured.
• Labeling: Every piece must display: Customer name, company name, booth number, show name, venue name, and piece count (e.g., "1 of 3"). Missing or illegible labels may cause delays at the venue dock.
• Fragile items: Must be clearly labeled "FRAGILE" and internally packed to withstand normal freight handling.
• NEX EXPO is not responsible for damage caused by inadequate packaging, improper crating, or missing/illegible labels.

Venue delays and claims

Show-site delivery involves multiple parties beyond NEX EXPO's control, including venue dock operators, official decorators, and show management. NEX EXPO is not responsible for delays or additional charges caused by:

• Venue dock congestion or restricted access during peak move-in periods
• Decorator labor slowdowns, strikes, or work stoppages
• Show management schedule changes or move-in window adjustments
• Exhibitor non-compliance with show credentials, badge requirements, or booth preparation
• Force majeure events (weather, natural disaster, government action)

Claims for damage or loss at the show site must follow the claims procedure in our Terms of Carriage. Visible damage must be reported within 5 business days of delivery to the dock.

Contact for compliance questions

For questions about specific venue requirements, show compliance, or dock access procedures:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (877) 847-9999 — Mon–Fri, 9 AM–6 PM EST