Selecting
a Freight Forwarder
for
your International Exhibits
Make sure your exhibit and
sales promotion materials
arrive safely, on time, and
ready for business. Advance
planning is the key.
Exhibiting in an international
trade show offers great
opportunities to network, meet
with suppliers and
distributors, and generate
leads abroad. Choosing a
reliable freight forwarder can
give you peace of mind that
allows you to focus on
business, not logistics.
As a specialized
contractor, an international
freight forwarder's job is to
ensure smooth transfer of the
exhibit at every point along
the way from your facility to
the stand site in the exhibit
hall. Making sure your
materials arrive at the show
site safely and on-time
requires insider knowledge of
customs procedures, shipping
schedules, and factors that
can expedite or delay
shipment. The list of
questions at the close of this
article can help you confirm
your freight forwarder's
expertise in these areas.
It is a good idea to work
exclusively with recognized
and experienced exhibit
freight forwarders, such as a
member of the International
Exhibition Logistics
Associates (IELA).
You should receive
specific, detailed shipping
instructions upon initial
contact with your
international freight
forwarder, regarding:
- your particular show
- details of required
documentation
- deadline dates
- recommended packing
guidelines
- any restrictions on
exhibit size at that
particular show venue.
Your freight forwarder can
also provide suggestions
regarding identifying and
marking your shipment as
exhibit cargo. The forwarder
also acts as a customs broker,
providing all necessary forms
and assisting you to complete
them.
When shopping for an
international exhibit freight
forwarder, be sure to request
a detailed price quote
stipulating all costs. This
will help you to compare both
price and level of service.
Take the worry out of
international exhibiting by
working with an experienced
exhibit freight forwarder.
Questions
for Choosing a Freight
Forwarder
The following questions
will help you determine if a
freight forwarder is right for
your needs. Most international
shows have an official exhibit
freight forwarder, but you
still should not hesitate to
ask about experience and
references.
-
How many
international trade show
shipments does the
forwarder handle each
year?
-
Does the
forwarder have a dedicated
international exhibit
staff?
-
Will the
forwarder have both local
and corporate
representation onsite?
-
What kind
of pre-planning assistance
do they offer in terms of
help with customs,
insurance, packing and
scheduling?
-
What kind
of on-site assistance is
available during the show,
such as brochure or
giveaway replenishment?
-
What
happens if your
transportation needs
change on-site?
-
Is the
rate quoted all inclusive
with ground services
figured in, or just
airport to airport?
-
Is the
forwarder a member of
International Exhibition
Logistics Associates?
You can verify their
membership at http://www.iela.de/.
-
Does your
forwarder have available
for reference purposes
copies of the US Export
Administration Regulations
and the "Schedule
B" Book (Harmonized
Code)? Note:
Negative answers to this
question justify seeking
another forwarder.
-
Can your
forwarder provide
references of other
companies shipping to the
same site where your show
is located?
-
Has your
forwarder asked you to
sign a limited "Power
of Attorney" for
purposes of handling your
export documentation? Note:
Failure to do so is
justification to find
another forwarder.
Date Updated: March 27, 2007
|
