Overview
Expo shipping at a glance
Deadline
Show open date rules all
Not generic transit
Inventory
Case-level control
Photo inventory recommended
Import
Temporary design where eligible
ATA or permanent import
Risk
On-site window miss
Insurance + contacts
Scope
What we handle
Risk controls
Photo inventory, labeled cases, on-site contact, insurance option.
ATA Carnet
ATA Carnet for temporary imports
Useful for eligible temporary imports; application needs complete inventory data and lead time.
Modes
Modes for exhibition cargo
Usually air for critical booth materials; sea when volume and calendar allow.
Air freight from China · Sea freight from China · Door-to-door shipping from China · Warehouse
Documents
Documents for exhibition shipping from China
Exhibition shipping from China is deadline logistics. Inventory list, case marks, temporary import filing, and on-site delivery slot must match the show calendar.
Detailed exhibit inventory list
Item-level list with values—foundation for temporary import and ATA Carnet applications where used.
Commercial invoice / proforma for customs
Even temporary imports need value identity. Mark temporary exhibition use clearly when applicable.
Packing list with case numbers
Cases should be marked to match the inventory for on-site deconsolidation speed.
ATA Carnet (when applicable)
A Carnet can streamline temporary admission for eligible goods among participating territories. It needs accurate inventory and lead time—incomplete lists delay issuance.
Transport documents (AWB/B/L)
Aligned to show open date and venue city routing.
Venue delivery authorization / booth access documents
Many venues require passes, time slots, and on-site contacts. Logistics docs alone do not open loading docks.
Insurance documents
Exhibition moves have handling peaks during build-up/tear-down; insurance scope should match the full period when purchased.
Return invoice/inventory
Return moves need a clean list of what leaves the venue versus what was sold or disposed locally.
Consistency rule
Inventory list · case marks · Carnet/temporary import filing · on-site delivery slot must match the show calendar.
Show planning
Work backward from show open date
Inventory list → mode choice → temporary import method → venue delivery window → empty storage → return plan
Exhibition cargo is deadline cargo. Do not plan from a generic transit brochure.
Planning bands
Transit planning bands (directional)
Planning bands are directional, not a guarantee. Always confirm a dated schedule for the actual origin, destination, and scope.
| Service / lane | Typical planning band |
|---|---|
| Critical booth materials | often air — plan backward from show open |
| Volume booth cargo | sea when calendar allows — confirm dated schedule |
| Venue delivery window | must be scoped — not “arrive sometime that week” |
Get a quote
Exhibition shipping quote checklist
- ✓Show name/dates
- ✓Venue city
- ✓Inventory list
- ✓Weight/dims
- ✓Temporary import method
- ✓Return required yes/no
- ✓Insurance
Typical response within 24 hours · Scope listed before booking
FAQ