Dec 17, 2025
What is Trade Show Drayage? (And Why is it So Expensive?)
What is Trade Show Drayage? (And Why is it So Expensive?)
Circle Exhibit Team
Industry professionals
Exhibition industry professional dedicated to delivering the latest insights and curated recommendations to you.
If you are new to exhibiting, you might be shocked when you receive a bill for "Material Handling" or "Drayage" that costs almost as much as shipping your booth across the country.
If you are new to exhibiting, you might be shocked when you receive a bill for "Material Handling" or "Drayage" that costs almost as much as shipping your booth across the country.
If you are new to exhibiting, you might be shocked when you receive a bill for "Material Handling" or "Drayage" that costs almost as much as shipping your booth across the country.
What exactly is Drayage? Simply put, drayage is the service of moving your exhibit materials from the loading dock to your specific booth spot on the show floor, and then moving the empty crates back to storage.
It sounds simple, so why is the bill so high?
The "Last Mile" Monopoly
Unlike shipping (where you can choose between FedEx, UPS, or DHL), you have no choice when it comes to drayage. It is handled exclusively by the show's General Service Contractor (GSC), such as Freeman or GES.
Because they have a monopoly on the venue logistics and use union labor, the rates are set high—often calculated per 100 lbs (CWT).
3 Ways to Lower Your Drayage Bill
At Circle Exhibit, we help our clients optimize their logistics to avoid these surprise costs. Here are three pro tips:
1. Consolidate Your Shipment
Most contractors have a "minimum charge" (e.g., a 200 lb minimum per shipment).
Mistake: Sending 5 separate small packages via FedEx. You will be charged the minimum fee 5 times.
Solution: Put everything on one pallet and shrink-wrap it. You only pay the minimum once.
2. Avoid "Special Handling"
If your crates are stacked weirdly or your carrier delivers them late (forcing the forklift driver to work overtime), you get hit with "Special Handling" surcharges (often +30%). Ensure your Bill of Lading (BOL) is accurate and your driver checks in on time.
3. Design for Weight
Since you pay by the pound, lighter booths are cheaper. This is why Modular Systems (aluminum frames with fabric graphics) are becoming so popular compared to heavy wood construction. They look premium but weigh significantly less.
Read More: Custom vs. Modular Booths: Which is Right for You?
Summary
Drayage is an unavoidable tax on exhibitors, but it can be managed. Don't let logistics eat your marketing budget. Work with a booth builder who understands the rules of the dock.
Need help planning your next show logistics?
What exactly is Drayage? Simply put, drayage is the service of moving your exhibit materials from the loading dock to your specific booth spot on the show floor, and then moving the empty crates back to storage.
It sounds simple, so why is the bill so high?
The "Last Mile" Monopoly
Unlike shipping (where you can choose between FedEx, UPS, or DHL), you have no choice when it comes to drayage. It is handled exclusively by the show's General Service Contractor (GSC), such as Freeman or GES.
Because they have a monopoly on the venue logistics and use union labor, the rates are set high—often calculated per 100 lbs (CWT).
3 Ways to Lower Your Drayage Bill
At Circle Exhibit, we help our clients optimize their logistics to avoid these surprise costs. Here are three pro tips:
1. Consolidate Your Shipment
Most contractors have a "minimum charge" (e.g., a 200 lb minimum per shipment).
Mistake: Sending 5 separate small packages via FedEx. You will be charged the minimum fee 5 times.
Solution: Put everything on one pallet and shrink-wrap it. You only pay the minimum once.
2. Avoid "Special Handling"
If your crates are stacked weirdly or your carrier delivers them late (forcing the forklift driver to work overtime), you get hit with "Special Handling" surcharges (often +30%). Ensure your Bill of Lading (BOL) is accurate and your driver checks in on time.
3. Design for Weight
Since you pay by the pound, lighter booths are cheaper. This is why Modular Systems (aluminum frames with fabric graphics) are becoming so popular compared to heavy wood construction. They look premium but weigh significantly less.
Read More: Custom vs. Modular Booths: Which is Right for You?
Summary
Drayage is an unavoidable tax on exhibitors, but it can be managed. Don't let logistics eat your marketing budget. Work with a booth builder who understands the rules of the dock.
Need help planning your next show logistics?
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