Q:

What are the advantages of designating a carrier like Transit Air Cargo?

A:

There are several reasons to use a niche carrier like Transit Air Cargo.

We specialize in the shipment of tradeshow booths and equipment, and any high-value, time-sensitive commodities. Other companies haul product freight as their primary business. Those companies go through a hub and spoke system which requires a lot of additional handling and greater risk of loss or damage.

We provide personalized service from one of our experienced shipping consultants and consistent rate programs. Other companies charge class 125 tariffs on the outbound of the show, which far exceed their inbound charges that are based on product freight rates.

We know the shows that you are attending and can help you avoid off target delivery charges, excessive waiting time and forced freight.

One stop shopping…We can do any show anywhere in the world.

Q:

How do I pack my materials so that I minimize my chances of damage?

A:

Most damage is caused by improper packing of materials. Boxes and crates must completely enclose the item and be made of wood, metal, plastic, fiberboard or paperboard. Boxes should be secured with heavy duty packing tape.

Skids should be packed with the ends of the boxes sitting on top of each other. Boxes hanging over the edge of the pallet or over other boxes will reduce their strength and they can collapse during shipping. Fragile items must be properly padded within their container and not allowed to touch another item.

Do not use open boxes, reused boxes or ship items that are not enclosed in a container ("naked" freight). Using string, masking tape or cellophane tape to secure your boxes increases your risk of damage as well.

Q:

If I have a truck scheduled for an 8:00 AM move-in at a show, is it safe to schedule my I&D labor for 10:00 AM?

A:

If everything is perfect, you might be able to get your booth by 10:00 AM. Our recommendation is that you allow a minimum of 4 hours after your targeted delivery time. In cases where you have time flexibility, starting your labor the next morning at 8:00 AM will insure that you aren’t paying for labor to stand around waiting for the arrival of your booth.

Q:

How do you determine the billable weight of my shipment?

A:

Billable weight is determined by using the greater of the actual or dimensional weight. Dimensional weight is a standard formula that is based on the space that an item takes up on the truck or airplane. It was designed to compensate carriers for shipping bulky items that have relatively low actual weight. By properly palletizing your freight to insure that no items stick out, you can save on dimensional weight.

Example: If you have 8 boxes on a pallet and the overall dimensions are 40*48*52 (L*W*H) then the dimensional weight would be 580 lbs. By placing a 6-foot pole in the center of the pallet the dimensions would then be 40*48*76 and the weight would jump up to 849 lbs. This pole might only weight 30 lbs. but by placing it in the middle of the skid it added 299 lbs. of dimensional weight.

Q:

Am I better off shipping to the advanced warehouse or directly to show site?

A:

There are many factors when trying to decide on which way to go on this. Some of these factors include: the weight of the shipment, the existence of a targeted move in, the likelihood of waiting time at the show and the difference of the advanced and direct drayage rates. Our account executives are trained to council you on the most economical and efficient way to move your freight.

Q:

I have a targeted delivery time, why did I get charged waiting time?

A:

The targeted delivery time insures that our truck will be checked into the marshalling yard at that specific time. Once we are checked in, we are required to wait until we are called up to the dock by drayage. Often times the docks get backed up, that forces our trucks to wait there in marshalling. This can happen in minutes or hours depending on the location of the show and available dock space.

Q:

I am going to do an International show for the first time, how can I be sure everything will make it there on time?

A:

Rest assured that we have been successfully moving tradeshow and product freight throughout the world since 1989. We are a full service company and take your freight by air or ocean from your door directly to your booth space and back to your office. This includes document preparation, customs clearance, ATA Carnets and storage if needed. We are on site for most major shows and have an worldwide network of agents that will handle your freight with the utmost of care and professionalism.

Q:

What is an ATA Carnet?

A:

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that acts as a "passport" for your freight. It facilitates temporary imports into foreign countries and is usually valid for up to one year. The advantages are that it reduces costs by eliminating value added taxes, duties and the posting of security deposits. In addition, it simplifies customs procedures and facilitates re-entry back into the U.S.