Case study
For years, exhibitors struggled to make sense out of the unpredictability of the cost of material handling. Fern’s industry-leading 1RATE takes the guesswork out of planning ahead — and makes worrying about fluctuations in the price of doing business a thing of the past.
With Fern 1RATE, exhibitors enjoy the certainty of having one per-pound rate — with no minimum and overtime charges, no marshalling yard and special handling, warehouse, or small package fees. No kidding.
Fern’s material handling services are designed to remove uncertainty from one of the most complex parts of exhibiting. With experienced logistics teams, transparent pricing, and disciplined execution, Fern helps ensure freight moves safely, efficiently, and on schedule from arrival through departure.
We run tight ships and are relentless when it comes to providing show organizers and exhibitors with budget-friendly alternatives and uncompromising service.
Advance warehouse and on-site storage solutions provide flexibility, reduce congestion, and support smoother delivery during scheduled move-in windows.
Certified operators and properly sized equipment ensure freight is handled safely and efficiently, minimizing risk to people, exhibits, and facilities.
Rigging services are coordinated by experienced professionals to support compliant, secure overhead installations that meet venue and safety requirements.
Professional packing and palletizing services help protect exhibit assets, improve shipping efficiency, and simplify outbound logistics after the event.
On those occasions when you need a little extra space, let Fern handle it. From storing a few crates each year to warehousing exhibits, displays and event properties between shows, Fern has you covered. With 200+ locations to store your materials in North America, we have warehousing and storage solutions to fit your needs.
On those occasions when you need a little extra space, let Fern handle it. From storing a few crates each year to warehousing exhibits, displays and event properties between shows, Fern has you covered. With 200+ locations to store your materials in North America, we have warehousing and storage solutions to fit your needs.
Material handling—often called drayage—is the receiving, storage, movement, delivery, and return of exhibit freight within the convention center or event venue. It includes unloading freight from carriers, transporting it to the booth, storing empty containers, and returning freight to the dock after the event.
Material handling is a required service to ensure safety, efficiency, and schedule control in busy event environments.
Fern’s material handling services include:
These services are essential to keeping move-in and move-out running smoothly and safely.
Material handling is required because:
As the official contractor, Fern ensures freight moves efficiently without disrupting the show schedule or putting people at risk.
Material handling is typically calculated by weight (per hundredweight), based on the certified weight of your shipment—including crates, pallets, and packing materials.
Fern clearly publishes rates and instructions so exhibitors understand:
Fern’s 1RATE program simplifies material handling costs with:
This approach removes common cost variables and gives exhibitors predictable, transparent pricing, helping them budget with confidence.
Fern provides clear shipping instructions for both options and helps exhibitors choose the best approach for their timeline and budget.
Fern helps exhibitors manage costs by encouraging:
Early planning and clear documentation are the most effective cost-control tools.
Late or early shipments can cause delays or additional handling complexity. Fern’s logistics teams work with carriers and exhibitors to resolve issues whenever possible, but shipping outside assigned windows may result in delays or additional costs.
Following Fern’s shipping guidelines is the best way to avoid issues.
Yes. Exhibitors may use their preferred carrier. Fern coordinates with all authorized carriers and provides clear instructions to ensure freight arrives, unloads, and departs according to show schedules and venue requirements.
Self-handling restrictions exist to:
Fern enforces these rules consistently to protect exhibitors, organizers, and venue operations.
Once your booth is set, Fern removes and securely stores empty containers during the event. After show close, containers are returned to your booth so freight can be repacked and shipped out efficiently.
Fern coordinates outbound logistics by:
Clear labels, bills of lading, and carrier coordination help ensure smooth departures.
Fern maintains on-site service desks and logistics teams throughout move-in, show days, and move-out. If an issue arises, exhibitors can speak directly with Fern staff for immediate assistance and resolution.
For organizers and associations, Fern:
This protects the overall show experience and keeps exhibitors satisfied.
