Fern has proudly provided transportation solutions for trade shows and events for decades. It’s the core of our business. We understand the time-critical nature of your business. And the importance of making sure everything comes together on time and on budget. Every time.
Fern’s transportation and logistics services are built to reduce risk and increase predictability in event freight movement. Through careful planning, experienced coordination, and reliable carrier networks, Fern helps ensure materials arrive on time, move efficiently on-site, and depart without disruption.
We take a consultative approach to serving your transportation and logistics needs. We’ll work with you to determine the best service option to meet your needs. Then we’ll leverage our knowledge of market conditions and provider availability to give you access to pricing that takes advantage of Fern’s growing purchasing power within our partner network.
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We understand the time-critical nature of the trade show industry and the importance of being on time – all the time.
Flexible LTL and full truckload options support shipments of all sizes while aligning delivery schedules with show timelines and venue requirements.
Dedicated truck solutions provide direct, controlled transport for time-sensitive or high-value freight, reducing handling and transit risk.
Expedited ground and air services support tight timelines and last-minute needs, helping keep events on schedule when timing is critical.
White glove services provide hands-on handling, coordination, and care for high-value or complex assets, ensuring precise delivery, placement, and protection from origin through show site.
Professional packing and palletizing services help protect materials in transit while improving shipping efficiency and load stability.
The movement of goods for trade shows and events is mission critical. Our fleet of transportation specialists include carefully vetted contract carriers that partner with Fern to provide safe and reliable shipments that arrive on time and on budget everywhere you go.
The movement of goods for trade shows and events is mission critical. Our fleet of transportation specialists include carefully vetted contract carriers that partner with Fern to provide safe and reliable shipments that arrive on time and on budget everywhere you go.
Transportation & Logistics covers the planning, coordination, movement, storage, and timing of exhibit and event assets—from pre-show shipping and advance warehousing through on-site delivery, storage, and outbound shipping after the event.
Fern’s role is to ensure materials arrive on time, in the right place, and ready for use, without disrupting show schedules or increasing risk.
Fern’s transportation and logistics services include:
These services are tightly integrated with Fern’s material handling, labor, and exhibitor services teams to eliminate gaps and handoffs.
Fern supports both coordination and solution planning. Exhibitors may use their preferred carriers, or Fern can help recommend and align transportation strategies that work best with show schedules, venue constraints, and labor windows.
The goal is flexibility without sacrificing predictability.
Yes. Fern regularly works with exhibitor-selected carriers and provides clear instructions, dock schedules, and delivery windows to ensure compliance with venue and show requirements.
Advance communication with your carrier is key to avoiding delays or misrouting.
Advance warehousing allows exhibitors to ship materials to a Fern warehouse before the event, where freight is received, stored, and delivered to the booth during scheduled move-in.
This option:
Fern often recommends advance warehousing for complex exhibits or tight schedules.
Fern provides detailed shipping instructions for both options so exhibitors can choose the best fit for their timeline and budget.
Fern minimizes delays through:
While external factors like weather or carrier issues can’t be controlled, proactive planning significantly reduces risk.
Yes. Fern supports international exhibitors by providing guidance on timing, documentation, customs coordination, and delivery planning. Early engagement is critical to ensure international freight clears customs and arrives on schedule.
Fern helps event organizers by establishing standardized logistics plans that can be reused and refined year over year. This improves consistency, reduces errors, and simplifies planning across multiple locations.
Transportation and logistics focus on getting freight to and from the venue, while material handling covers moving freight once it arrives onsite.
Fern coordinates both functions closely, ensuring freight transitions smoothly from carrier to dock to booth without unnecessary delays or confusion.
Early or late freight can cause delays or require special handling. Fern’s logistics teams work to resolve issues when possible, but incorrect timing or labeling may result in:
Following Fern’s shipping guidelines is the best way to avoid these issues.
After show close, Fern coordinates:
Clear bills of lading and carrier communication help ensure freight departs efficiently during move-out.
Yes. Fern regularly works with agencies, event managers, and internal brand teams who oversee logistics for multiple exhibitors or programs. Fern’s systems and teams are designed to support delegated management with clear visibility and accountability.
Fern maintains on-site logistics and service teams throughout move-in and move-out. Exhibitors, organizers, and agencies can speak directly with Fern staff for real-time support and resolution.
Fern supports organizers with transportation and logistics planning by:
These actions protect the show schedule and improves exhibitor satisfaction.