Nimlok Tradepoints:
Finding the Right Carrier - 21 Questions to Ask

1. Do you have a specialty fleet to service tradeshow needs?
2. How much of your business comes from tradeshow transportation?
3. How will you work within my budget?
4. What is your communication process with the customer?
5. How do you communicate with your drivers and dispatchers?
6. What do you do to familiarize your agents with a specific convention facility?
7. Do you have on-site representatives who will supervise loading and unloading?
8. Where and how often do you transload (move shipment from one trailer to another)?
9. Do you offer a no transloading service?
10. Do you offer an option to purchase the sole use of a trailer for a specific shipment?
11. What is your relationship with show managers, exhibit companies, setup/dismantle and drayage contractors?
12. How do you specifically work with drayage contractors?
13. What insurance coverage do you carry for individual shipments?
14. Do you offer an exhibition floater insurance policy that covers the exhibit for the entire show?
15. What is the procedure for taking care of damage claims?
16. Do you have a 24-hour emergency service and an 800 number?
17. What responsibility do you assume if you miss the target move-in date?
18. What additional charges do you add to transport costs?
19. Do you offer lower rates if your vehicles are going in the direction of my freight?
20. Do you have drivers trained in handling pickup and delivery of shipments to/from show hall locations?
21. Are your drivers instantly accessible 24 hours a day?

Written by Susan A. Friedmann, CSP, The Tradeshow Coach, Lake Placid, NY, working with exhibitors and meeting & event planners to improve their event success through coaching, consulting and training.

Website: www.thetradeshowcoach.com