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One of the best ways to expand your brand is to visit tradeshows in other countries. If you’re looking to grow your company in the South American market, you may want to consider attending a show in Brazil. However, shipping to Brazil can be tricky.

The major issue is loss or theft of goods when shipping to Brazil. If you’re shipping large quantities of items, the last thing you want is to receive opened boxes with missing items. Here’s what you need to know about tradeshow freight forwarding and how to best safeguard your material:

Consider What You Really Need

When it comes to participating in a tradeshow at a foreign destination, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Is it worth the time and energy required to ship items out to the location? Is there an actual market for your business in the new market? Do you actually need everything you’re planning on shipping?

If this is your first visit to Brazil for a tradeshow, you may want to consider downsizing a bit. It’s often best to downplay the tradeshow the first go around. This way, you can get a better feel for how it works and whether you truly have a market in this area of the world. If you already know there is a market, you’ll want to go over your standard tradeshow material and decide whether everything is truly necessary.

Don’t Draw Attention

Avoid drawing attention to your shipment. While you’ll need to include what kind of item you’re sending, avoid using name brands. By not using name brands within the description you won’t draw the kind of attention something with flashy lettering will draw. 

Only Use International Tradeshow Shippers

Never use the mail for shipping to Brazil. You should only use an international tradeshow shipping provider. This will minimize your exposure to possible theft while taking your items out of the hands of the local post office. 

Whatever your answers may be, when it comes to protecting your material and making sure everything arrives in one piece (and on time), you need the help of the tradeshow freight forwarding services AMR Group provides. To learn more about tradeshow shipping to Brazil or if you’re ready to begin organizing a shipment, contact us today at 702-800-6385. 

Visiting tradeshows is a major money maker for most businesses. In fact, a number of companies rely almost exclusively on tradeshows for networking and signing larger contracts with clients and other businesses. Because of this, the last thing you want is to open up your shipped materials to find you items have been damaged. Here are some important tradeshow shipping best practices:

Label Everything
The only thing worse than having a box show up damaged is for the box to not show up at all. In order to prevent this, you need to label every box. Don’t just have a single label for your entire shipment. You need one for every box, as at times, the boxes may become separated from one another (especially when shipping to a popular destination where many shipments are being received daily). 

You should also include a numbering system on your boxes. So, if you’re shipping 10 boxes, label the boxes with 1 of 10, 2 of 10, 3 of 10, and so on. This way, it’s far easier for the shipping company to make sure all your boxes are together. 

Packing Tape
It might not seem like that big of a deal, but make sure you use packing tape on your box. Don’t just grab any roll of tape for your packages. Duct tape might seem like a good idea, and masking tape might be readily available, but these do not always hold up when exposed to moisture or varying temperatures. You should only use tape designed specifically for shipping. 

Multiple Box Shipping
When you purchase a fragile item (such as a smart phone), it usually comes in a smaller box, with packing peanuts or air bags around it, and is then inserted into a larger box. You should do the same with any fragile items you are shipping. 

Turn to The Pros for Tradeshow Shipping

Because each shipment is different, the best way to know how to fully ship your equipment safely and effectively is to contact the experts at AMR Group. Our tradeshow shipping professionals will make sure you have all the necessary packing materials, including documentation and labels, and will ensure your shipment is ready and waiting for you in the exhibit showroom.

Call 702-800-6385 to request a quote.

Shipping dangerous goods isn’t always what it sounds like. When you hear the term “dangerous goods,” you might instantly think of shipping chemicals, something explosive or even a kind of weapon. However, that’s rarely the case.

Hair spray may be deemed dangerous because of the flammable material. Likewise, a lithium ion battery can also be considered dangerous. If you’re planning to send any kind of electronic device that requires a rechargeable battery, there’s a good chance those are categorized as “dangerous goods” as well. That is why, when it comes to international trade show shipping, you should know how to pack and ship these kinds of items. 

Know the Country Requirements
Prior to packing and boxing up anything for an international shipment, you need to know the shipping requirements for the country you’re sending something to. Some countries might require you to package your batteries or flammable materials separately from the rest of your goods. Others might want to inspect these items at customs, which means you’ll need to alter how you pack.

It is a good idea to conduct research on any country you’re utilizing international trade show shipping services for.

Classify Shipment
In most cases, you’ll need to classify the dangerous material being shipped. If you have any questions regarding the classification, talk to a customer service specialist at AMR Group. Often, there are varying classifications in each group (and your item may even fall under a number of them).

Air vs. Ground
Sometimes there are different regulations for shipping dangerous items via ground, air or sea. Usually, shippers and customs officials want the dangerous materials to move as quickly as possible. Most dangerous items become unstable when left in the heat. Because of this, freights that might take longer, like sea freight, may not accept certain items for shipment. Discuss the shipping opportunities with AMR Group to find out the best ways to ship your dangerous goods. 

When it comes to international trade show shipping, you need to pay special attention to country requirements for each item in your shipment. AMR Group’s expert team has the knowledge and experience in shipping sensitive items overseas. Let us handle the process for you. Contact us at 702-800-6385 to learn more. 

When shipping materials for an international event, you want to take every step possible to ensure the shipment arrives as planned. One detail you must consider when shipping items for important events or tradeshows is whether you want to insure your shipment. Most freight carriers have their own liability insurance that will reimburse you for losses that occur due to negligence by the carrier. However, insurance will not reimburse you for losses or damage due to events that are outside of your carrier’s control. 

Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Insure Your Shipment

There are multiple components to evaluate when deciding if you should have your shipment insured. First, check the details regarding your quote. Some companies that specialize in tradeshow logistics include a small amount of freight insurance as part of their services. Others may give you the option to select insurance for your shipment and incorporate it into your existing quote. Make sure you understand exactly what your quote includes. 

Another item to contemplate is the value of the items you’re shipping. If they are relatively low in value or cheap to replace, it may not be financially wise to spend more money insuring them.

The Benefits of a Tradeshow Logistics Company

Many shipping losses occur because the materials weren’t packaged properly or were loaded incorrectly. One way to minimize the likelihood of suffering a shipping-related loss is to utilize a company like AMR Group that specializes in tradeshow logistics. AMR Group has the experience and knowledge necessary to efficiently package, transport and unpack your shipment.

We will handle every step of the shipping process to make sure all goes smoothly for our clients. Our experts will thoroughly package your materials so they remain intact during transit. Then, we will load them onto your chosen transportation vehicle and ensure they are secure. 

Once your items arrive, our team will unload and inspect them to make sure no damage occurred during the shipping process. You’ll receive regular updates regarding your freight so that you’ll always know what’s going on during the shipment process. Contact us at 702-800-6385 to learn more about our tradeshow logistics company or request a rate.

Most times, the choice between air freight and sea freight for international tradeshow shipping depends on convenience, cost and speed. Other factors to consider include distance, accessibility and the type of goods being shipped. So, which option is best for you?

Choosing Between Air Freight and Sea Freight for International Tradeshow Shipping

Air Freight
Air freight is great for direct shipping of goods from one city to another between different countries. It is ideal for perishable or light goods and also comes in handy for last-minute shipping due to its speed. As air freight can be expensive, you may want to use it only when the costs are less than 20% the value of your merchandise. Although it limits the type of goods, as well as capacity and weight, you can always charter the largest planes to bring in your large exhibition cargos.

Air freight has the following advantages:

• Speed
  It is the fastest means of transportation, and you can use it for your international tradeshow shipping if your goods are time sensitive. Since your cargo spends less time in transit, your insurance costs are also reduced.
• Reliability
  Air freight is predictable as planes follow a strict schedule. You can rest assured your goods will be delivered at the stipulated time. The limited capacity also ensures quick handling of cargo at the airport, eliminating delays due to congestion.
• Safety
  Strict airport regulations and minimum handling guarantee the safety of your shipment. You don’t have to worry about goods being damaged when using air freight.
• Flexibility
  Shipping by air is more convenient in terms of location and accessibility. This is not true for sea freight as it requires multiple transport options to bring your goods inland, and some ports cannot accommodate large vessels.

Sea Freight
Sea freight is perfect for transporting large volumes of cargo over long distances and across vast waters. Since sea freight is slower than air freight, it is only recommended for goods that are not time sensitive. It also requires adequate planning and proper packaging for timely delivery and damage prevention.

The benefits of sea freight include:

• Large Volume and Capacity
  Sea freight allows you to ship large volumes of goods at once, unlike air freight, which is subject to limitations. With sea freight, you can transport large volumes of goods in containers.
• Less Expensive
  It is a less expensive option compared to air freight, as shipping costs are calculated by volume. Shipping by sea is especially cost-effective considering that you can move large volumes of cargo at one time.
• Accommodates All Types of Goods
  Whatever commodities you are shipping for a tradeshow, you can transport them by sea. Sea freight doesn’t have strict regulations, so you can transport anything from heavy machines to clothing.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint
  In the spirit of environmental conservation and sustainability, sea freight is a “greener” option compared to air. You reduce your carbon footprints by choosing sea freight for your international tradeshow shipping.

While these advantages are significant, it is important to also be aware sea freight is prone to delays due to large volumes of goods handled at the port, leading to congestion. This may cause you to incur additional expenses from detention and demurrage.

Depending on your needs, either of these two shipping options could be ideal. Contact AMR Group today at 702-800-6385 for your international tradeshow shipping and enjoy timely delivery of your goods. AMR Group can help coordinate the transportation of all goods to and from the show.

Dubai is one of the fastest growing business hubs in the world. It has trading links with almost every country, which makes it a perfect location for tradeshows and business expos. If you are looking to ship your event’s merchandise to Dubai, you need a shipping partner you can trust to deliver your goods safely and on time.

AMR Group will handle all of your international tradeshow shipping needs from the moment your goods leave the United States to when they arrive in Dubai. To ship there, you have two options: air and sea freight.

Shipping to Dubai by Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest international tradeshow shipping option if you want your goods to arrive in Dubai on time for your event. Usually, you can ship your time-sensitive goods by air, as it only takes 3-5 days. As your international trade show shipping partner, AMR picks up your cargo from the designated pick-up point, takes care of all documentation and ensures your goods are delivered at the airport closest to your destination.

Shipping to Dubai by Sea 

Sea freight gives you the opportunity to ship all types of goods in large volumes, as there are no capacity and weight limitations. It is also more cost-effective compared to shipping by air.

You can have your goods picked from your facility by our team and delivered at the nearest port. Here, your goods go through the necessary customs procedures, after which they are transported by truck or railroad to your desired location.

AMR will ship your goods in 20’ and 40’ containers that adequately accommodate your exhibits. You will also have your merchandise delivered at your exhibition’s booth if you so wish, so you only need to set them up for display. When shipping your goods to Dubai, give it a few weeks’ allowances to accommodate the delays that may occur at the port. 

Reduce Costs with an International Tradeshow Shipping Partner

Your shipping costs to Dubai or any other destination, whether by air or sea freight will depend on factors like the weight of your cargo, type of material and the timeframe. You can request shipping rates, so you can properly budget and plan. Prior knowledge of the costs will give you an insight into how much you will spend, and ultimately determine who you choose as your shipping partner.

Working with AMR Group gives you peace of mind, as you can monitor your cargo while in transit, and you also don’t have to worry about customs. Contact us at 702-800-6385 for all of your international tradeshow shipping needs, and trust your goods will be delivered on time and in good condition!

Tradeshows play an important role in your company’s ability to increase its client base, sign new business-to-business contracts and build its profitability. If you’re traveling to tradeshows around the country (or the globe) you need to have access to all your presentation material, displays, and other equipment as soon as you arrive. However, fitting everything in your carry-on and attempting to fly with your equipment will often prove costly (and difficult to grab at baggage claim). That is why it is best to take advantage of shipping services offered by AMR Group. Here’s how to label your packages correctly to ease the shipping process.

Information You Must Always Include
Some carriers will require you to include different information. It is important for you to follow all of the forms exactly as requested. However, no matter which shipping provider you end up using to send your tradeshow goods to future destinations, there are some specifics all companies require. This includes:

• Name and address
• Tradeshow name
• Decorator
• Venue name and address
• Exhibiting company name and booth number

By including this information, you’ll help ensure your items make it to the tradeshow and are at your booth when you arrive. Make sure to have all of this information on hand when you fill out shipping invoices for upcoming tradeshows. Also, it’s a good idea to include a clear return label, so if a box is misplaced or lost temporarily, it will be shipped back at your facility. 

Mark Your Boxes
It’s best to package different kinds of material in each box. For example, if you are shipping breakable material, label it as “Fragile.” You can write this on the outside of the box, or you can purchase bright stickers that state this clearly. Drivers and shippers work with hundreds, if not thousands, of packages on any given day; they won’t notice small writing on the sides of boxes. Large, bright warning stickers will ensure your note is seen. You should also consider including arrows on the box to clearly indicate which side should face up.

If you have lighter boxes or boxes half full, label the box “Light.” This indicates to drivers and shippers that the box should be placed on the top of heavy stacks and will help prevent the box from being crushed. 

The last thing you want to deal with at a tradeshow is not having all of your equipment on hand. While you should always prepare backup options just in case something happens to your shipment, you will likely never be forced to deal with this kind of a situation as long as you properly label your packages. To help make sure you always receive your packages on time, hire a professional event shipping and logistics company. Contact AMR Group at +1-702-800-6385 or request a shipping rate for your next event.

Just like a passport allows citizens to leave and enter the United States from other countries, an ATA carnet lets merchandise be shipped temporarily to another country without having to deal with extensive customs procedures, pay duties and value added taxes (VAT) or obtain temporary import bonds. This is a godsend for tradeshow shipping, as import duties and taxes can be a sizable cost of exhibiting abroad. 

What Is an ATA Carnet?

Technically speaking, “ATA” stands for a French/English fusion of “Admission Temporaire-Temporary Admission.” Carnet (pronounced “kar-nay”) is the French word for ticket or passage. First implemented in 1963, ATA carnets are administered by the World Customs Organization and the International Chamber of Commerce. Today, 74 signatory countries and dozens more territories around the world accept them. In Taiwan, a TECRO/AIT carnet is accepted for goods traveling between it and the U.S. only. New countries are periodically added to the ATA system, and Saudi Arabia will soon join the list.

As a tradeshow exhibitor, once you purchase an ATA carnet, you can temporarily import goods into these countries without paying import fees as long as you return the goods to the U.S. within 12 months. Note: goods classified for tradeshows use must be returned within 6 months. And as the carnet also serves as the U.S. Certificate of Registration of Goods during re-importation, you don’t need to pay U.S. duties and taxes on return.

How ATA Carnets Facilitate Tradeshow Shipping

The ATA carnet lets you ship commercial samples, professional equipment and goods for fairs and exhibitions without paying duties and taxes. Stands, booths, banners, audiovisual components, and more are fair game. There are exceptions, such as disposable and consumable items, which means things like printed product literature, food samples and branded giveaways can’t travel under the ATA carnet.

The bottom line is an ATA carnet saves your business time, hassle and money. They:

• Can be used as many times as necessary during their 6-month validity period
• Simplify customs procedures
• Facilitate re-entry into the U.S. 

And, they’re relatively easy to obtain. You only need your EIN or taxpayer identification number, the names of your authorized representatives who are responsible for carnet documents, a list of countries the goods will pass through on their way to their destination, information about the modes of transportation, and a manifest of the goods.

Contact AMR Group for All of Your Tradeshow Shipping Needs

Since 2011, AMR Group has been a trusted international freight forwarder, handling tradeshow shipping to more than 60 countries, including Mexico, France, China, the UK, and Russia. We can arrange for ATA carnets for your tradeshow shipping and ensure your goods get to their final destination on time, every time! Contact us 702-800-6385 to learn more.

Attending international tradeshows is one of the best ways to grow your brand, network and reach new clients you normally wouldn’t. International tradeshow shipping typically requires more documentation and even more thorough packaging and labelling of your goods. Here are some expert tips for avoiding mishaps when shipping overseas:

Know Your Destination Country’s Regulations
Every country has its own regulations. While most of these regulations aren’t significantly different, it’s easy to miss a specific requirement for the country you’re sending something to. Because time is critical, working with an international shipping provider who understands the specific requirements and regulations for your destination country can save you time and money. 

Package Your Shipment Properly
If you are accustomed to, for example, using wood pallets in the shipping process, be advised that there are some countries that regulate wood packaging and need to inspect it to ensure insects and other pests do not enter the country. Make sure you’re familiar with packaging rules and regulations.

Thoroughly Label Your Materials
When you ship internationally, you will need to include additional information on the labels. For example, you need to have the country of origin clearly labeled on your package. You’ll also need to label whether or not there are any hazardous materials within the package. A company like AMR Group is well-versed in international tradeshow shipping will be able to supply all the needed labels for your shipment.

These are just a few ways to avoid international tradeshow shipping mishaps. When you work with the team at AMR Group, we’ll take care of the shipping process, so you don’t have to stress over meeting transit requirements and making sure your shipment arrives on time. Contact us at 702-800-6385 to learn more about our services and request a shipping rate.

One of the most important steps in choosing your shipping and event logistics partners is evaluating the myriad of bids submitted after you send out a request for proposal (RFP). You want a logistics provider that will deliver your goods safely on time without setting you back financially.

There are a lot of logistics providers in the United States dealing in both domestic and international freight. It can, therefore, be a challenge having to go through the many different bids before choosing what is good for you and your client. So, what do you consider when comparing these unique bids to ensure you get the best partner for your shipping business? Consider the below aspects when comparing bids from your potential events and logistics partner.

Compliance with Necessary Requirements

Your bid sheet is a list of wishes you would like fulfilled. An event logistics partner who is keen on providing the best of service will strive to meet all the specified requirements you put out on your list. Checking for compliance is specifically helpful when filtering a large number of bids.

You need to ensure your potential logistics provider, or even your current one, meets all the quality requirements required for the job. It is also vital to check the bidders comply with both commercial and legal requirements, like licensing and insurance.  This will help you decide how suitable a bidder is for you by gauging the readiness to which they do what you ask of them.

Price

Typically, the bidding comparison process is aimed at finding an event logistics partner that offers a combination of both cost-effectiveness and value. You have to protect your bottom line while still ensuring you provide quality services to your clients.

You don’t necessarily have to settle for the lowest bid as is the norm. It could signify desperation on the part of the bidder, which may expose you to poor services. You should be aware of how different providers charge so you can have a precise estimate on the best value.

Bid Presentation

A well put together bid is clear and leaves nothing for the assumption. A quality bid will reflect all your requirements and clearly outline all the details about the different aspects of the logistics process. Although making a decision based only on the bid presentation may seem shallow, it goes a long way in making the whole process easy.

The more detailed a bid is, the higher the level of accuracy which shields you from unforeseen budget shocks in the future. It also gives you a candid picture of the proposal, so you know what to expect when you finally sign the contract with your preferred logistics partner.

Inclusions and Allowances

Every shipping and events logistics bid has primary requirements. However, some services may not be included by bidders to achieve the desired low costs.  Some offer large allowances which may end up leading to high additional costs. It is critical to check these aspects to ensure you get as close an estimate as possible, so you don’t miss out on essential service chasing cheap offers.

Checklist of Important Costs to Keep in Mind:

1. Does the international shipping quote include costs for on-site material handling and drayage? An experienced event forwarder usually includes this up front.
2. Does the international shipping quote include the type of customs entry to be performed? You can save money by doing a temporary import if the circumstances are right. Your shipping partner should ask you questions about this if they know what they’re doing.
3. Does the international shipping quote include costs for storage of your empty crates and packages during the event? Normally, this is a necessary (and expensive) need for international trade shows.
4. Does the international shipping quote cost include some information about the international exchange rate or currency used? Currency rates fluctuate often and sometimes, these changes drastically alter your cost.
5. Does your shipping quote include cargo insurance as an option? Many companies don’t offer custom-crafted insurance policies to cover your goods during shipment AND during the trade show.

Contact AMR for Your Shipping & Event Logistic Needs!

The success of your goods’ delivery depends on the choice of your shipping partner. Contact AMR Group today at 702-800-6385 for all your shipping and event logistics needs both in the US and worldwide. We are proud of our long-standing track record of shipping products around the world with no failures.