In today's economy, using a parcel service to ship your trade show properties can be the most cost effective method available. However, because of their almost completely automated systems, one error can erase all of the savings almost instantly.
The major parcel services in the US are giant companies with airplanes, semi-trucks and delivery vans. All of this comes together as an extremely effective way of moving packages through one of the various automated systems in 'hub' cities. However, once in the system, you are at the mercy of this automation.
I have had more than a few bad experiences. For example, I had (2) packages shipping at the same time. The driver scanned one as ground and the other 2-Day. Unfortunately, the driver got them mixed up, and, by the time we realized the error, our 2-Day package headed to Las Vegas was actually on a truck headed for Joplin, Missouri. The ground shipment arrived at its destination the next day.
Any and all efforts to get the miss-routed package back on track failed. Not because the customer service representative was not sympathetic to our needs, but because the only way to get the package out of the system was to scan it out at the destination. In this case, the destination was Las Vegas and the package was now scheduled to arrive there on the last day of the show.
While we were not required to pay for the shipping, this did little to help the client at their event... the package was their trade show display.
In another nightmare, a package with the client graphics was miss-routed in transit. It could not be located. We placed a claim for the lost package and followed it as best we could. A week or so later the package was found and returned to us. Unfortunately, the package was no longer 'lost' and the parcel service had no obligation to honor the claim for the value of the contents. In this case, the contents were show specific graphics and were of no further use to the client.
Am I recommending that companies cease using parcel services for trade show and event related items? Of course not. I am recommending, however, that exhibiting companies know and understand what can go wrong and plan accordingly.
For example:
- Send packages to the advance warehouse when possible. This give the parcel carriers time to located miss routed items and still get them to the destination on time.
-Track packages from the moment they leave your possession. This will help you get the jump on lost or miss-routed packages.
-For displays, ship to advance warehouse. When this is not possible, use a trucking or logistics company to move the freight for you. While it is going to be more expensive, in many cases freight can be re-routed in transit if necessary. Because of this, LTL (Less Than Trailer-load) carriers have the highest rate of on-schedule deliveries for this industry.
In many cases using one of the major parcel services cannot be avoided. However, being prepared and knowing what can go wrong will help you avoid the headache of lost or miss-routed packages.
Monday, June 30, 2008
More of the 'Green Stuff'
Here are some other examples of “Green” decisions that not only are eco-friendly, but, are also cost effective.
CasTools Tooling System – A Canadian based company that decided to rent their display in Atlanta rather than ship their existing display to shows in Orlando and Atlanta. Given the exchange rate of the US dollar, they were able to spend less money and have a larger impact working with a local exhibit house.
Working with Moose Displays & Logistics, they were able to design and implement a trade show display that was functional, cost effective and effective.
Kubota – Working through an agency in Japan, Moose Displays & Logistics was forwarded and existing design and asked to replicate on the trade show floor in Atlanta. To accomplish this, we were able to use rental truss and eco-friendly graphics. The event was effective and the cost of produce was far less expensive than shipping their existing properties overseas.
Hendrix Genetics – Another one of our friends from the Great White North.
Hendrix Genetics attends the International Poultry Expo annually. For 2008 they combined companies for a 30 x 50 display. In order to increase their presence with all (3) companies, and not drastically increase their cost to attend, they chose this open and effective design. Hendrix Genetics was referred to us by another client of ours from France, Visio Nerf.
Pro Energy Group – This design is an all time favorite for cost and functionality. As a 20 x 20 trade show display, the design allows for a strong graphic message as well as ample room at ground level. The graphics attached to the truss are specifically sized to be used as an 8 x 10 Duffle Display. All three tower graphics combined will create the following combinations: (3) 10 x 10 trade show displays, (1) 10 x 20 & (1) 10 x 10 or (1) 10 x 30 display.
This design has been used by other companies as well such as Early Times Bourbon Fishing Team and Universal Guardian. Modification to this design include adding a semi-transparent conference area under the tower, adding a header banner for show halls allowing displays to be built to 20 feet. This display can easily be taken to 20’ by simply adding (3) 1M truss beams to the legs.
CasTools Tooling System – A Canadian based company that decided to rent their display in Atlanta rather than ship their existing display to shows in Orlando and Atlanta. Given the exchange rate of the US dollar, they were able to spend less money and have a larger impact working with a local exhibit house.
Working with Moose Displays & Logistics, they were able to design and implement a trade show display that was functional, cost effective and effective.
Kubota – Working through an agency in Japan, Moose Displays & Logistics was forwarded and existing design and asked to replicate on the trade show floor in Atlanta. To accomplish this, we were able to use rental truss and eco-friendly graphics. The event was effective and the cost of produce was far less expensive than shipping their existing properties overseas.
Hendrix Genetics – Another one of our friends from the Great White North.
Hendrix Genetics attends the International Poultry Expo annually. For 2008 they combined companies for a 30 x 50 display. In order to increase their presence with all (3) companies, and not drastically increase their cost to attend, they chose this open and effective design. Hendrix Genetics was referred to us by another client of ours from France, Visio Nerf.
Pro Energy Group – This design is an all time favorite for cost and functionality. As a 20 x 20 trade show display, the design allows for a strong graphic message as well as ample room at ground level. The graphics attached to the truss are specifically sized to be used as an 8 x 10 Duffle Display. All three tower graphics combined will create the following combinations: (3) 10 x 10 trade show displays, (1) 10 x 20 & (1) 10 x 10 or (1) 10 x 30 display.
This design has been used by other companies as well such as Early Times Bourbon Fishing Team and Universal Guardian. Modification to this design include adding a semi-transparent conference area under the tower, adding a header banner for show halls allowing displays to be built to 20 feet. This display can easily be taken to 20’ by simply adding (3) 1M truss beams to the legs.
Friday, June 27, 2008
What does "Going Green" really mean?
"Going Green" ... OK, it's today's buzzword. But, what does it mean?
I'm coming to you as a regular guy who has tried to find the answer to this question. While I may not have the politically correct answer, I think I may at least provide some clarification.
"Going Green" is more of a positive impact statement. Let's try to protect the environment by being conscious of the decision we make on a day-to-day basis. I think the most common analogy I can use here is what was once 'paper or plastic?' is now ‘re-usable tote bags or planet killing, non-recycled poly-carbons’
As far as I can figure out, there are really (2) major components to ‘Green”
1) Reduction in the carbon footprint through transporting of goods
2) Use of recycled or recyclable products, which in turn, reduces the carbon footprint.
Moose Displays & Logistics is in the trade show industry. We make displays and graphics and we transport them. We are interested in both production and transport.
There are a few weaker arguments that companies are making claiming that their same old product they have been making for years is lighter than their competitors. Less weight means less to ship, which translates into a smaller carbon footprint and therefore, without any further changes, can be defined as green. I don’t buy it.
Now, creating a lighter weight product by using as much recycled material as possible and using recyclable material for the rest … is a conscience effort to reduce the carbon footprint.
Take our Duffle Display for example. Moose came up with the Duffle Display in early 2003 when “Green” was not much more than a popular paint color and that’s just about it. As the ‘Green Initiative’ started gaining momentum we re-evaluated the Duffle Display, and other products we have to offer, to see how we might be able to contribute.
The Duffle Display could always be considered green. Our initial intent was to reduce the shipping costs for exhibitors. So, we developed a display that ships as baggage on major airlines. What we inadvertently did was eliminate the carbon footprint altogether.
As the enviro-friendly movement started to become politically correct, we looked deeper into the product and discovered we can now use material made from 100% recycled soda bottles to print our graphics using non-solvent based inks and toners. These fabrics use less energy to produce, can match PMS colors and pass California Fire Retardant testing. California Fire Retardant testing is the toughest fire certification in the nation. Our frames, which are not required at most trade shows and events, are made from recyclable aluminum.
There are other ways to use products at trade show events that help the environment. For example, rent your exhibit if at all possible. Rentals allow multiple exhibitors to re-use the same materials at different events. Also, companies can re-cycle and refurbish existing display pieces rather than purchase new ones.
There is a lot you can do to help the environment.
So, the question really is not: “ Is it green?” The question really is: ‘Is it as green as it can be?”
Do your part because if we lose our planet, where will we live?
Choosing the right Plasma TV for your space
Most of today's trade shows and consumer showshave a large number of exhibitors using large televisions to help brand their products and promote their message to potential clients. In order to maximize the effect of your message, there are a few simple guidelines to follow. Remember, too large can be as ineffective as too small.
1) When placing a plasma, LCD or DLP television, you should set the unit so the viewer's eyes are level with the center of the screen. At shows, it is important to know if your client is going to be standing up or sitting down.
2) In general, the ideal distance for a 42 inch TV screen is between 9 and 12 feet. For a 50 inch TV screen, the distance can be up to 16 feet. Pixel distortion or motion artifacts can occur on early generation plasma monitors when displaying an incoming signal with poor resolution. However, this "pixelating" effect is lessened by increasing viewing distance from the plasma display. With early generation models I the proper distances as 8 to 12ft. on a 42" plasma tv and 12 to 16ft. or more on a 50" plasma. Now, with the many improvements that have been made to the units, the latest 50" models can be viewed comfortably from as close as 9ft to 16ft.
Also, keep in mind that a poorly planned or poor quality presentation may not have the desired effect you are seeking. Be sure, when using this technology that your graphics, and your message, a top quality.
Common Carrier Vs. LTL
Commodities are usually shipped via common carriers by class. This class determines the rate structure for the items shipped. For example, cubicle wall panels are class 70 and trade show freight is class 125. The US Postal service also has ‘Book Rate’ for parcels.
These classifications are generally assigned to commodity groups shipping from warehouse to warehouse. In my experience most, if not all items shipping or recovering from a trade show are class 125 due to the sensitive nature of the shipment both in physical construction as well as time constraints. These commodities are generally not under the same strict date/time deadlines as trade show freight, Expected waiting time and the resulting down time for equipment also factor into the equation. Also, keep in mind that common carrier rates increase based on delivery to convention centers as well as time critical requirements by the shipper. Many common carrier shipments requiring strict delivery times ( Deliver Monday, June 23 at 0800) at not subject to discounts and are quite expensive. Shipments requiring delivery on a certain day, but not a certain time ( Deliver Monday, June 23, anytime) can be discounted, but not as heavily as freight using standard transit times and delivery windows.
For example:
Common carrier, (1) Skid , 1000 pounds ATL – Las Vegas
Regular shipping $609.00
To a trade show $756.60
To deliver on a specific day $861.73
By noon $913.00
And this does not include special fees like declared value, weekend delivery or pick-up.
We do not use classifications. We ship LTL by Zone and Dedicated partial trailers by skid position. This uses an entirely different freight network and generally does not involve common carriers. The LTL freight system uses strictly a weight system. Either actual or dimensional, whichever is greater. For most freight we use the dedicated partial freight where we by space by volume only. This allows us to provide flat rate pricing as well as deliver to, or recover from, convention centers without additional or adjusted fees.
These classifications are generally assigned to commodity groups shipping from warehouse to warehouse. In my experience most, if not all items shipping or recovering from a trade show are class 125 due to the sensitive nature of the shipment both in physical construction as well as time constraints. These commodities are generally not under the same strict date/time deadlines as trade show freight, Expected waiting time and the resulting down time for equipment also factor into the equation. Also, keep in mind that common carrier rates increase based on delivery to convention centers as well as time critical requirements by the shipper. Many common carrier shipments requiring strict delivery times ( Deliver Monday, June 23 at 0800) at not subject to discounts and are quite expensive. Shipments requiring delivery on a certain day, but not a certain time ( Deliver Monday, June 23, anytime) can be discounted, but not as heavily as freight using standard transit times and delivery windows.
For example:
Common carrier, (1) Skid , 1000 pounds ATL – Las Vegas
Regular shipping $609.00
To a trade show $756.60
To deliver on a specific day $861.73
By noon $913.00
And this does not include special fees like declared value, weekend delivery or pick-up.
We do not use classifications. We ship LTL by Zone and Dedicated partial trailers by skid position. This uses an entirely different freight network and generally does not involve common carriers. The LTL freight system uses strictly a weight system. Either actual or dimensional, whichever is greater. For most freight we use the dedicated partial freight where we by space by volume only. This allows us to provide flat rate pricing as well as deliver to, or recover from, convention centers without additional or adjusted fees.
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