Drayage
The handling and transportation of exhibit materials within a convention venue.
Definition
Drayage is the service of receiving, handling, and delivering exhibit materials within a convention or event venue. It covers moving freight from loading docks to booth spaces and back. Drayage is typically charged by weight (per hundredweight or CWT).
Trade show drayage can be surprisingly expensive—sometimes exceeding the cost of shipping materials to the city. Rates are set by venue-contracted freight handlers.
Why It Matters
Drayage costs catch many first-time exhibitors off guard. Understanding and budgeting for drayage prevents event cost overruns.
Strategies like shipping lighter materials or using furniture rental can reduce drayage expenses.
Examples in Practice
A 500-pound exhibit shipment costing $1,500 in drayage fees at a major convention center.
Renting furniture on-site instead of shipping heavy items to minimize drayage.
Labor rates for drayage teams to set up and dismantle exhibit structures.