Filling Out the Freight Handling (Drayage) Order Form - Knowing the Weight

When you are first filling out the freight handlingactual weight. Use a low weight on your order form
order form, knowing the right weight to put down on(which will be stored in your folder at the service
the form is essential. Many businesses do not realizedesk) to cause some doubt in the customer service
the amount of money they can save with this step.or manager's mind. Remember, they must be listening
Simply putting down the weight of the exhibit is notin order for you to get the bill corrected.
sufficient. If you want to cut your trade show costs,3) Often show management or the general
you need to specify the weight accordingly. Whencontractor will bill you based on your stated weight.
you are filling out the freight handling form, youIf the weight is too high, they will immediately refer
actually want to put the weight as 75% of the actualback to your order form which states the weight as
weight.very high. Thus, you want to show a consistently
You will need to know your exhibit weight includinglow number.
carpets and any skids that will be delivered, including4) Occasionally, your exhibit is not weighed at the
skids that contain marketing supplies and giveaways.marshalling yard as it is moved into the show. In this
While we don't find a lot of use for the space wherecase, freight handling charges will be levied based on
you fill out the number of pieces with the exhibit,the weight that you have stated on your order form.
you do want to consider the weight that you enterIf your exhibit and materials weight is stated low,
very carefully. We recommend that you fill in theyou will save money each time that your official
weight at about 75% of the actual weight of theexhibit weight is not confirmed in marshalling. Since
exhibit for several reasons:freight handling is the 2nd or 3rd highest cost for you
1) You will often be billed for freight handling as soonas you run your exhibit, this will save you a
as you order this service. Why pay for 100% of thissubstantial number of trade show marketing dollars!
service up front? Your accounting department willNow follow the formula on the freight handling form,
certainly appreciate you delaying payment for thisusually exhibit weight / 100 Lbs. x the circled freight
service at least until after you receive it.handling rate = freight handling cost.
2) If there is something wrong with the weight onThis simple tip will save you a great deal of money
your bill from the general contractor (the companyon your trade show exhibit costs. You will be able to
providing freight handling services), it is much bettersave time and money by following this tip. This is just
for you to start the negotiation process with aone of the many ways you can cut your bottom line
weight that is a little bit lower than the recordedand increase your ROI at trade shows.