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Robin Transportation Systems Inc.

Trade Show Logistics

Trade Show Logistics

Exhibit Freight. ATA Carnets. Venue Delivery.

Exhibit freight shipping, customs support coordination, ATA Carnets, venue delivery, and storage between shows.

Get a Trade Show QuoteCall +1-905-612-0755
30+ YearsCustoms SupportATA Carnet15-Min Response

Trade Show Freight Services

From your facility to your booth and back again. RTSI coordinates every step.

Exhibition booth components being staged and assembled inside a trade show hall
1

Outbound Shipping

Freight forwarding of exhibit materials from your facility to show venue by ground, air, or ocean.

2

Customs Support

Import/export clearance for international shows. ATA Carnets for temporary duty-free admission.

3

Venue Delivery

Time-definite delivery to convention centres and exhibition halls. Marshalling yard coordination.

4

On-Site Coordination

Delivery to your booth, uncrating, and placement. Removal and repacking after show close.

5

Storage Between Shows

Warehouse storage of exhibit materials between events. Inventory tracking and condition checks.

6

Return Logistics

Ship materials back to origin, to storage, or forward to the next show venue.

Planning Timeline

Start early. International shows need 8-12 weeks lead time. Domestic shows: 4-6 weeks.

Operations desk with shipping calendar and planning notes used for exhibition move timelines
8-12 Weeks

Planning

  • Confirm show dates and venue requirements
  • Identify freight dimensions and weight
  • International shows: ATA Carnet application
  • Route and mode selection
4-6 Weeks

Booking

  • Carrier and equipment reserved
  • Customs documentation prepared
  • Insurance arranged
  • Venue delivery window confirmed
1-2 Weeks

Ship

  • Freight picked up from your facility or warehouse
  • In-transit tracking and updates
  • Customs clearance (if cross-border)
  • Delivery to marshalling yard or advance warehouse
Show Week

Execute

  • Time-definite venue delivery
  • Booth delivery and placement
  • Empty crate storage during show
  • Post-show repacking and removal

Trade Show Venues & Convention Centres

Canadian convention centres, US trade shows, and international exhibitions. RTSI coordinates venue-specific requirements: loading docks, marshalling yards, union labor rules, and delivery windows.

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Canada's largest convention centre

Toronto

Enercare Centre / Exhibition Place

Major trade and consumer shows

Toronto

International Centre

Adjacent to Pearson Airport

Mississauga

Palais des congres de Montreal

Quebec's premier convention centre

Montreal

Vancouver Convention Centre

West coast shows and events

Vancouver

US & International

Las Vegas, Chicago, Orlando, Frankfurt, and more

Worldwide
Convention centre loading dock with freight trucks and exhibition crates staged on the dock apron at dusk

ATA Carnet Services

Temporary duty-free import of exhibit materials to 75+ countries. RTSI prepares support documentation and coordinates customs clearance through licensed broker partners.

  • Duty-free temporary import/export of exhibit materials
  • Covers 75+ countries under ATA Convention
  • Eliminates need for customs bonds at each border
  • Valid for 12 months, multiple trips
  • RTSI prepares itemized goods lists and coordinates endorsements
  • Customs clearance coordinated through licensed broker partners
Trade cargo paperwork and tablet checklist used to validate ATA Carnet itemization and handoff records

What a Carnet Covers

Exhibit materials, professional equipment, commercial samples, and tools of trade. Items must be re-exported within the Carnet validity period (12 months). Consumables and items for sale are NOT covered.

Without a Carnet

You'd need to pay duties and taxes at each border, post bonds, and apply for refunds after re-export. This adds weeks, paperwork, and cash flow risk. A Carnet eliminates all of this.

RTSI's Role

RTSI prepares the itemized goods list, coordinates Carnet issuance, coordinates broker communication for customs endorsements, and manages reconciliation after re-import.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about trade show logistics.

What is trade show logistics?
Trade show logistics covers the complete freight cycle for exhibitions and events: shipping exhibit materials to the venue, customs clearance coordination for international shows, booth delivery, empty crate storage, post-show removal, return shipping, or forwarding to the next show. RTSI coordinates transport, broker communication, and warehousing.
What is an ATA Carnet and do I need one?
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows temporary duty-free import of goods into 75+ countries. You need one when shipping exhibit materials, professional equipment, or commercial samples to international trade shows. The Carnet is valid for 12 months and covers multiple trips. RTSI prepares the goods list and coordinates endorsements and clearance support through licensed broker partners.
How far in advance should I plan trade show shipping?
Start planning 8-12 weeks before the show. International shows with customs requirements need the longest lead time (ATA Carnet processing, carrier booking, documentation). Domestic shows typically need 4-6 weeks. Rush service is available but costs more. RTSI responds to quote requests within 15 minutes and can provide a detailed logistics plan within 24 hours.
Can RTSI ship to trade shows in the US and internationally?
Yes. RTSI coordinates trade show freight to any destination: domestic Canadian shows, US conventions (Las Vegas, Chicago, Orlando, New York), and international exhibitions (Frankfurt, Dubai, Shanghai). Cross-border and international shows include customs clearance at both ends. RTSI's IATA affiliation enables direct airline bookings to any global venue.
Does RTSI deliver directly to my booth at the convention centre?
Yes. RTSI coordinates time-definite delivery to your booth location at the venue, including marshalling yard procedures, advance warehouse deliveries, and venue-specific requirements (loading dock schedules, union labor rules, material handling coordination). We also arrange empty crate storage during the show and post-show removal.
Can RTSI store my exhibit materials between shows?
Yes. RTSI's warehouse stores exhibit materials between events, securely racked with inventory tracking and condition checks. When the next show approaches, we pull your materials from storage, inspect them, and ship directly to the next venue. This eliminates return shipping to your facility between shows and simplifies multi-show logistics.
What does trade show shipping cost?
Costs depend on freight weight and dimensions, origin/destination distance, transport mode (ground, air, ocean), customs requirements (ATA Carnet, duties), venue delivery requirements, and storage duration between shows. RTSI provides all-inclusive quotes covering transport, customs, and venue delivery with no surprise fees.
Does RTSI coordinate customs for international trade shows?
Yes. RTSI coordinates ATA Carnet documentation, temporary import clearance support, broker communication, and post-show reconciliation. Regulated customs work is handled by licensed customs broker partners.