Drayage Costs: Understanding the Atlantic Gap

Builderdeck Expo13 Aug, 2026Event/Party Planner

Drayage and material handling can be major costs for companies exhibiting at U.S. trade shows, particularly for international exhibitors shipping displays and materials across the Atlantic. Unlike standard freight charges, drayage may include unloading, transporting materials from the dock to the booth, handling, storage, and moving empty containers during the event. These additional costs can make U.S. exhibitions considerably more expensive than similar events in Europe. Understanding the Atlantic gap helps exhibitors plan their budgets more effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.