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Everything You Need to Know About Customs Bonds for International Tradeshow Shipping

An International Tradeshow Shipping Company Can Handle Your Customs Bonds

Customs bonds and ATA Carnets are two options for saving money on your shipment to the U.S. Both options serve as a security for payment of fees, duties and taxes, as well as compliance with U.S. law. The bond is meant to protect the U.S. government in case an importer fails to pay penalties and duties after the release of goods or when they are in CBP custody. It also speeds up the clearance. Obtaining a customs bond may be a vital part of international tradeshow shipping to the U.S.

If you don’t properly prepare for the bond, you could face serious problems. It is crucial to ensure that it meets specific minimum requirements. Your shipment cannot clear U.S. customs if the bond is not executed correctly.

Types of Customs Bonds

Single Entry Bond
This type of customs bond covers only one custom entry. The bonds are calculated on the value of duties, merchandise, taxes, and fees. Typically, the cost of this type of bond is based on the total value of the merchandise.

Continuous Bond
This bond covers all entries made by the importer at U.S. ports of entry. $50,000 is the minimum liability charge for a continuous bond. The validity of these bonds is 1 year. If you have either high value items or plan to ship multiple times to U.S. shows this option may be best.

Important tip: If you are a regular shipper, develop your account relationship with CBP. Having a clean record with customs will help speed up clearance in some cases.

Why Importers Need a Customs Bond

When importing, you are only sure of taxes and duties. The government requires you to have a bond, so it guarantees your taxes and duties are paid even when your company can’t pay due to extreme events, such as bankruptcy. Bonds cover all shipments traveling by truck, air or water. If you are not covered, you may encounter severe delays or face fines.

How to Choose a Bond Provider for Your International Tradeshow Shipping Needs

Not all customs bonds are created equal, whether your volume suggests a Single-transaction Bond or a Continuous Bond. The insurance carrier sets the cost of your bond, not customs. If you are planning for international tradeshow shipping, it is advisable to purchase bonds through reputable and highly knowledgeable providers. Doing so will not only allow you to obtain competitive rates, but will also give you peace of mind.

Choosing a bond depends on how often you import goods. A Single-transaction Bond is an excellent choice if you occasionally import (less than 3 times annually). The best investment for those who ship frequently is the Continuous Bond.

Understanding customs bonds and ATA Carnets can be complicated, which is why it’s beneficial to work with an international tradeshow shipping company, as they can handle all documentation for you. Contact us today at 702-800-6385 to get a quote.

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How to Handle Tradeshow Shipping Delays

AMR Group Will Work to Prevent Tradeshow Shipping Delays on Your Behalf

Deadlines are crucial in tradeshows, and you need to be able to trust your materials will be delivered in time for the event. However, unforeseen circumstances may occur, and your shipment may be delayed due to factors like inadequate paperwork, port congestion or airfreight capacity issues. For successful tradeshow shipping, below are tips on what to do in case of delays, and how to avoid them in the future.

What to Do When Your Tradeshow Shipping Material Delays

1. Consult Your Show Management about Your Options
In case of delay, contact your show management team to find out what options are there for last-minute situations such as yours. Ask the management if they allow direct deliveries to the venue on the morning of the tradeshow. By talking to the show management team, you get to know how long you have, so you can arrange for the materials to be delivered smoothly.

2. Contact Your Carrier
Delayed delivery of your display materials may be due to a variety of reasons, a few examples include inadequate paperwork at customs, or there may be congestion or traffic problems at the port. The best way to know is by contacting your carrier about the situation and what you need to do to resolve it. For paperwork, you can email the required documents while congestion and capacity delays will need to be addressed by your carrier directly. Communicating with your carrier helps you know the progress of your cargo and what steps are being taken to correct the situation.

3. Wait
Sometimes, customs may take longer than expected. In such a situation, and others like lack of airfreight capacity, the only option you have is to wait for your exhibition materials to be cleared before they can be delivered. Therefore, it is important to ship your items as early as possible. A tradeshow shipping company like AMR Group will be able to help ensure the process goes smoothly.

4. Find Alternative Displays
When waiting is not an option, display alternatives are your best bet. Ask your show management team if you can find temporary or rental displays to use during the event. You can also have your graphics printed and set up on banners. If you are out of time to wait, it may be best to reach out to the official show exhibit builder. You can usually find out who this is by reviewing your exhibitor manual or asking show management.

How to Avoid Tradeshow Shipping Delays

Most delays occur due to flaws in shipping preparations. Here’s how you can avoid the inconvenience of delayed deliveries.

  • Provide all necessary documentation required for your tradeshow shipping company and ensure they are accurately filled out.
  • Clearly label your goods and provide accurate details on the size, material and intended use.
  • Provide the right address, zip code and booth number to avoid your materials goods being delivered to the wrong destination.
  • Give a time allowance. When planning for delivery, set an earlier delivery date (but not too early), so you are not “down to the wire” if there are delays.
  • Work with an experienced international freight forwarder. It eases your shipping process as the freight forwarder will take care of the shipping requirements on your behalf.

If you are looking for an international tradeshow shipping partner who’s both reliable and experienced, contact AMR Group today at 702-800-6385 for all your shipping needs and ensure your goods are delivered on time!

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Don’t Let Natural Disasters Interrupt Your International Tradeshow Shipping Schedule

Work with an International Tradeshow Shipping Company to try to Avoid Weather Delays

Hurricanes, snow storms, typhoons, and flooding can wreak havoc on your international tradeshow shipping plans. As we’re right in the middle of extreme weather season, here are some best practices for shipping during storms.

International Tradeshow Shipping in Extreme Weather

Today, shipping disruptions from extreme weather are 30% higher than they were just 7 years ago, and they can have a serious impact on your ability to do business, including exhibiting at tradeshows. As extreme weather events become more widespread, it pays to take steps to be prepared and lessen their impact.

How to Prepare for Inclement Weather

  • Keep in mind the damage from a storm or other disaster is not isolated to where it occurs. These kinds of disasters can have a ripple effect that can reach thousands of miles away from the impact area. Damage can occur to roads, airports and seaports, delaying delivery of your exhibit items.
  • Stay in communication with your tradeshow and events freight forwarder. If severe weather conditions are predicted during the time your shipment is in transit, discuss what alternative methods and routes are available for getting your goods to the venue on time.
  • If it’s not your initial method of transportation, determine if air freight is a viable option.

Ultimately, every time you ship freight, there is some degree of risk. It can be devastating, not to mention expensive, if you’re forced to exhibit without your exhibit materials. That’s why choosing the proper freight forwarder with extensive experience in tradeshow exhibit shipments is so important. Your freight forwarder is an integral member of your tradeshow team, one whose role is to “steady the ship” when problems occur and be available to assist when you need them.

Since 2011, AMR Group has been handling the international tradeshow shipping needs for businesses big and small. We ship to more than 60 countries and have an international network of partners who are dedicated to tradeshow and event shipping. We can help you track extreme weather events, make recommendations for the best shipping options and provide you with the peace of mind that comes with having your exhibit materials in the right hands. Contact us at 702-800-6385

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The Truth About Tradeshow Freight Forwarding to Brazil

With AMR’s Tradeshow Freight Forwarding Services, Your Shipment Is in Good Hands

One of the best ways to expand your brand is to visit tradeshows in other countries. If you’re looking to grow your company in the South American market, you may want to consider attending a show in Brazil. However, shipping to Brazil can be tricky.

The major issue is loss or theft of goods when shipping to Brazil. If you’re shipping large quantities of items, the last thing you want is to receive opened boxes with missing items. Here’s what you need to know about tradeshow freight forwarding and how to best safeguard your material:

Consider What You Really Need

When it comes to participating in a tradeshow at a foreign destination, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Is it worth the time and energy required to ship items out to the location? Is there an actual market for your business in the new market? Do you actually need everything you’re planning on shipping?

If this is your first visit to Brazil for a tradeshow, you may want to consider downsizing a bit. It’s often best to downplay the tradeshow the first go around. This way, you can get a better feel for how it works and whether you truly have a market in this area of the world. If you already know there is a market, you’ll want to go over your standard tradeshow material and decide whether everything is truly necessary.

Don’t Draw Attention

Avoid drawing attention to your shipment. While you’ll need to include what kind of item you’re sending, avoid using name brands. By not using name brands within the description you won’t draw the kind of attention something with flashy lettering will draw. 

Only Use International Tradeshow Shippers

Never use the mail for shipping to Brazil. You should only use an international tradeshow shipping provider. This will minimize your exposure to possible theft while taking your items out of the hands of the local post office. 

Whatever your answers may be, when it comes to protecting your material and making sure everything arrives in one piece (and on time), you need the help of the tradeshow freight forwarding services AMR Group provides. To learn more about tradeshow shipping to Brazil or if you’re ready to begin organizing a shipment, contact us today at 702-800-6385. 

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Tradeshow Shipping Best Practices to Ensure Your Shipment Arrives Safely

AMR Group Can Handle all of Your Tradeshow Shipping Needs

Visiting tradeshows is a major money maker for most businesses. In fact, a number of companies rely almost exclusively on tradeshows for networking and signing larger contracts with clients and other businesses. Because of this, the last thing you want is to open up your shipped materials to find you items have been damaged. Here are some important tradeshow shipping best practices:

Label Everything
The only thing worse than having a box show up damaged is for the box to not show up at all. In order to prevent this, you need to label every box. Don’t just have a single label for your entire shipment. You need one for every box, as at times, the boxes may become separated from one another (especially when shipping to a popular destination where many shipments are being received daily). 

You should also include a numbering system on your boxes. So, if you’re shipping 10 boxes, label the boxes with 1 of 10, 2 of 10, 3 of 10, and so on. This way, it’s far easier for the shipping company to make sure all your boxes are together. 

Packing Tape
It might not seem like that big of a deal, but make sure you use packing tape on your box. Don’t just grab any roll of tape for your packages. Duct tape might seem like a good idea, and masking tape might be readily available, but these do not always hold up when exposed to moisture or varying temperatures. You should only use tape designed specifically for shipping. 

Multiple Box Shipping
When you purchase a fragile item (such as a smart phone), it usually comes in a smaller box, with packing peanuts or air bags around it, and is then inserted into a larger box. You should do the same with any fragile items you are shipping. 

Turn to The Pros for Tradeshow Shipping

Because each shipment is different, the best way to know how to fully ship your equipment safely and effectively is to contact the experts at AMR Group. Our tradeshow shipping professionals will make sure you have all the necessary packing materials, including documentation and labels, and will ensure your shipment is ready and waiting for you in the exhibit showroom.

Call 702-800-6385 to request a quote.

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What to Know When Preparing Dangerous Goods for International Trade Show Shipping

AMR Group Can Handle the International Trade Show Shipping of Your Dangerous Goods

Shipping dangerous goods isn’t always what it sounds like. When you hear the term “dangerous goods,” you might instantly think of shipping chemicals, something explosive or even a kind of weapon. However, that’s rarely the case.

Hair spray may be deemed dangerous because of the flammable material. Likewise, a lithium ion battery can also be considered dangerous. If you’re planning to send any kind of electronic device that requires a rechargeable battery, there’s a good chance those are categorized as “dangerous goods” as well. That is why, when it comes to international trade show shipping, you should know how to pack and ship these kinds of items. 

Know the Country Requirements
Prior to packing and boxing up anything for an international shipment, you need to know the shipping requirements for the country you’re sending something to. Some countries might require you to package your batteries or flammable materials separately from the rest of your goods. Others might want to inspect these items at customs, which means you’ll need to alter how you pack.

It is a good idea to conduct research on any country you’re utilizing international trade show shipping services for.

Classify Shipment
In most cases, you’ll need to classify the dangerous material being shipped. If you have any questions regarding the classification, talk to a customer service specialist at AMR Group. Often, there are varying classifications in each group (and your item may even fall under a number of them).

Air vs. Ground
Sometimes there are different regulations for shipping dangerous items via ground, air or sea. Usually, shippers and customs officials want the dangerous materials to move as quickly as possible. Most dangerous items become unstable when left in the heat. Because of this, freights that might take longer, like sea freight, may not accept certain items for shipment. Discuss the shipping opportunities with AMR Group to find out the best ways to ship your dangerous goods. 

When it comes to international trade show shipping, you need to pay special attention to country requirements for each item in your shipment. AMR Group’s expert team has the knowledge and experience in shipping sensitive items overseas. Let us handle the process for you. Contact us at 702-800-6385 to learn more. 

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How to Reduce the Risk of Shipment Damage with Insurance and a Tradeshow Logistics Company

Trust Our Tradeshow Logistics Company to Handle All of Your Shipping Needs

When shipping materials for an international event, you want to take every step possible to ensure the shipment arrives as planned. One detail you must consider when shipping items for important events or tradeshows is whether you want to insure your shipment. Most freight carriers have their own liability insurance that will reimburse you for losses that occur due to negligence by the carrier. However, insurance will not reimburse you for losses or damage due to events that are outside of your carrier’s control. 

Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Insure Your Shipment

There are multiple components to evaluate when deciding if you should have your shipment insured. First, check the details regarding your quote. Some companies that specialize in tradeshow logistics include a small amount of freight insurance as part of their services. Others may give you the option to select insurance for your shipment and incorporate it into your existing quote. Make sure you understand exactly what your quote includes. 

Another item to contemplate is the value of the items you’re shipping. If they are relatively low in value or cheap to replace, it may not be financially wise to spend more money insuring them.

The Benefits of a Tradeshow Logistics Company

Many shipping losses occur because the materials weren’t packaged properly or were loaded incorrectly. One way to minimize the likelihood of suffering a shipping-related loss is to utilize a company like AMR Group that specializes in tradeshow logistics. AMR Group has the experience and knowledge necessary to efficiently package, transport and unpack your shipment.

We will handle every step of the shipping process to make sure all goes smoothly for our clients. Our experts will thoroughly package your materials so they remain intact during transit. Then, we will load them onto your chosen transportation vehicle and ensure they are secure. 

Once your items arrive, our team will unload and inspect them to make sure no damage occurred during the shipping process. You’ll receive regular updates regarding your freight so that you’ll always know what’s going on during the shipment process. Contact us at 702-800-6385 to learn more about our tradeshow logistics company or request a rate.

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Air vs. Sea Freight: Which One Is Better for International Tradeshow Shipping?

Most times, the choice between air freight and sea freight for international tradeshow shipping depends on convenience, cost and speed. Other factors to consider include distance, accessibility and the type of goods being shipped. So, which option is best for you?

Choosing Between Air Freight and Sea Freight for International Tradeshow Shipping

Air Freight
Air freight is great for direct shipping of goods from one city to another between different countries. It is ideal for perishable or light goods and also comes in handy for last-minute shipping due to its speed. As air freight can be expensive, you may want to use it only when the costs are less than 20% the value of your merchandise. Although it limits the type of goods, as well as capacity and weight, you can always charter the largest planes to bring in your large exhibition cargos.

Air freight has the following advantages:

  • Speed
    It is the fastest means of transportation, and you can use it for your international tradeshow shipping if your goods are time sensitive. Since your cargo spends less time in transit, your insurance costs are also reduced.
  • Reliability
    Air freight is predictable as planes follow a strict schedule. You can rest assured your goods will be delivered at the stipulated time. The limited capacity also ensures quick handling of cargo at the airport, eliminating delays due to congestion.
  • Safety
    Strict airport regulations and minimum handling guarantee the safety of your shipment. You don’t have to worry about goods being damaged when using air freight.
  • Flexibility
    Shipping by air is more convenient in terms of location and accessibility. This is not true for sea freight as it requires multiple transport options to bring your goods inland, and some ports cannot accommodate large vessels.

Sea Freight
Sea freight is perfect for transporting large volumes of cargo over long distances and across vast waters. Since sea freight is slower than air freight, it is only recommended for goods that are not time sensitive. It also requires adequate planning and proper packaging for timely delivery and damage prevention.

The benefits of sea freight include:

  • Large Volume and Capacity
    Sea freight allows you to ship large volumes of goods at once, unlike air freight, which is subject to limitations. With sea freight, you can transport large volumes of goods in containers.
  • Less Expensive
    It is a less expensive option compared to air freight, as shipping costs are calculated by volume. Shipping by sea is especially cost-effective considering that you can move large volumes of cargo at one time.
  • Accommodates All Types of Goods
    Whatever commodities you are shipping for a tradeshow, you can transport them by sea. Sea freight doesn’t have strict regulations, so you can transport anything from heavy machines to clothing.
  • Reduced Carbon Footprint
    In the spirit of environmental conservation and sustainability, sea freight is a “greener” option compared to air. You reduce your carbon footprints by choosing sea freight for your international tradeshow shipping.

While these advantages are significant, it is important to also be aware sea freight is prone to delays due to large volumes of goods handled at the port, leading to congestion. This may cause you to incur additional expenses from detention and demurrage.

Depending on your needs, either of these two shipping options could be ideal. Contact AMR Group today at 702-800-6385 for your international tradeshow shipping and enjoy timely delivery of your goods. AMR Group can help coordinate the transportation of all goods to and from the show.

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What to Know About International Tradeshow Shipping to Dubai

Dubai is one of the fastest growing business hubs in the world. It has trading links with almost every country, which makes it a perfect location for tradeshows and business expos. If you are looking to ship your event’s merchandise to Dubai, you need a shipping partner you can trust to deliver your goods safely and on time.

AMR Group will handle all of your international tradeshow shipping needs from the moment your goods leave the United States to when they arrive in Dubai. To ship there, you have two options: air and sea freight.

Shipping to Dubai by Air Freight

AMR Group Can Ensure Successful Tradeshow Shipping to Dubai

Air freight is the fastest international tradeshow shipping option if you want your goods to arrive in Dubai on time for your event. Usually, you can ship your time-sensitive goods by air, as it only takes 3-5 days. As your international trade show shipping partner, AMR picks up your cargo from the designated pick-up point, takes care of all documentation and ensures your goods are delivered at the airport closest to your destination.

Shipping to Dubai by Sea 

Sea freight gives you the opportunity to ship all types of goods in large volumes, as there are no capacity and weight limitations. It is also more cost-effective compared to shipping by air.

You can have your goods picked from your facility by our team and delivered at the nearest port. Here, your goods go through the necessary customs procedures, after which they are transported by truck or railroad to your desired location.

AMR will ship your goods in 20’ and 40’ containers that adequately accommodate your exhibits. You will also have your merchandise delivered at your exhibition’s booth if you so wish, so you only need to set them up for display. When shipping your goods to Dubai, give it a few weeks’ allowances to accommodate the delays that may occur at the port. 

Reduce Costs with an International Tradeshow Shipping Partner

Your shipping costs to Dubai or any other destination, whether by air or sea freight will depend on factors like the weight of your cargo, type of material and the timeframe. You can request shipping rates, so you can properly budget and plan. Prior knowledge of the costs will give you an insight into how much you will spend, and ultimately determine who you choose as your shipping partner.

Working with AMR Group gives you peace of mind, as you can monitor your cargo while in transit, and you also don’t have to worry about customs. Contact us at 702-800-6385 for all of your international tradeshow shipping needs, and trust your goods will be delivered on time and in good condition!

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How to Take Advantage of Tradeshows & Make Them Worth It

How to Take Advantage of Tradeshows & Make Them Worth It

Connecting with the right target audience is as important goal when picking out tradeshows and events to exhibit at. Tradeshows help build a strong contact email database and boost sales for your company because everyone who is at the trade show is there to seek out services your business offers. You just need to know how to take full advantage of tradeshows and make them worth your time. Here are a handful of suggestions. 

Do Your Research
Most importantly, do your research. Look at the different tradeshows throughout the year, and make sure you’re selecting the right ones for your business. Understand what the tradeshow is, which companies are attending or have attended in the past (oftentimes, big names in your industry will increase the turnout) and whether those in attendance are your major target audience. If the event doesn’t check off all your requirements, look for another event that does. 

Consider Using Associated Hotels
While associated hotels may cost more, it may be beneficial to stay at one for the various networking benefits, as many attendees will book a room closest to the tradeshow venue. You’ll find you’re more likely to mingle and sell products during the after-event cocktail hour than on the busy tradeshow floor. 

Dress for the Event 

If you’re selling custom toys at a comic convention, you probably don’t want to show up in a tuxedo (unless, of course, it’s a custom tuxedo designed after a popular comic book character). That being said, we recommend dressing appropriately for the particular event and industry.

Register Early
There are two advantages of registering early. First, you will have a better selection of booth locations. Select a booth that is clearly visible, has high foot traffic and is large enough (or small enough) for your signs and presentation materials. This way, you won’t need to settle for a booth that doesn’t fit your needs. Second, it is typically less expensive if you register early. Early bird specials can save you hundreds of dollars.

Each of these points will help you maximize your tradeshow potential. However, you need to make sure your tradeshow displays and presentation material arrives at the correct location on time and in one piece. This is where AMR Group comes in. As a trusted event logistics & global freight forwarder, we work with you to make sure all of your tradeshow materials arrive on time and within budget. Contact us at +1-702-800-6385 to learn more.

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