Shipping & Delivery Explained
Your display has an important job to do—and getting it to the right place, on time, matters. We want you to understand what goes into shipping your project, why costs can vary, and how we can help you find an economical, reliable option.
Why can a lightweight display cost so much to ship?
A portable display can fold down for a show and still require a large case or box for transportation. Frames, graphics, and cushioning need room. Carriers price many packages using both their weight and the space they occupy, so a bulky package can cost more than its scale weight suggests.
Understanding dimensional weight
Actual weight is what the fully packed shipment weighs on a scale. Dimensional weight is a calculated weight based on its outside dimensions. Carriers generally use the greater figure for billing.
Dimensional Weight (lb) =
Length × Width × HeightDIM Divisor
- Length × Width × Height: Measure the package’s exterior dimensions in inches, including the final outer carton and any bulges. Use the carrier’s rounding rules; when rounding up to a whole inch, 12.2 inches becomes 13 inches. Measure the shipping package rather than the assembled display or the case’s interior.
- DIM divisor: The carrier’s conversion factor turns cubic inches into a dimensional weight in pounds. It depends on the service, rate type, and applicable agreement.
- Round the result: Where the applicable carrier rules require it, round a fractional dimensional weight up to the next whole pound. For example, 92.09 pounds becomes 93 pounds.
- Billable weight: Carriers generally compare dimensional weight with actual scale weight, applying their rounding rules, and use whichever is greater. Special minimum billable weights and additional charges can also apply.
| Carrier / rate type | Divisor and applicability |
|---|---|
| UPS Daily Rates | 139 |
| UPS Retail Rates | 166 |
| FedEx standard published U.S. DIM calculation | 139 |
| USPS Priority Mail subject to dimensional pricing | 139 for applicable packages exceeding one cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches). Flat Rate packaging has separate rules. |
Published rules can change, and negotiated agreements may differ. USPS changed its DIM divisor from 166 to 139 effective July 12, 2026. Confirm the service and rate rules that apply to your shipment.
Carrier references: UPS dimensions and weight · FedEx dimensional weight · USPS Priority Mail standards.
The box still weighs 40 lb. The billing weight reflects its size.
Illustrative example, not a shipping quote. The divisor of 139 is used in UPS Daily Rates; other rates and agreements may differ. This example does not mean shipping costs $93. Size-based minimums and additional charges may also apply.
See UPS’s explanation of package dimensions and weight for carrier guidance.
Your project may ship from more than one location
Trade Show Joe works with warehouses, manufacturers, and vendors across North America. The products you select may be stocked, printed, or finished at different locations. Your display, flooring, lighting, and accessories may therefore ship separately—even when you purchase them together.
Routing every item to one warehouse before shipping it to you can add another transportation leg, extra handling, and time. Depending on the project, shipping directly from each location can be the more practical option.
Why can’t everything go in one case or box?
Some items are too large, heavy, or fragile to travel safely together. Products may also have different completion dates or packaging requirements. A carrying case designed to transport a display is not necessarily suitable for adding flooring, lighting, or other accessories.
One order can involve several packages, separate tracking numbers, and different arrival dates. Shipping costs can reflect each package’s size, weight, origin, and destination. Ask us about your project’s expected shipping arrangements before ordering if you need everything coordinated for a particular date.
Fuel prices, world events, and changing carrier costs
Carriers use fuel surcharges that can change as fuel indexes and carrier schedules change. Diesel costs are especially relevant to ground transportation; air services may use jet-fuel benchmarks. Global disruptions can affect energy markets and transportation capacity, but a shipping-rate change can have several causes.
The same package sent to the same destination may cost a different amount at another time. Base rates, service choices, and carrier surcharge rules also matter. For current carrier information, see UPS fuel surcharges and FedEx fuel surcharges.
Fourth-quarter and seasonal surcharges
During busy shipping periods, carriers may apply temporary demand or peak-season surcharges. These can affect certain services or packages, including shipments that are oversized or require additional handling. They are separate from dimensional-weight calculations and may add to otherwise applicable charges.
These schedules vary by carrier and can extend beyond the fourth quarter. We consider the applicable shipping period when discussing delivery options; this page does not promise a fixed surcharge or rate.
Other factors that affect the shipping price
- Distance and destination: origin, delivery zone, and residential or remote-area service.
- Delivery speed: expedited service generally costs more than ground shipping.
- Package characteristics: unusually large, heavy, or nonstandard packages may require additional handling.
- Freight requirements: some projects require palletized freight, with different pricing and possible appointment or liftgate needs.
Could LTL freight be a better fit for your project?
Trade Show Joe can also help quote less-than-truckload (LTL) freight. With LTL, your shipment uses part of a freight trailer rather than requiring a whole truck. Products are often secured to a pallet for handling and transportation.
This option can be worth considering for:
- Larger trade show display projects.
- Bigger carpet or faux wood flooring kits.
- Bulk orders—for example, a company purchasing 25 banner stands.
Depending on the shipment’s size, weight, origin, and destination, LTL may offer a practical alternative to sending many individual packages. It is not always the least expensive choice; we can compare suitable options for your project.
Commercial delivery and loading-dock access
LTL freight is often best suited to a commercial address with truck access and a loading dock or suitable unloading equipment. Tell us whether your location has a dock or forklift and can receive a freight truck.
If there is no loading dock or suitable unloading equipment, a liftgate may be needed. This is a platform that lowers the freight from the trailer to the ground. Liftgate service must be included in the delivery arrangements and may carry an additional charge.
Residential freight deliveries require more planning
Delivery to a residential address can be more difficult and expensive to coordinate. Truck access, unloading arrangements, appointments, and residential or liftgate charges may affect the quote. A home-based business may still be classified as a residential delivery by the carrier.
Please let us know the delivery address, whether it is commercial or residential, any access restrictions, your unloading facilities, and your required in-hand date. Do not assume inside delivery, unpacking, or setup is included; we’ll discuss the services your quote covers.
Production time and transit time are different
Custom printing and manufacturing happen before your order enters the carrier’s network. A quoted transit time does not include artwork preparation, proof approval, or production unless expressly stated. Separate products may have separate production schedules.
Please tell us your required in-hand date, show date, and delivery address early. That helps us discuss realistic options and avoid unnecessary rush shipping where possible.
Looking for a way to save? Explore TSJ Prime.
Our TSJ Prime program offers free UPS Ground shipping on eligible product packages, with no membership required. It is worth comparing these options as you plan your project.
The current offer runs through October 31, 2026, to one address in the contiguous United States. Added accessories, upgraded cases, expedited shipping, and other exclusions are subject to the program rules. Free shipping does not apply to every product or every item in a mixed order.
Shop TSJ Prime Products Read TSJ Prime details and exclusionsLet’s find the right shipping solution for your project
We know shipping is a meaningful part of your total cost. We care about keeping it economical while protecting your investment and respecting your event deadline. We do our best to balance available services, packaging needs, and timing with dependable delivery.
Have a question about a shipping estimate, multiple packages, or an upcoming event? We’re happy to walk through it with you.
Ask About Your Shipping or call 866-821-1520.
