Marissa Quarton, Author at Transit Air Cargo

Coronavirus Fears & Trade Show Cancellations

Coronavirus written in red stamp font

The looming fear of the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is causing many trade shows worldwide to postpone or even cancel. If your event is still scheduled to run, it is best to frequently check with the host of your show for status updates. We, at Transit Air Cargo, are also monitoring the status of upcoming shows and are handling logistical adjustments for customers caused by the COVID-19 virus.

If your show has officially been postponed or cancelled, Transit Air Cargo is has your back. We have already been working with exhibitors from over 20 cancelled shows.

If your freight has already shipped to the show, we will either ship it back or you can utilize our temporary storage options throughout the US and Canada. Also, once your show is rebooked, we are here to provide you with the high quality service that only a trade show shipping specialist, such as ourselves, can provide.

Please remember that not all shows have been cancelled or postponed. We understand the amount of time and money that goes into trade shows and trade show planning. We also know that companies rely on and utilize trade shows to jump-start their revenue efforts. Other shows are still going as planned, so to ease your mind a bit, we are offering:

-30 day price guarantee

-Cancellations up to 48 hours prior to pick-up

-No hassle rescheduling

-Storage available throughout the US and Canada

-24/7 customer service

If your show is still scheduled to run, here are some tips to help ease Coronavirus pandemic fears:

*The following guidelines snippet are taken directly from the CDC and is intended for large events.

Promote the daily practice of everyday preventative actions.

-Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

-Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

-Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

-Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.

Provide COVID-19 prevention supplies at your events. Plan to have extra supplies on hand for even staff and participants, including sinks with soap, hand sanitizers, tissues, and disposable facemasks (for persons who start having symptoms).

Note: Disposable facemasks should be kept on-site and used only if someone (worker or attendee) becomes sick. Those who become sick should be immediately isolated from staff and participants who are not sick and given a clean disposable facemask to wear.

Plan for staff absences. Develop flexible attendance and sick-leave policies. Identify critical job functions and positions and plan for alternative coverage by cross-training staff.

Promote messages that discourage people who are sick from attending events. This should include messages requesting that people leave events if they begin to have symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. They should seek medical advice promptly by calling ahead to a doctor’s office or emergency room to get guidance.

Planning is key. Before a Coronavirus outbreak occurs in your community, you need to plan. Depending on the severity, the outbreak could last for a long time. If you’d like to read further guidelines given by the CDC and specific to the COVID-19 virus related to large events, click here.

To stay up to date on all the latest and most accurate information regarding the COVID-19 virus, refer to the CDC’s website.

The Trade Show Must Go On!

Viruses are hitting hard this cold & flu season. Even though the sick season is among us, the trade show must go on!

Trade shows and conferences are great for meeting potential customers and in a setting like this you shake lots of hands. So what do you do if you happen to be exhibiting at or attending a trade show this season and you have the fear of sickness looming over you?

Wash your hands thoroughly, and as much as possible. If you are unable to get to a sink, keep some hand sanitizer handy especially when you’re on the showroom floor. You never know when you may have to shake someone’s hand.

Stock up on immune boosters. Vitamin C and Zinc are oldies but goodies. Take it before you head out for the initial immune boost and then throughout the duration of your trip. Adding elderberry to the mix is also a good option. It has been used for centuries and in more recent times has gained a lot of popularity and for good reason. Elderberry is believed to reduce the severity and duration of the cold and flu virus.

Sleep. Between setup, clean-up schmoozing and post event parties, it might be hard to catch an adequate amount of zzz’s when you’re at an event, especially if the show lasts a few days. However, getting enough rest is crucial to keeping a strong immune system. A new study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, shows that people who sleep less than seven hours per night are three times more likely than those who sleep at least eight hours to catch a common cold after being exposed to a cold-causing virus.

Stay hydrated. General good health practice includes drinking plenty of fluids. It helps you fend off germs and if you happen to already be sick, it helps loosen the mucous.

Limit alcohol consumption. Too much alcohol inhibits your sleep and dehydrates you, which goes against recommendations #3 and #4.

Get moving. Time can be limited when you’re traveling for trade shows, but squeezing in the time for a quick workout at your hotel gym can be well worth it. Exercise makes you feel good and gives your immune system a boost. If you’re already feeling a little under the weather, Lewis G. Maharam, MD, a New York City-based sports medicine expert suggests you “do what you can do, and if you can’t do it, then don’t.”

Eat healthy. Everyone seems to know this one, but not everyone follows it. Eating healthy foods helps fight sickness. Sometimes traveling for business has us not making the best decisions when it comes to eating. We tend to eat what is convenient because of a lack of time and options. Plan ahead for your next trade show. Look up healthier restaurants beforehand and pack healthy snacks such as fruits and nuts so when the time comes to go out to dinner you’re able to make better food decisions because you’re not ravenous.

Sanitize common areas. If you’re an exhibitor, make sure to have sanitizing wipes handy. Wipe down surfaces regularly. This not only keeps germs from spreading, it will help keep your booth workers and visitors at ease.

Yes, the cold & flu season might be going strong, but don’t let that keep you from having a good trade show experience. Follow these precautions to help prevent the cold & flu from taking you down because the trade show must go on!

5 Dangers of Trade Show Shipping

Companies from all different types of industries exhibit at trade shows. Trade shows offer businesses a platform to market to customers and forge business relationships. Planning for a trade show requires a lot of preparation to ensure things run smoothly. In the planning process it’s important to not think of shipping as an afterthought.

Trade show shipping requires customized solutions and not taking that into account can result in pitfalls that cost you time and money. Being trade show logistics experts, we’ve come up with 5 dangers of trade show shipping and how to avoid them:

Danger No. 1: Not Knowing Deadlines

It’s important to know your deadlines for shipping out. Not knowing shipping deadlines can result in potentially paying double the amount. Planning in advance and according to deadlines will help ensure time for set-up at the show venue and help avoid last minute surcharges for expedited transportation. Also, choosing a trade show shipping specialist, like Transit Air Cargo, over a common carrier will help you to stay on track with deadlines because unlike common carriers, trade show shipping specialists know the ins and outs and are equipped to walk you through the process.

Danger No. 2: Not Knowing Show Details Given in the Exhibitor Kit

Exhibitor kits provide you with important show-related information like rules & regulations and deadlines. Exhibitor kits are also known to be a daunting read. Sometimes they’re anywhere from 30 to 100 pages long. Not knowing what’s in those 30 to 100 pages can be detrimental to your booth and budget.

When you hire a trade show shipping specialist like Transit Air Cargo, you avoid the risk of not upholding the rules and regulations and not meeting deadlines listed in the exhibitor kit, because trade show shipping experts know those kits and what’s required of exhibitors.

Danger No. 3: Not Knowing when to Utilize Advance Warehouses

You can either have your booth and marketing collateral shipped direct to show site or to an advance warehouse. When shipping direct to show you can wait till last minute to get your booth and marketing material ready and potentially save on handling charges. However, when you ship using this method, your shipment could be arriving at the show at the same time as everyone else. Even if your shipment arrives first, you may have to sit around all day waiting for your materials to reach your booth. Also, if your shipment arrives earlier or later than your designated move-in time, you could incur additional charges.

If you decide to ship to an advance warehouse first, on the day of move-in, your freight will get delivered to your booth first and you don’t have to sit around waiting all day for it. This is especially important if you have a particularly large booth because it requires more set up time. On the contrary, if your booth contains tiny and/or fragile pieces, advance warehouse may not be the best option for your freight as it may be more susceptible to loss or damage.

There are pros and cons to opting for an advance warehouse. A trade show logistics specialist like Transit Air Cargo can help you decide whether or not opting for shipment to the advance warehouse beforehand makes the most sense for your freight.

Danger No. 4: Black Booth

What is ‘black booth’ you ask? Black booth is what happens when your shipment doesn’t arrive and you’re left exhibiting an empty booth. This could happen because your preferred shipping company failed to notify you of any changes in delivery time (such as delays caused by bad weather). If they would have notified you, you could have figured out other arrangements to get your freight to your booth on time.

When you choose to ship with Transit Air Cargo, trade show shipping specialists are in contact with you every step of the way, that way if there are unforeseeable hiccups (like bad weather), TAC reps are on it working on a solution.

Danger No. 5: Not Shipping with a Trade Show Specialist

Yes, common carriers are less expensive and provide convenient tracking for your shipment, however there are disadvantages to choosing common carriers for your trade show shipments. First off, the risk of loss and damage increases because common carriers make several transfers before delivering your freight. If you’re shipping sensitive equipment, the load might not be able to tolerate normal road shock with a common carrier.

Trade show shipping requires customized solutions, something that common carriers just cannot provide. At Transit Air Cargo, trade show logistics experts serve every aspect of the trade show exhibitor’s logistical needs domestically and internationally. The coordination that trade shows require involves a lot of preparation time and countless resources.

Bottom line is, you can easily avoid experiencing the 5 dangers of trade show shipping by going with a trades show logistics specialist for all your shipping needs.

Packing List for the Business Traveler

Whether you travel a lot or not for work business travel isn’t always easy. In the rush to get out the door things can be forgotten. Having a good checklist in hand will save you the headache of realizing you are forgetting something important when you are already at cruising altitude 38,000 feet in the air.

When packing, you will need to keep in mind all the things you may need on your trip—anything from appropriate clothing to work related items that you’re carrying on instead of shipping ahead. But, before you can even think about packing, make sure you choose travel luggage wisely.

Luggage

Think function over fashion when picking out a bag. It’s all about efficiency! Will you be gone for a short period or will you be gone for a long duration? Definitely an important detail to consider. Longer business travel may require you to check a bag versus just carrying on.

Find suitcases suited for business travel here: “3 Best Suitcases for the Business Traveler.”

For female business travelers, it’s nice to have a carry-on bag that can also function as a computer bag and purse. For male travelers, business backpacks make a great option. These backpacks have room for your clothes, computer and other electronics.

Once you have picked out the appropriate luggage, you can move onto filling it with business travel essentials. Filling your luggage with essentials means choosing items wisely and taking things you will really use.

Travel Wardrobe

When packing clothes, you may need to be creative. First establish how many different outfits you will need and the weather forecast for the area you are visiting. Account for dinners and meetings you may attend while away. Once you’ve determined how many looks are needed, it’s time to be creative. Figure out how to mix and match articles of clothing so that you can create multiple looks with a minimal amount of pieces. This goes for men and women.

Read more on business travel wardrobe for men & women in, “Wardrobe Checklist for the Business Traveler.”

Once you have settled on outfits to pack, folding each article of clothing into little packing cubes will only add to your efficiency. If you have has seen the Netflix series “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” then you know the KonMari method of tidying up. This same method can be applied to make packing easier. Folding your clothes KonMari style and placing them so they’re stacked side by side instead of on top of each other can help to eliminate wrinkles and provide more room for other business travel essentials. Plus, you can see everything at a glance. See the KonMari method.

Toiletries

Stick to the travel size essentials and be sure to follow TSA regulations when packing toiletries:

Items must fit in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less per container.
Make sure the bag is easily accessible; it must be placed in a screening bin at security.
1 bag per passenger.

Electronics

Do not forget to pack the key items needed to perform your job. Yes, you packed your computer but did you remember the charger? Same goes for your mobile devices. Consider packing a portable USB Battery Pack. When traveling you may not have the time to plug into a wall outlet. A battery pack can help ensure you are fully charged while on the go.

USB flash drives, and headphones are also things that may come in handy on your trip.

Miscellaneous

Items that don’t fall under the previous categories listed include: boarding pass, passport, business cards, notepad and pen, an envelope to hold receipts for expense reporting, a compact umbrella, a water bottle, and a healthy snack (just in case you don’t have time to grab one in between travel and appointment times.

Here’s your business travel packing list summary:

Business appropriate clothing
Shoes
Pajamas
Workout clothing
Jewelry
Outerear (jackets, hats and scarves if needed)
Travel size toiletries
Laptop/tablet
Mobile phone
Chargers and/or battery pack
USB flash drive
Headphones/earbuds
Boarding pass
Passport
Business cards
Notepad
Pen
Envelope
Compact umbrella
Water bottle
Healthy snack

Wardrobe Checklist for the Business Traveler

You’ve picked out the luggage that checks off all your boxes for travel convenience.

Find luggage that best suits you in “3 Best Suitcases for the Business Traveler.”

Now it is time to fill it with work trip necessities. But, before selecting your wardrobe for your next business trip, you need to consider several things. First off how many days will you be away? Next, you want to consider the climate of the city you are visiting (be sure to check the weather forecast). You will also need to keep in mind what types of meetings and events you’ll be attending. Do you plan on utilizing the hotel gym? Will you be going straight to a meeting once you exit the plane (this will determine if you need or want extra comfy travel clothes)?

Male and female business travelers will obviously require different guidelines. Below, we listed awesome packing recommendations from Packsmith.

Checklist for the Female Business Traveler:

3 tops; 2 dress tops and 1 casual top
1-2 bottoms
1 dress
1 blazer
3 pairs of underwear
3 pairs of socks
2 bras
PJs
2 pairs of shoes: 1 dress and 1 athletic/casual
Workout clothes (optional)

Checklist for the Male Business Traveler:

2 collard tops and 1 casual t-shirt
2 pairs of pants and/or jeans
3 pairs of socks
3 pairs of underwear
1 dark-colored blazer or suit jacket
2 pairs of shoes: 1 dress and 1 athletic (optional)
PJs: 1 lightweight shirt and 1 athletic pair of shorts

With whatever items you end up packing and whatever suitcase you end up picking, folding your clothes using the KonMari method is, in our opinion, one of the best and most efficient use of space when packing your clothes and it also helps prevent wrinkles that can occur during travel.

Are these items part or your packing list? Please share any packing pearls of wisdom below in the comments.

3 Best Suitcases for the Business Traveler

When traveling for business it’s all about the essentials—function vs. fashion. Although, with so many different options for suitcases on the market, you’re sure to find at least one piece of luggage that meets both your design aesthetics and your functionality requirements.

Your travel bag of choice needs to be convenient, comfortable and be able to carry your work travel essentials. With so many suitcases to choose from we decided to make a list. After researching the web, we’ve come up with recommendations for the best bags for the business traveler based on functional and efficient travel.

The Stylish Suitcase

If style is still a number one priority when picking out luggage, the Terminal 1 Carry-On by Mark & Graham is the perfect blend of style and functionality. With 10 color options to pick from you are sure to find one that strikes your fancy. The Terminal 1 Carry-On happens to be Mark & Graham’s best-selling luggage collection and we think that is for good reason. This collection is sure to set you apart from the crowd with its luxurious leather detailing and personalized monogram. Made from durable and lightweight polycarbonate the Terminal 1 Carry-On features a TSA approved personal lock, an easy-telescoping handle and oversized wheels that can spin 360 degrees to help you navigate the airport with ease.

The Overnight Bag

If you’re going on a quick overnight business trip the Brentwood 15” Hardside Under-Seater Carry-On Suitcase created by London Fog for Macy’s is the bag for you. From a quick business trip to an overnight getaway, the Brentwood suitcase gives you hardside protection and easy mobility. Its compact profile fits under most airline seats and there’s enough space for all your essentials including your laptop.

The Space Efficient Suitcase

The Rollux 2-in-1 Expandable Suitcase from Joyus allows the business traveler to use space efficiently. With this expandable suitcase you can pack your things in a carry-on bag or full-size check-in suitcase. This is perfect for the business traveler who may not be leaving a destination with the same amount of items he or she came with. For example, if you’re attending a trade show you may depart carrying marketing materials to distribute but on your return flight you no longer have those materials and therefore don’t need the extra space.

With any of these suitcases, swivel wheels seem to be a must when it comes to convenience and ease of navigating through the airport. What is your must have when it comes to luggage for business travel? We would love for you to share your recommendations below in the comments.

2019 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: 5 GIFTS TO GET YOUR COWORKERS

After reading our blog post, “The Unspoken Rules of Holiday Gift Giving in the Workplace,” you did your due diligence and looked into whether or not your company culture supports holiday gift exchange.

Now that you have decided that your affinity for your coworkers is enough for you to dish out some dough and buy some gifts, what do you get? Don’t forget, these gifts still need to be ‘workplace appropriate’.

Since choosing the right gift can be a little tricky, we thought we’d save you some headache and give you some ideas on what to get your coworkers this holiday season. Below are some ideas that won’t break the bank.

Nordic Spruce Handmade Scented Natural Soy Candle

This natural soy candle by Nordic Fox captures the spirit of the outdoors with a scent inspired by spruce trees in the Nordic mountains. The light and crisp aroma with notes of cedarwood and pine is neither too masculine nor too feminine, thus making it a good option for your holiday gifting. For $9 you can purchase a 4oz tin, but if you really like your coworkers, go head and splurge for the 8oz jar which retails for $18.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

A great gift for both male a female coworkers, these TIJN blue light blocking glasses found on Amazon are a perfect for anyone who relies on heavy computer work to make a living. With these glasses you can give your coworker the gift of less eye strain for only $16.99.

Oh, The Meetings You’ll Go To!: A Parody

Another great gift for male and female coworkers is this written parody Oh, The Meetings You’ll Go To! It’s a parody on Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go! This book is brutally honest, and an ultimately uplifting take on the struggles of post-grad life that the over 20-something professional can relate to. $11.83 will get you a hardcover copy of this entertaining read.

My Favorite Coworker Gave Me This Book: Lined Notebook

This simple and elegant lined notebook with a light-hearted and humorous cover is a great way to share some holiday cheer tied into a useful gift. For only $6.98, it doesn’t break the bank!

Motivational Daily Flip Calendar

This motivational daily flip calendar is the gift that keeps on giving all year long. It’s perfect for any workplace desk and everyone can always use a little inspiration…and, if you’re going to put a number on motivation, we think $15.95 is a good price!

The CES Survival Guide

TIPS TO MAKE IT OUT ALIVE

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the world’s gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It is the world’s largest trade show and it’s approaching very quickly. Planning booth design, logistics, etc. are all key components for your exhibit’s success, but do you have a game plan on how to survive the extended stay in Sin City?

At CES the exhibiting days are long and the nights can be even longer. For veterans of the show, many will attest to the fact that it is a long, hard grind—almost like a death march. Schmoozing on your feet all day and schmoozing over drinks at night followed by a brutal hangover and repeating that for four days takes a toll on your body.

Consider following these survival tips so you can make it out alive:

Tip # 1: Minimize Drinking

Yes, boozing it up is inevitable, but if you booze it up in moderation, and alternate with glasses of water. You’ll sleep much better and avoid the massive hangover.

Tip # 2: Hydrate

You’re in the middle of the desert. It’s dry out there. On top of that, you probably didn’t follow tip # 1 and you’ve overdone it on the booze. Replenish your body with some good ole H2O.

Tip # 3: Bring Hand Sanitizer

You’re likely meeting tons of people and shaking lots of hands. Since you didn’t listen to tip # 1, your immune system is weakened, you’re tired, and you’re right in the middle of cold/flu season. Kill those germs before you get sick from them!

Tip # 4: Wear Comfy Shoes

You’re Fitbit has likely tracked five times your daily goal for steps. CES is spread over two convention centers and you’re probably visiting countless hotels along the strip. You’re feet need to last the entire event.

Females: don’t break in new shoes at the show because your shoes will break you. Also, if you do start to blister, Band-Aids provide adequate cushion to help you make it through.

Tip # 5: Bring a USB Battery Pack

You’re probably coordinating with co-workers, emailing clients, using Google Maps, and posting updates on social media. Bottom line, the battery on your smartphone is hanging on at 5%. Don’t let your phone die. Give it the jump it needs to survive the day with a portable charger. Also, make sure your USB battery pack is fully charged before you hit the floor.

Tip # 6: Get Some Rest

Yes, CES is in the City that Never Sleeps…but the reality is, you are there for work. You’re going to need some rest to function at your best. Trade shows in general are a great place to generate leads. Sleepy, sloppy schmoozing won’t get you any closer to a sale. Which brings us back to tip #1: minimize drinking. Drink too much and your sleep quality plummets because you’re not hitting your REM cycles. Plus, too much boozing makes you sloppy and sleepy.

Tip # 7: Bring Breath Mints

Don’t scare away a potential lead. You’re schmoozing all day long and your breath will surely need a refresh. Plus, assuming you didn’t listen to tip #1, you’ll likely suffer from bad booze breath at some point during the evening. Your hotel room with toothbrush is likely too far away. Don’t be that person with bad breath—just don’t! Pop a breath mint!

Tip # 8: Go to an After Party or Two

Amazing consumer tech companies are going to be hosting some even more amazing parties. It’s okay to overcommit to party invites. The key is to overcommit and not attend all of them. Just pick the best party from the list as you near the date. When attending after parties, keep in mind tip # 1 and tip # 6. Drink moderately and don’t stay out too late so you can still get an adequate amount of sleep.

…and there you have it! Follow these tips and you should make it out of CES alive.

Happy Thanksgiving from Transit Air Cargo

Thanksgiving tablescape with pumpkin pie and the Transit Air Cargo logo

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We hope you have an amazing day celebrating with friends and family.

Now is the perfect time to take a moment and remember what you’re thankful for this year. All year long, but especially during this season, we’re grateful for our wonderful customers and our amazing TAC family.

The Unspoken Rule of Holiday Gift Giving in the Workplace

‘Tis the season for holiday gifting. With that said, do you give gifts at work? Gift giving at the workplace is not mandatory, however, if you do feel so inclined to spread holiday cheer and purchase gifts for your coworkers, picking out the right one can be tricky. If you do decide to give gifts at work this holiday season there are some things to consider…

1. Does your company have a gift giving policy? If you’re new to the company, definitely ask around. Find out the company culture. Do people exchange gifts or is it against policy? If people do exchange gifts, you don’t want to be the holiday Scrooge.

2. Are you wondering if you need to give a gift to your boss? The answer is: no. You are not obligated to give a present to your boss. In fact, it could be seen has trying to buy your way to your boss’ good side. However, gifts from bosses to employees are fine. According to proper gift giving etiquette, gifts in the workplace should flow downward, not upward.

3. Another thing you should definitely consider is if the gift you want to give is ‘workplace appropriate’. If you even have to question whether or not your gift of choice is appropriate, don’t get it!

4. Consider how much you’re spending. Too pricey of a gift can make others feel uncomfortable. A good price range to stick to is $10 to $20. But before you spend ask around (especially if you are new) to get an idea what people are planning on doing for gifts.

5. If you only have one or two work friends that you plan on giving gifts to, make sure you don’t do it in front of everyone else. You don’t want to risk making others feel uncomfortable. Either exchange gifts outside the workplace or find a spot in the office where others won’t see and potentially feel left out.

Follow these unspoken rules and hopefully you’ll avoid any awkwardness this holiday season.