Trade Shows
LVCC load-in: a print vendor's actual playbook
What actually happens at the LVCC freight dock during exhibitor move-in — and how to avoid the mistakes that cost you a day.
LVCC's freight operation is one of the most efficient in North America and one of the most rigid. A missed freight cut, a wrong dock assignment, or an unbadged install crew can lose you a day. Here's the real playbook.
Hand-carry vs freight: know the line
LVCC allows hand-carry for items under specific weight and quantity limits — typically two bags or boxes per person, no rolling carts. Anything more must clear freight. Trying to hand-carry a roll of fabric backdrops gets you turned around at the door.
Dock assignment is by booth zone
LVCC assigns load-in docks by booth zone in the show floor plan. Hauling material to the wrong dock means rerouting through interior corridors, adding 1–3 hours. Your production partner should match the dock to the booth before the freight leaves their warehouse.
Freight cuts are absolute
Show advance freight typically cuts 10–14 days before show open at a designated warehouse, then ships to LVCC on show schedule. Missing the advance cut means direct-to-show shipping during target move-in — which gets charged at premium drayage rates and risks late delivery.
Credentialed install is non-negotiable
Install crews enter through worker check-in with current LVCC badges and a current EAC certificate naming Freeman and LVCC as additional insureds. No badge, no entry — there is no day-of credentialing window.
FAQ
What's the cost difference between advance and direct-to-show freight?+
Can you produce in Vegas and skip freight entirely?+
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