Exhibitions and trade fairs held in various parts of the world provide excellent opportunities for customers to take on global challenges. However, as import and export regulations and logistics infrastructures vary from country to country and region to region, there are often problems such as import permits not being granted or cargo not arriving at the exhibition venue. BLUELINE is a one-stop transport provider with a wealth of experience and a reliable customer service.
With our extensive experience and track record, we guarantee to offer the best transport plan which is on time and on budget.
We have staff having been dedicated to exhibition and event transport for over 30 years.
We have staff passed the CEIV PHARMA (The Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics) training course and exam, as well as IATA DIPLOMA holders and Registered Customs Specialists in our company.
We have staff experienced in transporting freight to over 70 exhibition venues worldwide.
Our company has handled broadcast and audio equipment, musical instruments and motorsport transport, and has staff with expertise in all areas.
Reason 02
As a one-stop provider, we offer total coordination of transport.
We carry out smooth loading and unloading work in cooperation with the event organizer, the exhibition hall, booth builders, exhibitors in adjacent booths and other related parties.
Our companies follow the import and export customs clearance rules of the country hosting the event, while also dealing with the risk of damage to exhibitors' cargo and the risk of information leaks.
We provide consistent handling, including cargo insurance, to ensure that liability is clearly defined in all aspects of transport.
＊An international alliance of experienced exhibition transport freight handlers.
＊Headquartered in Switzerland and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025.
Japan Exhibition Association
＊With over 300 members, it is one of the largest exhibition industry associations in Japan, comprising organizers, exhibition venues and supporting companies.
＊This historic association celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2027.
Examples of Achievements
Las Vegas
Chicago
New York
Vancouver BC
Montréal
St. John's
Rio de Janeiro
Honolulu
CES(Consumer Electronics Show) Las Vegas
The most powerful tech event in the world — the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. We handle the transport of the Japan Pavilion.
IMTS （International Manufacturing Technology Show） Chicago
The largest manufacturing technology trade show that features industrial machinery and technology in North America. We have transported and installed more than ten 40ft containers of large machine tools.
SHOPPE OBJECT New York
New York’s semi-annual independent home and gift show, presenting a curated roster of 500+ visionary brands and makers in an elevated boutique setting. This is the US version of Maison & Objet in Paris.
LNG Vancouver Vancouver BC
One of the world's largest LNG-related events, attended by a large number of parties involved in LNG (liquefied natural gas) production, procurement and terminal construction that has been held in Azerbaijan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Australia and other countries in the past. We have transported cargo back and forth by air.
UITP Summit Montréal
The definitive public transport event for the sector, welcoming over 10,000 public transport professionals ranging from operators, authorities, industry suppliers and policy makers from across the world. We were responsible for the transport of signaling equipment and model railways.
Private Event St. John's
Under time constraints, we have transported the state-of-the-art water purification system to Antigua and Barbuda, which is suffering from water shortages, via four transshipment points.
IALA Rio de Janeiro
The conference of International Association of Lighthouse Authorities. We have delivered customers' cargo by air transport on time, despite strict time limits and documentation requirements.
Private Event Hawaii
We transported cherry blossom fake trees and display counters for a private event at DFS in the airport. We also handled the delivery into the airport, where security is strictly enforced.
Düsseldorf
Barcelona
Paris
Amsterdam
Porto
Oslo
London
Brussels
Milano
Genève
DRUPA Düsseldorf
The largest printing equipment exhibition in the world, held every four years by Messe Düsseldorf. As a service provider for Messe Düsseldorf Japan, we transport fifty 40ft containers and 20 tons of air cargo exhibits every time. We rent a warehouse of more than 2500 square meters in the suburbs and send specialist technicians from Japan to assemble a line of machines, using cranes and forklifts.
MWC Barcerona(Mobile World Congress) Barcelona
The annual trade show dedicated to the mobile communications industry. We have transported 20 tons of high-end decorative elements for the exhibition booth by return air freight.
JEC World （Journals and Exhibitions on Composites） Paris
The global trade show for composite materials and their applications. We have worked with the official transporter in Paris for ten years and handle air freight for the Japan Pavilion.
Intertrafic Amsterdam
Event to do business and get up to speed on the developments in the fields of infrastructure, traffic management, safety, parking and smart mobility. We have transported long tall cargo in open top containers.
EMAF （International Fair of Machines, Equipment and Services for the Industry） Porto
The largest Portuguese international trade fair of machines, equipment and services for industry. We have transported industrial machinery in 40 ft containers. Taking into account the unpacking and installation work at the exhibition venue, we have constructed crate packaging with ramps to reduce the time taken to unpack, install, remove and repack.
Nor-Shipping Oslo
One of the leading international shipping events and an important meeting place and forum for the shipping industry. We have transported model ships.
London Design Festival London
The citywide design event that takes place over nine days every September across London. During the Design Festival, various exhibitions, shops and installations will appear in different areas of central London. We have constructed the packaging with great care for the artworks, including inner wrapping and temperature control.
Labelexpo Europe Brussels
The world's largest event for the label and packaging printing industry, with many products, many launches and many live demonstrations. We have transported and installed the lines from Japan in ten 40 ft containers of vacuum-packaged cargo, and from within Europe in five large trailers.
Salone del Mobile.Milano Milano
The world's largest furniture fair held annually in Milan. We have transported furniture by air from Japan not only to the fairground complex "Fiera Milano Rho", but also to a gallery, boutiques and shops at various locations in Milan for "Fuorisalone".
EPHJ-EPMT-SMT Genève
The trade show to watchmaking and jewelry. The event often reveals innovations and new processes in the field of watchmaking and jewelry, microtechnology and medical technology. We transported expensive precision machinery.
Johanesburg
Dubai
Doha
Riyadh
analytica Lab Africa Johanesburg
The premier trade fair for the analysis, laboratory-technology and biotechnology sectors, bringing together scientists, entrepreneurs and users from around the world. We carefully checked the documentation with the designated carrier in advance, transported the sensitive inspection equipment via the shortest possible air route and completed bonded import clearance in just one day.
COP28 UAE（Conference of the Parties） Dubai
The United Nations conference of the parties to the United Nations framework convention on climate change, that greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets and measures to combat climate change are discussed. We have provided freight forwarding for the exhibition booths to be set up at the Exhibition Centre.
DUBAI AIRSHOW Dubai
One of the largest and most successful air shows in the world, connecting aerospace industry professionals across the world to facilitate successful global trade. We have transported models of aircraft and aero engines. Although it was a large engine model, it was safely delivered to the exhibition booth with the help of a 5-ton forklift and 10 workers. After the exhibition, we forwarded the models of aircraft and aero engines to another exhibition held in another country.
ConteQ Expo Doha
The event for construction and services sectors hosted by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MOCI), the Ministry of labour (MOL) and Public Works Authority 'Ashghal', three highly esteemed government bodies in Qatar. We have obtained an import license and were responsible for the transport of the robot and VR equipment.
SAUDI HORECA Riyadh
The biggest international food, beverage and hospitality exhibition in Middle East. We were responsible for food transport for 20 exhibitors. Although we had absolutely no time to spare, we managed to get our import license in a very short time and in time for the exhibition delivery work.
Shanghai
Munbai
Bangkok
Taipei
Beijing
Jakarta
Melbourne
Seoul
Ho Chi Minh City
Japan
EXPO 2010 SHANGHAI Shanghai
The most expensive Expo in the history of the world's fairs, which had the largest number of countries participating. Following Daejeon (South Korea) and Hannover, we have transported some of cargo to the Japan Pavilion.
India Rubber Expo Munbai
Asia's largest rubber exhibition which is offering the most incredible opportunities for businesses in the rubber industry. India has very strict documentation requirements, but we have handled shipments, including those from third countries.
ProPak Asia Bangkok
Asia's leading exhibition for processing and packaging technology. As an official transporter we have handled the cargo of Japanese exhibitors.
ANEX （ASIA NONWOVENS EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE） Taipei
One of the world's three major nonwovens exhibitions, along with "IDEA" sponsored by the United States Nonwovens Manufacturers Association and "INDEX" sponsored by the European Nonwovens Association, which is held once every three years. We have been responsible for providing a service the International Multimodal Transport from Japan. We have also handled import and return shipments from a third country.
Motor show Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Changchun
We are very skillful at transport freight to motor shows held in various cities in People's Republic of China. We act as the official transporter at the Changchun International Auto Expo.
ALLPack INDONESIA Jakarta
The international exhibition on processing, packaging, automation, handling, machinery for Food; beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and personal care. We have transported five 40 ft containers.
ITS Australia Global Summit Melbourne
The summit which explores the themes of smart infrastructure and data ecosystems, sustainable and equitable, electric, connected, autonomous, future mobility, policy and harmonisation and freight, logistics and drones, consists of symposiums, exhibitions and showcases. We are also responsible for transport to the annual ITS summit, which is held in various parts of the world outside Melbourne.
SIMTOS （Seoul International Manufacturing Technology Show） Seoul
The largest manufacturing technology exhibition in Korea, which is the sibling one of the Japan International Machine Tool Fair. We have transported super-heavy goods.
Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam's regional trade fair for automotive services, which showcases a wide range of products and services, from auto parts and accessories, including custom modifications, to the care, repair, and maintenance of automobiles. We have been responsible for air cargo transport.
Pokémon World Championships 2023 Yokohama
We have transported the goods as the designated transporter. Seventy workers, eighteen supervisors and a total of one hundred and fifty heavy vehicles were used.
Flow of Contract
step01
Hearing/Gathering information
We discuss details such as event name, cargo contents (size, shape, packing condition), shipping schedules, work contents, etc.
step02
Submission of Quotation
The first estimation to secure budget→ Submission of second estimation after checking the cargo visually or confirming the detailed weight of the cargo
step03
Signing a Contract
We submit the final quotation to be confirmed by checking the date of delivery to the booth and choosing flight or vessel (If there are no additional work requests)
Flowchart for Exhibitions and Events
Step 1
Cargo Pickup (in Japan)
We pick up shipments from the customer's designated location at the date and time specified by them. If there is no forklift or platform at the pickup location, a truck with a gate or crane can be provided. We also arrange for cushioning materials while determining whether the cargo is bare or packed in simple packaging which is not suitable for international transport.
Step 2
Packaging Operation (in Japan)
We provide appropriate packaging that does not unnecessarily increase the weight or volume of cargo itself, with the first priority on ensuring safety during air and ocean transportation. In consideration of unpacking and repacking at exhibition and event sites, we offer clip packing for easy opening and closing, vacuum packing to prevent rusting during transportation. We also provide environmentally friendly returnable box packing and case mark labeling.
Reusable Shipping Wooden Containers
This packing case can be used repeatedly when we transport exhibition goods back and forth. In consideration of on-site work at the exhibition site, we have devised a convenient way to open and close the box.
Step 3
Transportation to Airport/Port (in Japan)
Packaged cargo is transported to a bonded warehouse for export customs clearance.
Step 4
Export Customs Clearance (in Japan)
We receive the invoice, packing list, and various documents designated by the destination country for import customs declaration, from the customer, and file the export customs declaration with the customs. In the case of a customs inspection, we explain the goods' details to customs and arrange for any necessary inspections on behalf of our customers. It is also possible for us to prepare or apply documents on behalf of our clients, such as ATA CARNET which is required for customs declaration.
ata carnet
ATA CARNET is a customs clearance document used for the temporary importation of exhibits. By using ATA CARNET, imports and exports can be cleared through customs in each country without being subject to taxation.
In the case of air transportation, we select a direct flight, a transit flight, or a trucking service from a hub airport, taking into consideration the delivery schedule at the local exhibition or event site. In the case of ocean freight, we select the most appropriate vessel, taking into consideration those delays by bad weather or port strike conditions etc. For temperature-controlled cargo, dry ice and temperature-controlled containers can be arranged. Upon arrival of the aircraft and vessel at the local port, we check whether cargo gets any damage or not. If damage is found, we contact the insurance company and request a damage report to the airline or shipping company.
approx. shipping schedule
Air freight
To anywhere: 5 - 10 hours
Ocean freight
To Europe: 40 - 60 days To USA: 20 - 30 days To Southeast Asia: 7 - 10days
Step 6
Import Customs Clearance (Overseas)
We share customs declaration documents with the overseas authorities even before the aircraft or vessel arrives at the local airport/port. To carry out customs clearance declarations smoothly, we prepare all the documents in advance based on cargo inspections by customs. We file bonded import declarations for temporary imports and regular import declarations. After import clearance gets approved, we safely store the cargo in a bonded warehouse.
Temporary Import Declaration
Temporary importation without paying customs duties and consumption taxes. This is an effective way for temporary display purposes such as exhibitions and trade fairs.
Step 7
Moving-in to Exhibition venue / Event venue (Overseas)
We deliver the cargo to the booth or stand according to instructions from the customer. Depending on the country or exhibition site, we coordinate with designated work companies and labor unions to ensure that there are no delays or accidents. For us, this is the biggest showtime as an exhibition cargo transportation company in exhibition sites where there are so many restrictions. We take full advantage of the trust that has been built up over the years with our designated work companies and local unions. This trust has been built through our membership in the International Exhibition Logistics Association (IELA).
Step 8
Work in Booths and Stands (Overseas)
We unpack boxes that have been delivered to your booth using local workers, forklifts, cranes, and tools. We pick up the empty boxes, store them during the exhibition/event, and deliver again them in the booth at the close of the show.
Step 9
Opening of the Exhibition
Good luck on the success of your exhibition or event!
Step 1
Closing the Exhibition (Overseas)
We check with customers whether they have returning shipments or forwarding ones to other countries and we also check about consumables, then prepare documents for return cargos before closing the exhibition. Empty boxes kept during the exhibition/event will be re-delivered to your booth/stand. We can also arrange priority delivery of empty boxes.
Step 2
Work in Booths and Stands (Overseas)
We help repacking boxes at the booth using local workers, forklifts, cranes, and tools. If necessary, we can also arrange for vacuum barrier packaging.
Vacuum barrier packaging
During the transportation on the way to/from overseas, seawater and moisture can cause rusting on exhibition goods. We remove air to create a vacuum and add silica gel (desiccant) to prevent rust caused by moisture.
Step 3
Moving-Out from the Exhibition Hall/Event Site (Overseas)
We pick up the re-packed cargo from the booth/stand and transport it to a bonded warehouse.
Step 4
Export customs clearance (Overseas)
In the case of bonded imports, we release the security and declare export customs clearance.
Step 5
Loading into Aircraft/onto Ship
We arrange air and ocean transportation upon discussion with the customer. Forwarding to third countries is also available.
Forwarding to a Third Country
Exhibits shipped from Japan can be transferred to the next exhibition in another country without returning to Japan.
approx. shipping schedule
Air freight
From anywhere: 5 - 10 hours
Ocean freight
From Europe: 40 - 60 days From USA: 20 - 30 days From Southeast Asia: 7 - 10days
Step 6
Import Customs Clearance (in Japan)
Upon arrival of cargo, we file a re-import customs declaration. We can arrange for various types of declarations, including duty-free declarations, ATA Carnet, and normal declarations.
Step 7
To the Warehouse (in Japan)
After the cargo gets approved for importation, it is transported from the airport shed or port terminal to the warehouse, where it is unpacked and prepared for inspection.
Step 8
Unpacking and Inspection (in Japan)
Our professional staff unpack boxes and inspect the cargo before delivering to the customer. We can also take care of disposal of unneeded packing materials.
Step 9
Delivery to the Customers (in Japan)
We deliver the cargo to the customer's designated location on the date and time specified. Upon the delivery of the cargo, this is the end of the long transportation service for the exhibition/event.
