The difference between exhibition logistics and general trade logistics and detailed explanation of packaging requirements

Although general trade logistics and exhibition logistics both have the characteristics of standardization, electronic informatization, automatic intelligence and globalization, there are significant differences in supply chain links, composition, reverse logistics focus, marketing channels, etc.

The difference between supply chain links and components

Supply chain links

• General trade logistics: Covers raw material procurement, transportation, packaging, circulation processing, distribution and other links until the final destination.
• Exhibition Logistics: Focus on the transportation process of exhibit items and auxiliary materials from exhibitors to exhibition halls, and then from the exhibition halls back to exhibitors or buyers. It does not involve raw material procurement and product production, and the supply chain is short.

Supply chain composition

• General trade logistics: The supply chain includes manufacturers, wholesalers, agents, retailers and consumers. The chain is long and stable.
• Exhibition logistics: It mainly consists of exhibition organizers, exhibition organizers, exhibitors and exhibition halls. After the exhibition, the supply chain relationship is terminated or reorganized.

The focus of reverse logistics is different

• General trade logistics: Reverse logistics focuses on product returns and recycling of waste items, and the demand is low.
• Exhibition Logistics: The demand for reverse logistics is common. Exhibits need to be returned to exhibitors in good condition. The return time and cost are equivalent to forward logistics.

Changes in property ownership and timeliness requirements

Property ownership

• General trade logistics: With the sale and purchase transaction, property rights are transferred.
• Exhibition Logistics: The ownership and use rights of exhibits always belong to the exhibitors and there will be no changes.

Timeliness

• General trade logistics: Factory loading and unloading at the destination, with few handling and loading times.
• Exhibition Logistics: Extremely time-sensitive, need to arrive at the booth on time, and respond to a variety of urgent needs.

Cargo safety requirements and process repeatability

Security

• General trade logistics: less handling and regular packaging requirements.
• Exhibition Logistics: Due to multiple loading and unloading and customs inspections, the packaging must be specially reinforced [[1]].

Process repeatability

• General trade logistics: The supply chain relationship is stable and continuously optimized.
• Exhibition Logistics: Each event is unique and requires innovative solutions.

Packaging requirements

Packaging requirements in exhibition logistics are more stringent:

1. Division of Responsibilities: Use sturdy materials (such as fumigation-free wooden boxes or flight boxes), and the service provider only guarantees that the outer packaging is complete.
2. Single exhibit: The outer packaging should not be too small, and small items should be packaged together with other large items; the transportation information should be marked.
3. Process damage handling: Immediately notify the service provider if any damage is found.
4. Fill in the mark: Fill in and affix the mark according to the format provided by the service provider.
5. Mark labels: Use waterproof materials to fix them on both sides of the box.

Through the above comparative analysis, we can see that exhibition logistics has its own unique operating model and management requirements compared with traditional trade logistics. For companies participating in exhibitions, understanding these differences will help them better plan and execute logistics plans to ensure the smooth progress of the exhibition.