TRADE SHOW FREIGHT GUIDE

Pack Expo International 2026 Freight & Shipping Guide

Plan your freight to PACK EXPO with key shipping dates, advance warehouse deadlines, McCormick Place information, and guidance for getting your exhibit or machinery to the show.

SHOW DATES

Oct 18

-

Oct 21

VENUE

McCormick Place

LOCATION

Chicago

,

IL

ADVANCE FREIGHT DEADLINE

September 30, 2026

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Shipping Details ↓

October

18

–

21

McCormick Place

Chicago

,

IL

KEY DATES

Trade Show Timeline

Stay on track with the most important freight and show dates.

Advance Warehouse
Opens

Advance Freight
Deadline

Exhibitor Move-In
Starts

Show Opens

Show Closes

Exhibitor Move-Out
Starts

SHIPPING TO

Pack Expo International

Shipping Freight to PACK EXPO International

‍

PACK EXPO brings a high volume of exhibit freight, machinery, and equipment into McCormick Place. Exhibitors can ship to the advance warehouse ahead of move-in or deliver directly to showsite according to their assigned target date.

For machinery, oversized exhibits, or time-sensitive freight, plan around your assigned move-in and installation schedule. Choosing the right shipping method early can help keep delivery and setup on track.

OFFICIAL SHOW RESOURCES

Official Show Website ↗

Exhibitor Resources ↗

YOUR SHIPPING OPTIONS

Advance Warehouse vs. Direct-to-Show

There are two primary ways to get your freight to the show. Compare the timing and advantages of each option to determine what works best for your shipment.

ADVANCE WAREHOUSE

Ship Early. Arrive Ready

Send your freight ahead of the show and have it received before exhibitor move-in begins.

ADVANCE WAREHOUSE OPENS

September 1, 2026

ADVANCE WAREHOUSE DEADLINE

September 30, 2026

best for:

Exhibitors whose freight is ready early and who want more flexibility ahead of move-in.

DIRECT-TO-SHOW

Ship Straight to the Venue.

Schedule your freight to arrive directly at the venue during the show's designated receiving window.

VENUE

McCormick Place

marshalling yard

3050 Moe Drive, Chicago, IL 60616

best for:

Exhibitors whose freight isn't ready by the advance deadline or shipments better suited for delivery directly to the venue.

Exhibitway recommendation

Which Shipping Option Makes Sense for PACK EXPO?

‍

If your freight is ready early, the advance warehouse offers more flexibility ahead of move-in. Direct-to-show may be a better fit for late-ready exhibits, machinery, or freight that needs to arrive closer to installation.

For larger equipment, plan backward from your assigned move-in date and installation schedule before choosing either option.

‍

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Pack Expo International Shipping FAQs

When is the PACK EXPO International 2026 advance warehouse deadline?

The advance warehouse receives PACK EXPO International 2026 freight from September 1 through September 30, 2026. Freight received after September 30 is considered late and is subject to expedited handling charges, and PACK EXPO Services does not guarantee late freight will reach the booth by the exhibitor's target date.

Can I ship directly to McCormick Place for PACK EXPO?

Yes. PACK EXPO allows direct-to-show shipping, but direct freight must follow the show's targeted move-in schedule. Vehicles carrying exhibit materials must first check in at the PACK EXPO Services Marshaling Yard before being dispatched to McCormick Place.

Should I use the advance warehouse or direct-to-show for PACK EXPO?

It depends on when your freight is ready and your assigned move-in schedule. The advance warehouse can be useful when freight is ready early and you want it staged ahead of the show. Direct-to-show may be more practical for late-ready exhibits, machinery, or shipments that need to arrive closer to installation. Your booth's assigned target date should be considered before choosing either option.

Can Exhibitway ship machinery and equipment to PACK EXPO?

Yes. Exhibitway can coordinate machinery, equipment, exhibit materials, and other trade show freight to PACK EXPO International. Because PACK EXPO uses assigned move-in target dates, machinery shipments should be planned around the booth's delivery and installation schedule rather than simply the show's opening date. PACK EXPO's official guidance confirms that exhibitors receive assigned target dates for delivery of display materials, equipment and machinery.

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