Trade Show Shipping to the McCormick Place
McCormick Place hosts some of the largest exhibits and shows in the Midwest, and the freight that supports them has to arrive on schedule. Professional Moving Solutions picks up exhibits, delivers them to Chicago, and handles storage and return freight afterward. Call 866-216-7742, 24/7.
Available 24/7. Call or send your details for a no-obligation quote.
About the McCormick Place and your show freight
McCormick Place is a very large complex on the lakefront south of downtown Chicago, with several buildings and a lot of freight moving at once. Large shows use organized marshaling and assigned windows, so it pays to read your exhibitor manual closely and arrive with paperwork that matches your labels.
Chicago winters are a real factor for exhibits shipping between November and March. Cold can damage screens, liquids and some adhesives, and snow can delay trucks. We plan extra transit time on winter moves and wrap freight for the conditions.
Advance warehouse or direct-to-show in Chicago
For large Chicago shows, the advance warehouse is common because the show floor opens to freight in a tightly managed sequence. Delivering early lets you skip a congested window, and your crates reach the booth through the show process. Direct-to-show delivery fits smaller exhibits and teams who want the truck on the floor at a specific time.
Because we also run white glove and last mile deliveries in the Chicago metro, we can add a second stop, such as a hotel, showroom or office, to the same trip. Tell us about it when you request a quote.
Planning tips for Chicago shows
- Match the labels on every crate to the paperwork in your exhibitor manual
- Add transit days for winter shows, when snow can slow freight
- Protect screens and liquids from freezing temperatures in the trailer
- Ask about a second stop in Chicago if you are delivering outside the venue too
How we handle Chicago show freight
Professional Moving Solutions is an independent carrier. We are not the official contractor or decorator for the McCormick Place and are not affiliated with the venue or any show, so always follow the freight instructions in your exhibitor manual. We are available 24/7 at 866-216-7742.
- Pickup from the exhibitor, exhibit house or display fabricator
- Blanket-wrap or crated transport for booths, displays and demo equipment
- Liftgate service at pickup and delivery
- Delivery to the advance warehouse listed in your exhibitor manual
- Direct-to-show delivery inside your assigned window
- Storage between shows in our secure Richmond, VA warehouse, from 1 to 100 pallets
- Return freight after move-out
- Booth installation labor and storage, arranged by quote
Frequently asked questions
Can you deliver exhibits to McCormick Place?
Yes. We deliver to the advance warehouse or direct to the show within your assigned window, following the instructions in your exhibitor manual.
Do you handle Chicago winter shows?
Yes. We build extra transit time into winter moves and protect freight against cold. Tell us if the exhibit includes screens, liquids or other items that should not freeze.
Can you deliver to a Chicago office or showroom after the show?
Yes. We can route the exhibit to a Chicago-area address, to storage in Richmond, VA, or back to your shop.
What do you need to quote Chicago show freight?
The show name and venue, your move-in and move-out dates, whether you are using the advance warehouse or direct-to-show delivery, your pickup ZIP code, and what is shipping: crate count, dimensions, weight and photos. Tell us if you need storage, return freight or booth installation labor.
Are you the official contractor for the McCormick Place?
No. We are an independent carrier and are not affiliated with the venue, the show or its official contractor. We deliver to the addresses and windows in your exhibitor manual.
Related services and guides
- Trade show shippingOur main trade show and exhibit shipping service.
- Exhibit logisticsCrating, show-to-show routing, storage and return freight.
- Advance warehouse vs direct-to-showHow to choose the right delivery option.
- Trade show shipping in IllinoisAll show cities we serve in the state.
- Delivery in ChicagoWhite glove and last mile delivery in the area.
Nearby show cities
Shipping to a Chicago show? Get your quote.
Available 24/7. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.