It seems like the cost of exhibit transportation has really gone up during the last few years. What's driving this fee increase, and is there anything I can do to minimize this expense?

You're absolutely correct. Transportation expenditures have risen in the last couple of years due to a perfect storm of events. What's more, the factors driving this disturbance are likely to continue in the foreseeable future. To help you better understand what's going on, here's a primer on four key market aspects that have elevated load pricing along with some initiatives that can help combat these costs.
➤  Driver Shortages The United States has a shortage of tractor-trailer drivers, and to make matters worse, driver retention is at an all-time low. Driver shortfalls for large truckload carriers are estimated to exceed 50,000 drivers, and annualized turnover, where drivers stay less than one year, is more than 90 percent for large carriers. Since the demand for drivers is high, transportation carriers must pay more to secure and retain them. These additional costs are passed on to customers via increased transportation rates.
➤  A Strong Economy There is a close link between economic growth and transportation costs. The current financial climate is favorable, which means the demand for goods is robust. Plus, online purchasing and the accompanying movement and delivery of these goods require additional transport services and, correspondingly, even more drivers. Increasing demand with further elevated capacity drives up prices even more.
➤  Disaster Rebuilding Over the last few years, the United States has experienced numerous hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and more. When one region's workforce and transport vehicles are out of commission, trucks and drivers from other U.S. locales are diverted to that area. In effect, natural disasters spread already scarce drivers even thinner. Once again, when demand remains high and the pool of drivers is low, consumer prices skyrocket. For example, after the California wildfires in 2017, rates in some areas rose by 25 percent by the end of that year and have remained at or near these levels.
➤  Electronic Logging Devices As mandated by Congress, the electronic logging device (ELD) rule is part of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). This legislation requires drivers to electronically log their hours rather than use the old method of tracking hours on paper. The goal for the ELD rule is to create a safer work environment for drivers and make it easier and faster to accurately track, manage, and share duty-status data. Lack of compliance, and for some firms the cost barrier to comply, has further decreased the supply of drivers, which has driven up rates. And for those firms that comply, the cost of the ELDs and subscription fees are passed on to consumers.

However, the most significant impact of these regulations affects transit time. ELDs enforce road-time compliance, so drivers must follow the Department of Transportation's regulated Hours of Service, which limit the time a driver can spend on the road. As a result, ELDs have lengthened transit times. Increases in transit times, then, mean you need to have your goods ready for shipment earlier than in the past to ensure they meet your targeted show delivery dates.

Solutions and Opportunities
The principles of supply and demand – plus some of Mother Nature's handiwork – have driven up transportation costs across the board. And while there may not be much you can do to impact the driver shortage, natural disasters, or government regulations, there are some specific initiatives you can implement to keep your costs down and better manage longer transit times.
➤  Partner with a transportation and logistics firm that has a deep network of qualified drivers and equipment. Let's say your in-demand driver drops your order for another opportunity. If your transportation provider has a large pool of qualified, vetted drivers, you'll increase your chances of finding another driver familiar with the ins and outs of trade shows – and improve the odds that your freight will arrive on time.
➤  Modify shipping dates to select more economical times and services. Flexible scheduling can result in lower shipping rates.
➤  Ask providers to rerate shipments closer to the ship date. Most transportation companies will issue a ballpark quote up front, but a lot of things (e.g., strikes, floods, hurricanes, and more) can affect pricing between the quote date and when your shipment hits the road. Ensure you're aware of any price increases by asking for an updated quote a few weeks before you plan to ship. This way, you can better budget for – or perhaps alter your shipment or schedule to completely avoid – any unforeseen upticks.
➤  Minimize wait times at your facility, allowing drivers to maximize driving and work hours as per the regulated Hours of Service. That is, don't keep drivers waiting to load your shipment. Have it ready when they arrive so their hours can be spent on the road as opposed to sitting in the parking lot.

Transportation rates are volatile and elevated, and transit times are on the rise. But with a better understanding of what's driving the increases, along with proactive mitigating steps, you can get your exhibit to the show on time without breaking the bank.