NAB Show — the National Association of Broadcasters annual convention — is one of the largest technology and media trade shows in the world. Held every April at the Las Vegas Convention Center, NAB draws 90,000+ attendees and 1,700+ exhibitors showcasing broadcast equipment, production technology, streaming platforms, and media infrastructure.
For freight and logistics, NAB has characteristics that distinguish it from other Las Vegas shows: high-value technology equipment, significant AV and display infrastructure, and a show floor that runs dense with large island exhibits.
This guide covers the NAB freight logistics timeline, advance warehouse requirements, drayage costs, and what makes NAB different from other LVCC shows.
NAB Venue: LVCC West Hall and Central Hall
NAB Show is primarily based at the Las Vegas Convention Center's Central Hall and West Hall, with the newer West Hall (opened 2021) serving as a major exhibit space.
⚠️ Watch Out
Confirm your hall assignment every year — NAB floor plans evolve as the show grows into new LVCC spaces.
Freeman: The NAB General Service Contractor
Freeman is the official general service contractor for NAB Show. Freeman manages advance warehouse intake, drayage, and material handling at LVCC for NAB.
This is different from CES and SEMA, where GES is the primary GSC. NAB-specific Freeman contact information, advance warehouse address, and drayage rates are published in the NAB Exhibitor Services Manual each year.
NAB Advance Warehouse Timeline
NAB Show typically opens the second or third week of April. The advance warehouse window runs approximately:
- Opens: Mid-March (approximately 4 weeks before move-in)
- Closes: Approximately one week before NAB move-in
⚠️ Watch Out
Recommended NAB booking timeline:
- Book freight pickup: 6–8 weeks before NAB (late February / early March)
- Target advance warehouse delivery: 2 weeks before the close date
- For complex AV builds or large island exhibits: book in February
NAB-Specific Logistics: Technology and AV Equipment
NAB exhibitors ship some of the highest-value freight in the trade show industry — broadcast cameras, professional monitors, editing workstations, server infrastructure, satellite equipment, and production consoles. This creates logistics requirements that differ from standard trade show shipments.
High-value equipment considerations:
Expensive technology requires proper crating and shock protection. Standard cardboard and padwrap is not adequate for $50,000 broadcast cameras or precision optical equipment. Use custom crates or flight cases rated for your equipment value.
💡 Pro Tip
Declared value and insurance:
Standard freight carrier liability is approximately $0.50 per pound — which means a 20 lb camera worth $40,000 is covered for $10. Declare value on high-value shipments and purchase additional cargo insurance. Discuss this with your logistics provider before shipping.
Temperature and environment:
Certain electronics (hard drives, precision optics, some LED displays) are sensitive to temperature extremes during transit. If your equipment has temperature requirements, discuss climate-controlled freight options.
NAB Drayage Costs at LVCC
Freeman manages drayage at NAB at LVCC-range rates: $95 to $185 per CWT, with advance warehouse rates lower than direct-to-show.
NAB exhibits tend to have moderate weight relative to their value — technology equipment is dense but often lighter than automotive or structural displays. A 20x20 NAB island exhibit with standard broadcast equipment might run 2,000 to 4,000 lbs.
💡 Pro Tip
NAB Move-In Schedule
NAB move-in runs over several days before the show opens, with priority access based on booth size and island build complexity. Your ESM includes the specific move-in day and time window for your booth.
Freeman manages dock scheduling during NAB move-in. Direct deliveries during peak move-in compete with thousands of other shipments — advance warehouse is the reliable path.
Return Freight After NAB
NAB move-out follows Freeman standard procedures:
- Dismantle and repack all exhibit components
- Apply outbound labels
- Submit MHA to Freeman
- Freeman stages freight in marshaling area
- Pre-scheduled carrier picks up
For high-value technology shipments, ensure all outbound crating is as protective as inbound. Equipment damaged during return transit is a common post-show issue when exhibitors rush repacking.
⚠️ Watch Out
How Calway Handles NAB Shipments
Calway ships to NAB Show every April. We serve exhibitors from Southern California and nationally for LVCC delivery.
We know the Freeman NAB intake process, the West Hall and Central Hall dock assignments, and the advance warehouse timeline. We handle pickup, advance warehouse delivery with confirmed receipt, and post-show return coordination.
For technology-heavy NAB exhibits, we advise on crating requirements and declared value options as part of the booking process.
Shipping to NAB This Year?
Get a custom quote for your NAB Show freight. Tell us your hall assignment, booth size, origin city, and whether you have any special handling requirements for technology equipment.
Get a Quote or call (909) 605-9893 — available 24/7.
Calway Logistics | Ontario, CA | USDOT #3353508 | FMCSA Licensed & Bonded Serving NAB Show at LVCC and all Las Vegas trade show venues.
About the author: Jose Melchor is Operations Manager at Calway Logistics, based in Ontario, CA. With 15+ years in trade show logistics, he has coordinated freight for exhibitors at LVCC, McCormick Place, Javits Center, Anaheim Convention Center, and every major trade show venue across the U.S. and Canada.