SEMA Show Logistics: Drayage, Labor & Shipping at Las Vegas Convention Center
The exhibitor logistics that catch teams off guard at SEMA Show — drayage, union labor, and shipping to Las Vegas Convention Center.
SEMA Show opens in 4 days — Nov 3–6, 2026, Las Vegas Convention Center. Move-in usually starts one to three days before the doors open, so the booth decision is live right now.
We hold LED and modular stock in a Las Vegas warehouse, so a sharp booth is still achievable on this timeline — see last-minute booth rental for SEMA Show, or send your booth size and we will tell you today what is realistic.
Dates from the official SEMA Show site, checked 2026-08-04; re-checked 2026-10-15. Always confirm move-in times in the exhibitor manual.
Most SEMA Show exhibitors don't get tripped up by the booth — they get tripped up by the logistics at Las Vegas Convention Center: drayage, union labor, and getting freight in and out on time. Here's what to plan for.
Drayage (material handling)
Material handling (drayage) at the LVCC is billed per hundredweight by the show's official general contractor — published rates run from about $0.70 to $1.85 per lb depending on the show (CES 2027 lists $0.71, NAB 2026 listed $1.84), with weight minimums — so palletizing and advance-warehouse shipping save real money.
Labor at Las Vegas Convention Center
The LVCC leans union, but it's largely up to each show's rules: a lot of display work — LED posters, SEG lightboxes, backwalls, fabric, ground-supported LED walls, and booth set/dismantle — can be exhibitor- or vendor-installed, while electrical beyond simple plug-in and any overhead rigging or hanging signs go to union trades (Teamsters, electricians & riggers). Confirm the specifics in your show's exhibitor manual.
Docks & move-in
The campus spans the West, Central, North and South halls with extensive docks; the West Hall offers dedicated ground-level drive-on access for vehicles and heavy equipment.
Our advice for SEMA Show
Order drayage, electrical and rigging early through the exhibitor kit — on-site and last-minute rates spike sharply. The easiest fix: let us handle the turnkey side — we deliver, install, run on-site support, and dismantle, so drayage and labor are our problem, not yours.
Frequently asked
What is drayage at SEMA Show?
Drayage is the material-handling fee for moving your freight from the dock to your booth and back at Las Vegas Convention Center. It's billed by weight through the show's official contractor — plan for it early.
Can you handle the logistics for me?
Yes — our turnkey service covers delivery, install, on-site support, and dismantle, so drayage and labor coordination is on us.
More for SEMA Show exhibitors
Exhibitor guides
Exhibiting at SEMA Show?
Tell us your booth size — a free quote, usually same day.