When you’re moving staging, AV, rigging, or broadcast gear, every shipment carries high stakes. A delayed pallet, customs hold-up, or damaged component can jeopardise an event.
At EFM, we’ve made it our mission to remove that pressure. Here’s how we make event equipment shipping stress-free for event suppliers around the world.
1. We Handle Customs and Compliance, So You Don’t Have To
International shipping for events comes with complex legal and regulatory hurdles. From ATA Carnets and temporary import/export documentation to bonded warehouses, shipments can stall without proper planning.
EFM handles all the paperwork proactively. We coordinate with customs brokers, government authorities, and insurers to ensure your equipment moves across borders without delay.
For instance, in a recent project with a leading global broadcaster, EFM managed over 190 secure shipments worldwide, achieving a 100% on-time delivery rate and reducing customs clearance delays by five days. This efficiency was crucial in meeting the tight timelines of international sporting events.
“In an industry where every move is complex, we needed a logistics partner we could trust implicitly. The EFM team meets every challenge with precision, professionalism, and a personal touch.”
Read more about our work on this project here.
Tip for suppliers: Keep your packing lists, serial numbers, and valuations ready. Proper documentation keeps shipments moving smoothly.
2. We Treat Your Gear with Specialist Care
Event equipment is rarely “just freight.” It’s expensive, delicate, and often irreplaceable. That’s why EFM uses tailored packing and handling solutions:
- Custom crates and shock-absorption systems for fragile AV and lighting gear
- Climate-controlled trucks for sensitive electronics
- Air-ride suspension vehicles for long road hauls
- Real-time GPS tracking for full visibility
We also train our couriers on your equipment’s specific requirements. Whether it’s a PA system, LED wall, or flypack, we ensure it arrives ready to perform.
Tip for suppliers: Document special handling needs before shipping. A small note about orientation, temperature, or fragility can prevent major damage.
3. We Deliver Wherever and Whenever You Need It
Deadlines for live events are non-negotiable. EFM coordinates shipments to reach venues precisely when you need them, whether it’s:
- A festival in the middle of a national park
- A stadium show with strict access windows
- A remote broadcast location with limited local infrastructure
Our teams plan every leg of the journey, from road, air, or sea, to minimise risk and avoid delays. And with 24/7 operations support, there’s always someone ready to adapt if something unexpected occurs.
Tip for suppliers: Share your event schedule early. The sooner we know your load-in times and venue access, the more we can optimise delivery.
4. We Offer Global Reach with Local Insight
Shipping equipment internationally isn’t just about distance; it’s about understanding local rules, transport networks, and venues. With offices and partners across continents, EFM combines global scale with local knowledge.
- In São Paulo, we helped suppliers navigate complex import procedures and city traffic restrictions for a trade show
- In Osaka, we coordinated a multi-leg shipment of staging and lighting gear under strict customs timelines
- In Riyadh, our team arranged security, venue access, and last-mile delivery for a high-profile brand activation
Tip for suppliers: Don’t assume your international shipping partner knows local event nuances. Local insight is often the difference between on-time setup and last-minute stress.
5. We Support You Beyond Just Delivery
EFM isn’t “just a courier.” We provide end-to-end logistics support so your team can focus on production:
- On-site supervision for hall entry and rigging deliveries
- Temporary warehousing for staging or AV components
- Traffic coordination and route planning within venues
- Lifting operations and specialist handling for heavy or complex gear
Our aim is simple: every shipment arrives complete, on time, and ready to use, so your focus stays on the event, not the freight.
Tip for suppliers: Treat your logistics partner as an extension of your team. The more they know about your setup and timing, the more value they provide.
The Bottom Line: Peace of Mind for Event Suppliers
With EFM as your logistics partner, you can stop worrying about customs delays, damaged gear, or last-minute venue hurdles. We handle the complexity, provide local insight, and keep your shipments on track, so your team can focus on what matters most: producing flawless events. Whether it’s a stadium tour, trade show, or one-off brand activation, your gear will arrive ready to perform every time.
