Freight and Pallet Shipping for Dealers at the Tucson Gem Shows

When gem show purchases or inventory are too heavy for parcel carriers: the 150 lb cutoff, LTL pallet freight, UPS Ground with Freight Pricing, storage near the venues and pickup timing by show.

Buying by the flat or the pallet? Once a shipment gets past what a parcel carrier takes, you're in freight territory. This guide is for dealers and bulk buyers. Rules here were checked on Oct 15, 2026.

When you need freight

USPS won't take anything over 70 lbs or 130 inches length plus girth per piece.
UPS takes single packages up to 150 lbs.
Over 150 lbs on a pallet: UPS says this typically moves as less-than-truckload (LTL) freight, which it handles throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Several boxes totaling 151 lbs or more, no pallet: UPS says UPS Ground with Freight Pricing may be a good option.

Ask the vendor first

TucsonGemShow101's advice for big purchases: consult the vendor before you ship, because they may have more cost-effective bulk freight options.

Shipping at the venues

TucsonGemShow101 says UPS and DHL have stations at several high-volume venues, offering domestic and international shipping and packing materials. Ask the station at your venue whether it handles pallets or LTL, and what it needs from you (weight, dimensions, delivery address type).

Questions to ask before you book

Is the price based on weight, pallet size, freight class, or a mix?
Does pickup at a show venue, or delivery to a home or a site with no loading dock, cost extra?
What's the cutoff time for pickup, and how long is transit?
Is the shipment insured for its declared value?

Storage between buying and shipping

If you're buying all week and shipping once, a storage unit near your cluster can help. Our Ship & Store listings include self-storage such as WildCat Storage, A Family Storage and E-Z 8 Self Storage, plus AAA Old Pueblo Moving & Warehouse. Confirm access hours with each one directly.

Plan pickups around closing dates

Show	2027 dates	Closes
GJX (wholesale)	Jan 30 – Feb 4	Thu Feb 4
AGTA GemFair (wholesale)	Jan 31 – Feb 4	Thu Feb 4
G&LW Gem Mall & Holidome (wholesale)	Jan 28 – Feb 6	Sat Feb 6
JOGS	Jan 27 – Feb 7	Sun Feb 7
Pueblo	Jan 28 – Feb 9	Tue Feb 9
22nd Street, Kino, Fossil & Mineral Alley	Jan 28 – Feb 14	Sun Feb 14
Mineral & Fossil Marketplace	Jan 28 – Feb 15	Mon Feb 15

Dates per TucsonGemShow101. Book freight pickups before the closing day, when every dealer at the venue is packing out at once. See shipping options by show week.