| D.O.T. - Department of Transportation. |
| D.T. Labor - Double Time Labor. Work performed on overtime and charged at twice the published rate. |
| D/B/A - Doing Business As. |
| Damage Report - A report submitted by an exhibitor to a freight company or drayage contractor itemizing damage to shipped goods. |
| Dead Man - Temporary post used during installation to help support the weight of an overhead structure. |
| Dead Time - Time when a worker is unable to perform duties due to factors beyond his or her control. |
| Declared Value - A shipper's stated dollar value for the contents of a shipment. |
| Decorator - An individual (skilled craftsperson) or company (a contractor) providing services for a trade show and/or its exhibitors. |
| DIM Weight - Length x width x height divided by 194 for domestic shipments, or divided by 166 for international shipments. |
| Directory - A catalog of basic information about the show, including exhibitors, floor plan and schedule of events. (This is also sometimes referred to as an On-site Program or Program.) |
| Dismantle - To take apart an exhibit. Also known as Take-down, Teardown. |
| Display Builder - A company which fabricates exhibits. |
| Display Rules & Regulations - Exhibit construction specifications endorsed by major exhibit industry associations. Also the specific set of rules that apply to an exposition. |
| Dock - A platform where freight is loaded onto and removed from vehicles or vessels. |
| Dolly - A low, wheeled frame with a platform used for carrying heavy or cumbersome objects. |
| Double-decker - A two-storied exhibit. Also known as Multiple Story Exhibit. |
| Draper - A craftsperson who installs drapes, fabric, and special decor. |
| Drayage - The movement of show materials from shipping dock to booth for show set up and back to dock for return shipment at end of show. |
| Drayage Contractor - A company responsible for handling exhibit materials at a trade show. |
| Drayage Form - A form completed by an exhibitor requesting handling of materials. |
| Duplex Outlet - A double electrical outlet. |
| DW - Deadweight (tons of 2240 lbs.) |
