Artwork Shipping Tips and Hiring the Right Art Courier

Transporting artwork can be a tedious process because most forms of artwork are delicate, fragile and irregularly shaped, which means extra care must be taken when handling them during the postage and delivery process, whether domestically or internationally. 

While there are a vast number of reputable art couriers out there, it is important to always exercise caution and ensure that the art courier you choose for postage has a good reputation. 

Many art couriers specialize in transporting a single type of artwork, such as paintings, sculptures, pottery, and so on, which means they have the knowledge and experience to properly pack and transport your artwork, no matter what type you have. 

However, if you are a newbie to the art world and don’t own any artwork, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy the specific benefits of art courier services to send your artwork. 

Art courier services generally provide a wide variety of transport services tailored specifically to accommodate delivery and shipment of artwork, including: 

Art crating and custom packing 

Careful shipping and handling 

Consolidation and sorting of artwork 

Insurance for artworks valued at over $500 

Storage, packing, and shipping 

Valuation for insurance purposes 

Art Shipping Tips 

Whether you are sending artwork for yourself or on behalf of someone else, you will want to take some precautions to ensure that your artwork arrives safely and is not damaged in any way during postage. 

While the following tips may seem like common sense, they can be easily overlooked if you are not paying close attention: 

Art Courier: Always choose an art courier with a good reputation. Check online reviews and make sure you know what you are getting from the art courier company you choose. 

Artwork: Pay special attention to the artwork you are sending. If you are sending a piece of furniture, make sure the legs are protected and that the furniture will not topple over in transit. 

If you are sending a piece of pottery or a sculpture, make sure it is properly padded and secure. 

Packing Materials: Be sure to use plenty of packing materials, such as bubble wrap and styrofoam peanuts. If you are shipping a piece of furniture, use a blanket to wrap it and protect it from the shipping box. 

Shipping Boxes: Use boxes that are large enough to fit the artwork you are transporting, but not large enough to allow shifting or movement of the artwork. 

Artwork Labels: Make sure any artwork you are shipping is properly labeled for postage. Include the name of the artwork, the name of the artist, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, and any other pertinent information. 

Insurance: Always ensure that the artwork you are shipping is insured. Always contact the art shipping company to make sure they will insure your artwork before delivering it. 

Artwork Weight: Always make sure you know how much the artwork you are shipping weighs. If you are delivering heavy pieces of furniture, make sure they are appropriately packed. 

Shipping Labels and Shipping Costs: Make sure you know where you are shipping the artwork to. If you are shipping art to another country, make sure you know the import taxes and postage fees that will be applied to your artwork. 

Want to ship your artwork or other high-value items? Let Fast Courier help make your delivery smooth and stress-free. Visit our website today!