Making an estimate for each particular shipment, at Fine Art Shippers we always specify the way your treasured possessions will be transported. This means that depending on the destination, the fine art object itself, and surely your wishes and requirements, we can offer you sea or air transportation, subcontracted or exclusive trucking service, as well as an art shuttle. Each of these modes of transport is distinguished by its own type of handing, security and packing standards, equipment used, and transit time. Moreover, the insurance company may also have some criteria concerning the security of your art object, handling, and type of transportation. In this way, you should have a clear understanding of all the services offered by the art shipping company. Thus, you may have no questions about trucks and ocean or air freight, but what about an art shuttle? Do you know when and why you can use it? Let’s see this in detail!
1. Equipment. In most of the cases, art shuttles are divided into two groups: large tractor trailer sized trucks that operate across the country and smaller ones that make regional and local stops. However, practically all of them are related to so-called museum quality trucks with dual drivers that are usually equipped with climate control system and have air ride suspensions. Surely, there are also trucks that are not climate controlled or operated by a single driver. In any case, all these details can be specified in advance.
2. Commodities. Art shuttles are suitable for transport of very high value and fragile artworks and antiques. This type of transportation often includes packing and unpacking services, as well as handling services within the truck performed by trained art handlers.
3. Packing standards. Art shuttles are used for shipping of crated and softpacked artworks. Moreover, you can be sure they will keep all works of art properly oriented in transit and observe all orientation markings like “ride flat” or “this way up.”
4. Insurance. In most cases, art shuttles don’t provide “automatic” insurance. The case is that some of them may have restrictions connected with the artworks packed by the shipper. So, insurance should be in place before the object is handled or moved.
5. Handling. If you have an artwork that can’t be handled several times, the art shuttle is not the best option for you. The fact is that items can be moved around the truck or even transferred from one truck to another during the transportation process. In this case, it is better to choose an exclusive use truck service.
6. Scheduling and routes. The advantage of the art shuttle is that you can plan your shipment ahead as its route between cities is often pre-scheduled. However, it is not an option for those who need to transport their artworks in a couple of days. Sometimes it may take about a week or even more to complete a route. Besides, you should be prepared for that the timing may change even within the appointed schedules.
7. Security. Art shuttles are usually equipped with special GPS tracking devices or some other security measures. However, if you need to ship objects of ultra high value, it’s better to use an exclusive use truck with a specially trained courier on board.
So, it’s up to you whether to choose this service or not! Anyway, make sure that you are getting a true art shuttle that meets the museum quality requirements. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!