When it comes to shipping a valuable, fragile art object, the vehicle carrying this precious artifact becomes much more than a means of transportation. It functions as a mobile preservation environment, engineered precisely with the unique demands for art conservation in mind. The art shuttle’s design anticipates physical, chemical, and mechanical forces that may threaten artwork in transit. Let’s take a look at the climate-controlled truck vs. regular truck differences and nuances of art transport selection.
Distinguishing Climate-Controlled Truck vs. Regular Truck Features
Let’s compare standard and climate-controlled trucks across several parameters that make a real difference in art logistics.
Temperature Control
Standard trucks may offer only relatively stable temperatures inside the vehicle, with no active thermal regulation setup. That’s why the internal temperature may fluctuate depending on the ambient outdoor conditions, rising to up to 160-1750F in summer and dropping to a freezing point in winter.
Art transportation vehicles, in their turn, are capable of keeping a stable, fully controlled temperature with the help of in-built HVAC systems. The industry standard for art shipping is 64.4-69.80F, with slight variations by art type, and you’re in full control of setting precise temperature configurations when using such trucks.
Relative Humidity Control
Regular trucks offer no control over HR parameters inside the vehicle, so the cargo they move is often subject to the full range of atmospheric moisture changes. The risk is manageable with the help of comprehensive protective packaging for artwork, which professionals equip with robust vapor barriers. Still, humidity fluctuations, especially when coupled with temperature swings, may pose tangible art preservation risks.
HVAS systems take this issue into full control with the help of dynamic, automated humidifier and dehumidifier settings. Once the HR level falls below the accepted range or rises above it, the in-built hygrometers detect the deviation and make real-time adjustments.
Air Quality and Filtration
Air quality is another parameter of safe art shipping. Unfortunately, regular trucks can’t provide air quality control because they aren’t fully sealed. As a result, air entering the door gaps and ventilation ports is full of hazardous contaminants. Diesel exhaust from the truck’s own engine can also penetrate into the cargo area. HEPA filters installed in specialized art shipping vehicles eliminate this risk entirely. They capture all particles, no matter how small, and prevent art degradation because of dust or biological contamination.
However, you shouldn’t think of the climate-controlled truck vs. regular truck distinctions in purely financial or convenience terms. In reality, the choice between these two vehicle types depends on many factors, from the type of art and its material to the shipping distance to insurance requirements. It’s better to consult your art logistics company for the most suitable and safe option.