If you look through the websites of fine art logistics companies, you will stumble upon some terminology or concepts that you might not be familiar with. For example, consider art shipping crates. If you are imagining a wooden box, you are partially correct. However, there is much more to this packaging type than meets the eye at first. In fact, crates can significantly improve your entire art transportation experience. Are you curious about how and when to use art crates for shipping valuable objects? Then, let’s talk about choosing the perfect option out of many others.
Finding Perfect Art Crates for Shipping: Three Things to Consider
First, you need to know that several kinds of art crates can be used for shipping. These include:
- museum crates;
- economy crates;
- travel frames;
- open-style crates.
To decide which one of them suits your valuables best, you must take into account the three following characteristics.
Dimensions
The measurements of your piece will play a big role in determining which crate to choose and whether you even need one in the first place. Yes, in some cases, getting art crates for shipping is simply not necessary. For example, if your piece is light and small, you, most likely, can simply use a cardboard box or some other soft materials to transport it. However, if you are shipping a large painting or a bulky sculpture, you will have to use an art crate that will fit the measurements of your item perfectly. Objects that are oddly shaped and cannot fit into regularly sized packaging might require a custom-built crate.
Value
Of course, all works of art and antiques are valuable in their own way. However, some pieces should never be transported without the security provided by art crates. For instance, a painting by a blue-chip artist in most cases will be transported in a museum crate. Museum crates are art crates that are more complex in construction, with custom interior, which often makes them more expensive than regular crates.
Fragility
It is generally recommended that all particularly delicate items are shipped in crates. This includes antique pieces that tend to become more and more fragile as they age and require special protective measures, which only a museum crate can provide.
In the end, you do not need to worry too much about choosing art crates for shipping your precious possessions yourself. Your art logistics service provider will help you make the right decision based on your requirements and destination.