Some things are notoriously difficult to ship, and fine art is one of them. While there are no obstacles professionals cannot overcome, some items require additional care and protection during transit, which results in higher shipping costs. Apart from being expensive, art shipping is a risky endeavor in general. Seasoned collectors and experts in art-related fields understand that the only way to ensure no catastrophes happen during transportation is to enlist professional help. But what exactly makes art transportation so complicated? Let’s investigate!
Here Is Why Fine Art Is One of the Hardest Things to Ship
“Art” and “fragile” are used together so often that they pretty much become synonymous in our minds. And no wonder — fine art is one of the most delicate things that exist. To be adequately prepared for the transportation of fine art, one must be ready to fulfill a long list of requirements. The fragility of artworks has to be taken into account at all stages of the transportation process. Even the transportation distance influences the way an item is handled.
A lot of artworks are extremely climate-sensitive. This means that a piece of art has to be transported in a vehicle that is equipped with temperature and humidity control. Besides, fine art comes in all shapes and sizes, meaning regular moving boxes might not be suitable. It is often the case that art handlers have to make a custom crate from scratch.
The specifics of fine art transportation make this process more expensive than if you were comparing it to a regular moving service. Some people might feel intimidated by the prices set by art logistics companies and attempt to ship art themselves using at-hand materials. Unfortunately, amateur art handling often ends in disasters.
How to ship art like a pro
While handling fine art is not an easy task, it is not an impossible one. We suggest that you do extensive research before doing anything that might have a long-lasting impact on your valuables. You can find free online resources that provide comprehensive instructions on how to pack, ship, and install artwork. However, if you are shipping a valuable or expensive piece, we suggest that you do not risk it and hire professional art movers. Art shipping companies provide a range of services that will make your art shipping experience a lot less stressful. Many of them even have lower-priced options, so you do not necessarily have to worry about spending extreme amounts of money.