Most art owners request a shipping quote from carriers they’re planning to hire before making the final hiring decision. However, at times, the preliminary quote and the final check differ, as some hidden costs in art logistics show up in the process of delivery planning and execution. Let’s see what adds up to the cost of shipping to let you calculate costs more accurately.

What Hidden Costs Do Art Owners Face?

While the shipping quote is typically calculated based on the artwork’s dimensions, weight, and delivery mileage in mind, it may go higher if extra services are required. First, costs add up at the packing and crating stage, with custom crates and conservation-grade materials added on demand for an extra fee. Specialized internal supports and custom design that goes beyond industry standards can also be negotiated with the client.

Next comes the documentation package that can be extended at the client’s request. Pre-packing condition checks and photo documentation are usually included in the shipping package, but any extra level of insight may require extra time and extra payment. Art owners should also consider the costs associated with the site access complexities. Any extra waiting time on site and building restrictions that demand specialized loading and moving equipment may increase the final shipping cost. The timing of artwork collection, if it is planned for after-hours delivery or weekends, also results in price premiums.

Is It Possible to Avoid Hidden Costs in Art Logistics?

As a rule, most hidden costs in art logistics are avoidable if you inquire about extra services and customization in advance. For instance, you will get a much more precise quote if you provide accurate information about your packing and crating needs, pick-up and delivery locations, and any requirements you might have.

However, some logistics expenses are unpredictable and unavoidable. These include extra working hours of art handlers if the scope of work changes, complicated access to the pick-up or delivery location, which hasn’t been specified by the client, additional services requested on the go, such as art transit insurance and installation upon delivery, etc. Thus, it always makes sense to provide art shippers with the full information and accurate details of the upcoming shipment; only in such a case, you will get a clear quote without any extra costs and charges.