Each art owner wants to deal with the best shipping company for fragile items when they need to transport their valuables. However, things don’t always go as planned, and damage can happen if safety standards are not correctly implemented. What should you do in such a case, and how to find a company you can trust? Here is a step-by-step guide that will secure your financial interests and protect you from exhaustive legal troubles.

What Should You Do If Your Art Arrives Damaged?

Once you detect damage, the rule of thumb is to stop where you are and prevent further harm. You shouldn’t move, lift, or unpack the artwork after noticing cracks, moisture, or punctures. Preserve the scene exactly as you’ve found it, with all packaging, crates, and insulation remaining in place for documentation of damage. Take photos of the situation, with wide shots of the entire package, packaging interior, and close-ups of the damage you’ve detected. It is highly recommended that you record the entire process of unpacking from start to finish.

Experts strongly discourage art owners from trying to repair damage on their own, with cleaning or cosmetic fixes made to remedy the situation. Surfaces should be left as they are, and broken pieces shouldn’t be separated from the artwork unless they actively fall and risk being lost. Any intervention can make insurance coverage void, thus leaving you without compensation. Next, you should contact the carrier in writing and submit a formal complaint of the damage incurred.

How to Find the Best Shipping Company for Fragile Items?

If your art arrives damaged, the risk is high that you have chosen the wrong partner for delivering fragile art. Here is a quick guide on finding the best shipping company for fragile items without doubt and confusion.

• Reputation. Positive client reviews and partner testimonials build good publicity for any provider of art shipping services.
• Industry expertise. The company you’re dealing with should be on the market for many years, offering a solid track record in the industry.
• Team training. The art handling team should be properly trained and have experience in packing and moving fragile art.
• Professional equipment and materials. Packing materials, tools, and lifting equipment should be specialized, meant for art handling.
• Well-equipped shipping fleet. The shuttles that move your art over a long distance should be equipped with a shock absorption system, interior cushioning, and security monitoring systems.

We at Fine Art Shippers comply with this list of safety standards and are ready to provide top-tier services on demand. Our expertise spans fragile art shipping of any scale and size, from small ancient sculptures to old vintage clocks to Banksy walls. You can rest assured of bulletproof safety and 360-degree protection for your collection when dealing with us.