Every art owner wants to find the best way to ship a painting. It’s pretty normal to take care of your property and try to ensure its safe trip at any distance. That’s why many collectors, artists, and professional institutions rely on air transportation to deliver art. However, it is not a panacea for art-specific transportation risks. Shipping by air also comes with nuances and specific precautions that need to be taken to ensure a risk-proof journey.
Why Do Art Owners Choose Transportation by Air?
Air shipping has always enjoyed a solid reputation as the fastest method of delivering art. It takes only several days to get a precious canvas or sculpture shipped from one continent to another, which is incomparable with weeks or months of shipping by sea and the logistical limitations of shipping by land. That’s why transportation by air is the best option when speed is a priority, when the artwork is of exceptionally high value, and when international shipments are concerned.
Make Air Shipping the Best Way to Ship a Painting with These Precautions
You can really make air shipping your best way to ship a painting. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind at the planning and execution stages, guaranteeing bulletproof safety and your peace of mind.
Take Unique Risks into Account
While air transportation is indeed the fastest and safest, it comes with risks unique to air travel. These include pressure changes upon landing and taking off, numerous handling transfers, vibration, and temperature fluctuations unavoidable because of changing heights. That’s why safe travel by air is possible only if your art is thoroughly prepared for these challenges.
Pack the Artwork Properly
The best way to shield your art from air travel risks is to pack it professionally. Your packaging should be temperature-proof, coming with extra padding and cushioning to let your art withstand pressure changes.
Choose the Right Air Carrier
The air carrier type also makes a difference in terms of shipping safety. You can choose commercial airlines and send your art as cargo or rely on courier services by specialized fine art logistics companies.
Don’t Forget about Professional Art Handling
Last but not least, you should consider hiring professionals to deliver your art by air. It may either be an experienced art dealer who will oversee the shipping process at every handover point or a credible art logistics company that will assume full responsibility for art management at points of transportation. These professionals will secure your freight from human error or careless handling, ensuring that your art arrives safe and sound.