Art transportation always represents a delicate balance between speed, safety, and cost parameters. That’s why clients who search for the best way to ship art have to consider the comparative benefits and nuances of shipping by land, sea, and air. Here is a detailed analysis of every shipping option that may guide your choice.
Shipping by Land: Precision, Control, and Tracking
Art shipping using ground transport is a common choice for short- and mid-distance deliveries. It is the staple delivery mode for domestic deliveries, with clients choosing climate-controlled, GPS-tracked art shuttles to send and receive art nationwide. This shipping option minimizes environmental risks because of reduced handling hassle and gives a high degree of control over shipping safety and quality. Door-to-door deliveries are also a great option to enjoy end-to-end service without resorting to intermediary storage or multi-mode transport, reducing the risks of damage.
Shipping by Air: Speed and Global Coverage
The indisputable advantage of shipping by air is its speed. The artwork can reach another continent within hours, which is vital for time-constrained schedules of some rare, high-value art objects cruising the world to be displayed at exhibitions and auctions. Yet, this transportation mode is not universally suitable for all cases. First, the cost of shipping increases exponentially if the artwork is large and heavy. Second, air freight delivery includes multiple transfers of the shipped object, including trucks, warehouses, and aircraft. Thus, the risk of accidental damage resulting from careless handover increases manifold.
Shipping by Sea: Cost-Effective Solution
Maritime shipping is the cheapest option, especially when it comes to large collections and heavy, large-scale objects and installations. Yet, it’s very lengthy, with collectors sometimes waiting for weeks or months to receive their freight. Besides, art may be exposed to environmental fluctuations while on the ship, so it requires robust climate-controlled packaging to reach the destination intact.
How to Choose the Best Way to Ship Art for Your Case?
As you can see, there is no single best way to ship art, as each case is unique in terms of the client’s needs, budget, time constraints, and risk tolerance. Therefore, it’s possible to make the right choice only by relying on the characteristics of a specific shipping project. For instance, a museum that needs to ship a high-value painting overseas for an exhibition loan will prefer shipping by air, while the relocation of a vast collection may be more affordable and convenient using sea transportation. Domestic deliveries benefit from art shuttle services, as they are quick, affordable, and highly flexible for short-distance shipping.