Shipping fine art is a delicate, responsible task that requires a great deal of preparation. The good news is that you can arrange the process pretty well if you anticipate all potential risks and factor them into the planning of your shipping strategy. Here are the main risks you should always address in fine art transportation.

Fluctuations in Environmental Conditions

Art objects are usually kept in stable, well-controlled environmental conditions, with a properly selected temperature and humidity. However, the transportation process requires removing them from their stable conditions and subjecting them to a variable, unpredictable, and quickly changing external environment. As a result of exposure to temperature extremes or improper humidity, artwork may rot, crack, or fade. The canvas can overstretch or dry out. Any of these processes is disastrous for delicate fine art and can cause irreparable damage.

To address these risks, art owners hire professional art handlers who create moisture-proof packaging. They also created a comprehensive, layered packing structure that prevents temperature fluctuations and keeps the art object relatively stable throughout transit.

Bumps on the Road

Antiques, ceramics, and porcelain, as well as fragile mixed-media art objects, are all susceptible to bumps on the roads and any other physical shocks they may endure in transportation. Unfortunately, it is impossible to plan the route in a way that would totally exclude bumpy roads. However, you can address this risk by double-checking that the art shuttle that will deliver your art is equipped with a robust air ride suspension system. If it’s put in place, you may rest assured that your art will travel safely, even on imperfect roads.

Shipping Fine Art Over Long Distances 

If you need to ship your art over a long distance, planning may grow increasingly complex and unpredictable. It is hard to anticipate everything, as your freight may change many hands in the process. Thus, the risk of human error rises exponentially. To avoid these risks, you need to partner with a professional art logistics company and ensure that only experts will handle your art at all stages.

Any of these risks can become detrimental to your art collection, and all of them can be mitigated if you work with a reliable, vetted art shipping service provider. Fine Art Shippers is ready to make the process of shipping fine art a breeze for you. We always plan the shipping process by giving a proper account of all risks specific to your type of art objects, thus removing all risks and guaranteeing safety from start to finish.