The cost of shipping an art object is often unclear at the moment an art owner starts looking for a service provider. Some companies name an affordable price; others charge twice or thrice more for the same project. So, what standards guide price-setting, and how can you avoid overpaying or falling for a cheap but mediocre service? Find all art shipping costs explained below to enjoy transparency in art transportation services.
Dedicated vs. Consolidated Art Shuttles
The core aspect that affects pricing significantly is the use of dedicated versus consolidated art shuttles. Exclusive-use trucks are more preferable for art owners with large collections or those who must meet tight deadlines. Under this arrangement, you pay a flat price based on mileage and the time spent in transit, covering the hourly rate of art handlers’ work and their equipment.
Consolidated art shuttles are more affordable for clients who have small-scale and non-time-sensitive deliveries. Delivery windows are broader because such trucks deliver art to multiple clients. Since your art object occupies only a part of the shuttle’s space, you are charged a base rate using billable size/weight calculations, covering extra services, such as onsite packing or installation, separately.
How Do We Calculate the Price? Art Shipping Costs Explained
Wishing to take a closer look at the formula by which art shippers calculate the price of their services? The general formula looks as follows:
Transportation + Handling + Materials + Risk Management + Compliance
Transportation costs include lineage calculations, route characteristics (urban versus rural deliveries), and seasonality. The truck type and equipment also go into this category, with larger, climate-controlled shuttles often priced higher than standard sprinters or straight trucks.
Handling costs include hourly rates of art handlers, multiplied by the number of experts involved, travel time, the time the team spends on site, and art shipping complexity (e.g., fragile items, large and heavy sculptures, etc.).
Packing and preparation for shipping are optional; some clients do it on their own to save money, while others entrust it to professionals. In the latter case, art shippers include packing materials and a condition report into the total cost. Crating is also priced separately if it’s needed for the specific art object. Risk management and compliance commonly include insurance procedures.
Now that you have all the art shipping costs explained, you won’t face confusion with price-setting for your next art transportation project. Please note that these are flat rate considerations only, and every task is unique, so the cost breakdown may differ depending on your extra services, the truck type you need, or additional protective measures and equipment.