Shipping Artwork Safely: Insurance & Packaging Guide

Shipping artwork requires specialized handling, packaging, and insurance. Here's how to protect valuable pieces during transit.

Art Shipping Challenges

Key concerns:

• Fragility: Easily damaged
• Value: Often irreplaceable
• Size: May be oversized
• Material: Various handling needs
• Insurance: Accurate valuation

Types of Artwork

Packaging by Medium

Packaging Artwork

Framed Paintings

Step 1: Surface Protection

• Glassine paper over surface
• Never touch painted surface
• Tape paper to frame back

Step 2: Corner Protection

• Foam or cardboard corners
• Protect all four corners
• Secure with tape

Step 3: Wrapping

• Bubble wrap entire piece
• Bubbles facing outward
• Minimum 2 layers

Step 4: Boxing

• Custom box or mirror carton
• 2" clearance on all sides
• Fill voids with packing

Step 5: Double Boxing

• Place packed art in larger box
• 2-3" clearance between boxes
• Fill with cushioning

Unframed Canvas

Works on Paper

Sculpture

Specialty Packaging Materials

Essential Supplies

Where to Get Supplies

• Art supply stores
• Specialty packaging suppliers
• Framing shops
• Art shipping companies

Shipping Options

Standard Carriers

Art Specialty Shippers

Choosing Between Options

Insurance Considerations

Carrier Insurance vs. Third-Party

Art Insurance Providers

• Hiscox
• Chubb
• AXA Art
• Berkley Asset Protection

Valuation Methods

Documentation for Claims

Maintain:

• Photographs (before shipping)
• Condition reports
• Purchase receipts
• Appraisals
• Shipping documentation

White Glove Services

What's Included

When to Use White Glove

• Museum-quality pieces
• Value over $10,000
• Fragile materials
• Large scale works
• Client expectations

International Art Shipping

Additional Considerations

Cultural Property

Some artwork may be:

• Protected cultural property
• Subject to export restrictions
• Requiring government permits

Cost Factors

Price Determinants

Typical Costs

atoship Art Shipping

Ship artwork safely:

Carrier comparison: All major carriers

Insurance options: Declared value

Large item shipping: Oversized rates

Tracking: Full visibility

Rate discounts: Save up to 89%

For high-value works: Consider specialty art shippers with comprehensive insurance.

Conclusion

Shipping artwork safely requires proper packaging, appropriate carrier selection, and adequate insurance. For valuable pieces, invest in professional packing or white glove services. Document everything and ensure insurance covers replacement value. atoship can help with carrier comparison for standard art shipments while recommending specialty services for museum-quality pieces.