How to Ship Original Artwork Safely

Safe shipping is not simply choosing a familiar carrier. The correct plan depends on medium, dimensions, weight, glazing, projections, surface sensitivity, condition, value, distance, weather, and the consequences of loss. Start by assigning responsibility and documenting the work before anyone packs it.

Write down who selects and pays the packer, carrier, and insurance; who is the shipper of record; when risk transfers; who files a claim; and what delivery service is included. ‘Seller arranges shipping’ is incomplete if the buyer bears all risk after pickup.

Give the packer accurate object and frame dimensions, weight, medium, glazing type, loose or projecting elements, and known vulnerabilities. Avoid materials that touch unstable surfaces or trap damaging moisture. Large, valuable, unusually fragile, or irreplaceable works may justify a specialist art shipper, travel frame, or crate.

Photograph the front, back, edges, frame, glazing, labels, and existing damage immediately before packing. Photograph each packing layer and the sealed package with labels visible. Keep the dimensions, weight, material list, tracking, pickup receipt, and the packer’s invoice.

Carrier liability, declared value, third-party transit insurance, and a fine-art policy are different mechanisms. Read exclusions for inadequate packing, fragile items, certain materials, unattended delivery, or reporting deadlines. Confirm what evidence is required and who receives claim proceeds.

• Responsibility and risk transfer written down
• Packer receives full object specifications
• Pre-shipment condition and packing photographed
• Coverage and exclusions understood
• Tracking, delivery, inspection, and claim plan shared

Do not release the artwork until the packing method, custody, coverage, and receiving plan are clear. The cheapest quote is not economical if it leaves the object unprotected or the claim impossible to document.