If you’re a first-time art shipper, and asking yourself, ‘What service should I use when shipping paintings?’, then this blog is for you.
Paintings – especially fine art – are delicate, valuable, and often irreplaceable, making it crucial to choose a shipping service that offers the highest level of care and protection.
You might have already assumed that an ordinary, run-of-the-mill courier service won’t fit the bill… And you’d be right. Numerous variables must be closely managed to guarantee the safe and secure arrival of shipped paintings.
Art transportation services are designed to closely manage and mitigate all of the risks associated with shipping paintings. It requires specialist packing materials, high-security, trained handling, and more.
In this blog, we will explore some of the benefits of professional art transportation and how you can go about arranging art shipping.
Why Standard Couriers May Not Be Enough
When it comes to shipping paintings, a standard courier or postal service will not fulfil the necessary protective measures to ensure your art arrives safely.
While you can (most of the time) trust traditional couriers, these services mainly cater for general packages and are not suitable for high-value, fragile artworks. Even the ‘FRAGILE’ labelling doesn’t guarantee a painting’s safety.
Some of the key risks associated with using a standard courier include:
- Insufficient Packaging: Most couriers expect you to package items yourself, which can be a challenge if you are not familiar with fine art packing techniques.
- Lack of Climate Control: Paintings can be sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, which regular couriers do not account for.
- Risk of Damage in Transit: With standard services, artworks may be handled multiple times, increasing the risk of damage from rough handling or accidental impact.
- Limited Insurance Options: While general couriers offer insurance, it may not provide adequate coverage for high-value artwork.
Given these risks, it’s plain to see that shipping paintings requires a specialised approach. That’s where art transportation services come in…
The Benefits Of Using Fine Art Transportation Services
A professional fine art transportation service, like Aardvark, will tailor their approach to delivering your painting safe and sound. Types of paints, materials, and other factors can alter the needs of an artwork, meaning art transportation is never a one-size-fits-all approach.
So, if you’re still wondering, ‘What service should I use when shipping paintings?’ here are some benefits to art transportation services.
1. Expert Handling And Care
Our team at Aardvark are fully trained in handling fine art, so they are fully capable of managing paintings of all shapes, sizes, and mediums. Whether it’s an oil painting on canvas or a delicate watercolor on paper, they know the correct way to transport it safely.
2. Custom Vehicles For Secure Transport
Unlike standard couriers, Aardvark operates custom-built vehicles designed specifically for fine art transportation. These vehicles are equipped with:
- Satellite Tracking & Communications: This allows you to monitor your shipment’s journey in real time, giving you peace of mind that your painting is always accounted for.
- Specialist Suspension Systems: Reducing vibrations and ensuring a smooth journey to prevent any accidental damage.
- No Logo Or Advertisement: To ship your paintings discreetly and not attract any unwanted attention, we do not have our logo printed on the side of our vans, adding an extra layer of security.
3. Professional Packing And Storage Facilities
Packing a painting for transport is an art in itself. If a painting isn’t packed correctly, even minor bumps can cause damage. We must also ensure that packing materials are compatible with the materials used for your painting and monitor temperatures. See – it’s more than just a layer of bubble wrap and saying it’s good to go!
Aardvark offers professional packing services, using specialist materials and techniques to protect your artwork from shocks, moisture, and other environmental factors. If you’re not ready to ship immediately, our secure fine art storage facilities provide a safe place for your artwork until it’s time to transport it.
4. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Unlike many general shipping services, Aardvark provides insurance options specifically for fine art, ensuring that in the unlikely event of an issue, your investment is protected.
How To Arrange Fine Art Transportation
If you’ve never used a fine art transport service before, the process is straightforward:
- Contact Aardvark: Provide details about your painting, including dimensions, weight, and any special handling requirements.
- Get A Quote: Aardvark will assess your needs and provide a clear, transparent quote with no hidden fees.
- Packing And Pickup: If needed, they can professionally pack your artwork and arrange collection from your location.
- Secure Transport: Your painting will be transported in a custom vehicle with satellite tracking.
- Delivery and Unpacking: Aardvark ensures a smooth and careful delivery to your specified destination.
We hope this blog has answered your question, ‘What service should I use when shipping paintings?’. And more importantly, we hope that the answer is Aardvark’s art transportation services.
Get in touch with us today and ensure your painting is delivered safely, securely, and professionally. Alternatively, you can find out more about us here.