Companies specializing in the transport of works of art

Many companies are working in this sector. It is important for you to specify your needs before contacting these companies. Besides point to point transportation, many may take in hands the preparation/packaging of your works,  insurance,  storage and settle for you the clearance formalities, if appropriate.  

Remember:

• Do not "de facto" neglect national or international parcel delivery companies.   Their services are usually cheaper and they provided insurance coverage up to a given amount value.  In Canada, think "Canada Post" or bus companies. In the United States, UPS, FedEx and USPS are interesting candidates.
• Do you import from the U.S.?   ThefinalCost.com  is a calculator that allows you to evaluate all of your transportation and import costs.
• Ship "in tube" your unframed or prints you would like to frame differently. Less expensive and less risky.
• Do you want to proceed by yourself to the packaging of your work?  There are, on the market, special cases specifically manufactured for the safe transport of works of art, among others by aircraft. Depending on the size of your artwork, it will cost between $ 50- $ 300 to acquire one of these reusable containers. Some names?  Airfloat Systems, MasterPak,  Uline, etc.
• Did you purchase your item at auction or from a gallerist? Most will indicate you reliable carriers with whom they have already traded.
• UShip and ARTA are tools that allow you to get multiple quotations for your art shipping project. You will then receive offers that you will have to evaluate by yourself (at your own risk). Some, does it seem, have used these tools to profit. ARTA is specialized in the transport of works of art. UShip, more generic, has developed a calculator to give you an overview of the costs involved.   NOTE: You will get the same result at no cost to you, by simply clicking on companies identified in our table and automatically sending the same email to all those that you have selected. Make sure you specify the maximum of information needed to representatives of the companies you have selected to produce a relevant answer to your need.
• Art transport companies offer an insurance service you must obtain for your most valuable pieces. In such cases, the service involves a prerequisite "report of condition" made by the carrier before crating, if any.   See on this matter "Tips on Transit" by AXA Art.

• More possibilities? ICEFAQ (International Convention of Exhibition and Fine Art Transporters) groups "72 of the finest independent art transportation firms from over 34 countries".   Their website includes a directory of members by country.    ARTIM (Art Transporters International Meetings) provides a directory of premier fine art logistics companies including a direct link to the specialist fine art companies operating in each Country.   Finally, ArtBusiness.com has published a few years ago a list of art specialized carriers operating in the United States.

Texts of interest:

• Unknown (2018).  How to Ship Artwork on a Budget. 
• Unknown (201?).  Paintings: Considerations Prior to Travel