The Great Debate: Which Shipping Carrier Should You Use for Artwork?
Shipping artwork is one of the most nerve-wracking tasks for any artist, collector, or institution. The stakes are high: fragile surfaces, delicate frames, and countless hours of work must survive the unpredictable journey of trucks, planes, and warehouses. At ÀNI Art Academies, we’ve spent years testing different carriers, materials, and methods to determine what provides the safest, most reliable outcomes for both domestic and international shipments.
Choosing a Carrier
For domestic shipping, we’ve consistently found UPS to be the most reliable choice. Artworks arrive on time and undamaged, and on the rare occasions when issues occurred, UPS honored insurance claims promptly and even provided credits toward future shipments.
For international shipping, speed becomes paramount. Our preferred choice is DHL, whose efficiency ensures that pieces spend as little time in transit as possible. Reducing time in shipping reduces risk—minimizing the chance of damage or delay while offering peace of mind.
While FedEx is often used in the art world, our experiences have shown UPS and DHL to be stronger performers in their respective domains. That said, the “best” carrier can still only do so much: the true key lies in proper packaging.
The Importance of Packaging
No carrier can prevent every bump, drop, or climate shift along the way. Proper packaging is your first—and best—line of defense. Sturdy, impact-resistant containers and materials are essential to minimize risk. Below are some commonly used solutions:
STANDARD WOOD CRATES — Custom-built crates for artwork and heavy items. ULINE stocks a wide array of standard wood crates (plywood crates meeting export standards) for shipping.
ARTWORK SHIPPERS — Specialist art-shipping and logistics firms that handle crating, packing, transit, customs, and installation of art.
THE AIR FLOAT STRONG BOX — A reusable shipping system designed specifically for fine art, combining suspension and cushioning to protect works in transit.
Cadogan Tate – Fine Art & Interior Designer Services – Moving & Storage Services — A leading international firm providing fine art services, including shipping, storage, interior installations, and logistics.
Art Couriers — Expert, art-dedicated transport services (local, national, international) that understand best practices for packing, climate control, security, and handling. For example, Art Couriers in Los Angeles build hand-crafted, customs-compliant heat-treated crates for transit.
MasterPak — Suppliers of museum-grade packing and shipping materials (foam, archival wraps, crates, inserts).
ULINE — A broad supplier of industrial and packing materials; they offer standard wood crates along with a wide selection of packing supplies
ABS Sheet | Black Extruded — Rigid, industrial plastic sheets used as interior protective barriers inside crates, to isolate artworks from direct contact with wood or other structural elements.
Surface Protection: What to Use (and What to Avoid)
One of the most overlooked risks comes from packing materials making direct contact with the artwork itself. For example, bubble wrap is a big “no-no”—its texture can press into paint surfaces, leaving permanent marks. Instead, safer alternatives include:
- Silicone release paper
- Glassine
- Tyvek
- GreenGuard Unfaced Foam Board Insulation
- FOAMULAR Rigid Foam Board Insulation
These materials provide surface protection with minimal risk of abrasion, pressure transfer, or chemical interaction.
The Takeaway
Selecting the right carrier—UPS for domestic, DHL for international—sets a strong foundation for successful shipping. But packaging is where real protection begins. Investing in proper materials and professional services not only prevents damage but also protects your peace of mind.
Whether you’re sending a small panel across the state or a large canvas overseas, remember: the balance of carrier choice and packing strategy is what ensures your artwork arrives exactly as you intended.
