How to Ship Artwork With Ship Smart
The best estimate starts with a short inventory. Go wall by wall and write down every piece you plan to send, then add the measurements below. If you are comparing artwork shipping companies, send each one the same list so the quotes line up.
- Framed prints, photographs and posters: measure the outside edge of the frame (height, width and depth), and mention real glass or acrylic glazing and any gilded or carved frame.
- Stretched canvas, unframed: measure height, width and the depth of the stretcher bars, and mention whether the paint is fully dry and if the back is open.
- Works on paper and loose prints: measure the largest sheet and count the sheets, and mention whether they are matted, rolled or flat in a portfolio.
- Sculpture, ceramics and glass art: measure the tallest and widest points and estimate the weight, and mention any base or plinth, thin extensions, and whether it comes apart.
- Mirrors and large wall pieces: measure the full outside dimensions and estimate the weight, and mention how it hangs now and whether a cleat or wire is attached.
Art Packing, Crating and Pickup
Our art transport services start with a pickup day you choose, between 2 and 10 business days after booking. Same-week pickup is often possible, though extra fees may apply, and booking 10 or more days ahead makes your preferred day more likely. White glove pickup from the first floor of your home, studio or business is part of every estimate. If your art is on an upper floor, call (866) 333-8018 to talk through access before you book.
Our art packing services come with every shipment: professionals do the packing, so you do not need to buy boxes or bubble wrap. For art crating and shipping of fragile and high-value work, such as glass art, sculpture and valuable paintings, custom crating is available and the crate is built around the piece.
What Sets the Cost of Shipping Art
- Packed weight: a marble or bronze piece weighs far more than a framed print of the same size.
- Space on the truck: a wide canvas or a tall crate takes floor and height in the trailer even when it is light.
- Delivery choice: collecting at the destination terminal (Will-Call) is the lowest price, Curbside Delivery stops at the nearest accessible point, and Full Service brings the work inside.
For a sense of scale, across our published routes about 500 lbs of furniture pieces and boxes runs $600 to $1,650. A handful of framed works may weigh far less than that, but only the estimator gives the exact price for your list. Financing through Enhancify is available if you want to spread the payment out.
Transporting artwork together with furniture is an option too. Because the price follows packed weight and space rather than the truck, a sideboard, two lamps and a dozen framed pieces can travel as one shipment.
Before the crew arrives, take clear photos of the front, back and signature of each piece and note any existing flaking, scratches or loose frame joints. Keep receipts, appraisals and certificates of authenticity in a folder you carry yourself rather than inside a crate.
