Shipping framed piece overseas - best way?

[Rozmataz]

I have completed three pieces for a client that need to be packaged and shipped to 3 different countries.

I know Elaine has provided me with the information/product for the packaging but does anyone have a carrier they would recommend above others? I am thinking DHL.... but if there are others out there...

And how do you handle the value, etc?

Thanks,

Roz

 

[framah]

I build wooden crates with enough bubble wrapping to ensure no breakage.

I ship everything by Fedex and have had no problems yet.

Most shipping companies will not insure art for as much as the customer thinks it is worth. The last piece I shipped went to Nevada and was valued at $50,000. I had the customer put a rider on their homeowners policy as it was theirs and they were having me ship it from one of their houses to another. They did this and it was covered by their insurance.

 

[Rozmataz]

Actually, this is not art, per se. It is a presentation piece - so the contents are totally replaceable. I guess that is the good news!!

Roz

 

[Elaine]

Roz,

if you need more of those picture corners, let me know - I have a couple of cases of them and we don't use the as much. I'll cut you a deal! Let me know in advance and I'll have them at the store so Gregg can pick them up on his next trip to skanky - he just needs to let me knowe he is coming!!!

 

[Doug Gemmell]

DHL is good. Anything but UPS.

 

[Whynot]

DHL is rather sloppy, but the only one handling wooden boxes like the one I expect you to be using in this case.

 

[John Ranes II CPF GCF]

Roz,

Many people will bash different carriers based on little to no real experience, when in many situations the packaging was at fault.

A search on this forum will pull up a variety of previous discussions on popular packaging methods, so take a look.

We shipped over a 1,000 orders via UPS during the past year alone, so our experience doesn't support the UPS bashing that goes on from time to time.

I've shipped large framed pieces with glass to the UK and Japan via FedEx with excellent service and no damage. Just last week, I shipped another large (28x37 inch) to the UK via UPS Expedited. Not cheap...but it was convenient with their software, printing the documents and invoices. This 30 pound package cost $240 to ship.

Packaging:</font>

• We always line the face of the glass to the height of the moulding with foam core, followed with a full sized foam board piece the O.D. on front and back.</font>
• This is tightly wrapped with kraft paper to keep these components stable and secure. This part of the method protects the frame and glass in a "flat drop".</font>
• We deliver this to our local The Packaging Store franchise location where they finish the packing. (Read - deal with professionals)</font>
• They create a custom sized box that surrounds the frame with 1 inch thick styrofoam.</font>
• Taped and ready for shipment - I've yet to have a package fail, regardless of shipping method and carrier.</font>

Value - Rule of thumb says to declare value up to what you really wish to be compensated if the item did get lost.

Regards,

John

 

[BILL WARD]

JOHN---do you not feel the need to tape the glass(assumes you use glass)...might save the replacement of the art from shards flying around???

 

[John Ranes II CPF GCF]

Bill,

Taping the surface with a real glass mask product (not just packing or masking tape), does indeed make all the sense in the world.

The truth be said, I've never taped and I've never lost a picture packing it in the manner described above.

John

You've probably jinxed me now, Bill

!

 

[Baer Charlton]

Other than a fork lift tongue through a frame, I've only had on piece damaged.

Of course, it had to be a PPFA National piece...

What failed was the Fletcher points. They didn't like the flat drops and came out.... Now all shipped pieces get the packing tape treatment that seals in the off-gassing.

Side note: The entire package moved back and forth in the frame.. including the 100yr old glass... which never broke. The judges wanted to know if it was a "Design Feature".