How to Ship Artwork & Antiques by Courier

Artwork and antiques require more than standard courier care—they demand expertise, secure handling, and the right environment. Whether you're moving a valuable oil painting from London to Manchester, transporting a marble sculpture across the Midlands, or delivering inherited porcelain to a collector, T&C Logistics specialises in protecting items that cannot be replaced. Our specialist team understands the fragility, value, and often irreplaceable nature of fine art and antiques, treating every shipment with museum-grade care.

How We Handle Artwork & Antiques

T&C Logistics operates a dedicated fleet for fine art and antique transport, with vehicles equipped for climate control and vibration damping. Every artwork shipment is handled using bespoke packaging: artwork is wrapped in acid-free tissue, positioned in custom-built crates with foam suspension, and secured with non-slip matting to prevent movement during transit. For sculptures and three-dimensional pieces, we use individual corner protection and internal bracing. Our vehicles maintain stable temperature and humidity levels—critical for protecting paintings, ceramics, and delicate wood finishes from warping or cracking.

We've handled over 2,400 fine art shipments annually, ranging from £5,000 to £500,000+ valuations. Each item receives photographic documentation before departure, and drivers are trained in handling procedures specific to different materials: oil on canvas, bronze, marble, porcelain, and veneered furniture. For high-value pieces, we offer optional dedicated courier (one driver, one vehicle) to minimise handling and reduce transit time. This service is particularly valuable for items travelling via the M1 corridor (London to Leicester to Birmingham) or the A1 (south to north routes).

"Artwork isn't just cargo—it's someone's inheritance, investment, or life's work. We pack each piece as if it were in our own collection, with white-glove service and zero shortcuts." — Taras, Founder, T&C Logistics

Vehicle Requirements & Security

All artwork and antique shipments travel in ULEZ-compliant, fully insured vehicles with GPS tracking and real-time proof of delivery. Our fleet includes:

• Climate-controlled vans: maintain 18–22°C and 45–55% humidity to protect against expansion, contraction, and moisture damage
• Mercedes Sprinter & Ford Transit: with air suspension and shock-absorbing suspension systems
• Full vehicle tracking: you receive live GPS updates and estimated delivery windows
• CCTV-monitored depots: items remain secure if overnight storage is required

For particularly valuable items (above £100,000), we recommend specialist fine art insurance as an optional add-on. Our dispatch team will advise on valuation documentation and provide detailed condition reports upon delivery.

Key Considerations When Shipping Artwork & Antiques

Documentation & Valuation: Have a clear valuation or appraisal of your item. This helps determine handling protocols and insurance coverage. Provide high-resolution photographs and condition notes (cracks, restoration, areas of concern).

Packaging Standards: Never skimp on packaging for antiques. Poor wrapping causes 60% of shipping damage. We use archival-grade materials that won't degrade or off-gas onto your piece.

Timing & Planning: Artwork is often sensitive to rapid environmental changes. Avoid shipping during extreme heat or cold unless vehicles are climate-controlled. Early morning or late evening collections (we operate 06:00–22:00) are ideal to avoid temperature peaks.

Transport Routes: Longer distances (e.g., London to Scotland via the M6) are safer than short, congested urban journeys. We plan routes to minimise stops and vibration, avoiding congestion on the M25 or the centre of cities like Birmingham and Manchester where vehicle movement is erratic.

Common Questions About Shipping Artwork & Antiques

Do you offer white-glove delivery? Yes. Our specialist drivers will unpack, position, and inspect items upon arrival. They'll assess placement and ensure pieces are stable and undamaged before signing off.

What if my artwork needs climate-controlled storage? We offer short-term secure storage with temperature and humidity control at our CCTV-monitored depot. Ideal if the recipient is not ready for immediate delivery.

Can you ship internationally? We handle EU deliveries and can arrange air freight for high-value items going further afield. International artwork requires export documentation and specialist handling.

What happens if something is damaged? Every shipment is photographed before departure. If damage occurs, we file a claim immediately with our insurance underwriter. This is why detailed pre-shipment documentation is essential.

How much does specialist artwork courier cost? Pricing depends on item size, weight, distance, valuation, and whether you need dedicated courier or climate control. Every quote is bespoke.

Get a Free Quote

Every artwork shipment is unique—we quote based on your exact requirements, item specifications, destination, and handling needs. No hidden fees, no surprises.

• Call: +44 7963 400173 (06:00–17:00) or +44 7737 778964 (08:00–22:00)
• Online: Request a quote — we respond within 15 minutes

Have photos and a description of your artwork ready. If it's particularly valuable or fragile, mention that in your request—we'll prioritise specialist assessment.