

Knowing **how to ship artwork** comes down to four decisions: how the piece is protected, who carries it, how it is insured and how everyone stays informed. Get those right and a painting can cross the country, or the world, in the same condition it left the studio. Here is what matters most for artists and collectors.

#### Start With the Artwork, Not the Box

Before deciding how to ship artwork, look at the piece itself: its size, weight, value, how fragile the surface is and where it is going. The Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) starts every shipment plan this way, because a small print on paper and a large framed oil painting need very different routes.

Three habits help:

- Photograph the front, back, signature and any existing marks. These photos are your condition record if something goes wrong.
- Measure and weigh the work after packing, since carriers price by size and weight.
- Keep the surface untouched. As Golden Artist Colors puts it, "ensure that nothing touches the surface of the artwork."

For materials, boxes and wrapping steps, see our guide to [packaging artwork like a pro](https://www.cohart.com/news/tips-for-packaging-artwork).

#### Choose the Right Way to Ship Art

There are three common routes for shipping artwork:

- **Parcel carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL):** the most affordable option for small and mid-sized works in a strong box. Parcels pass through automated sorting, so cushioning matters.
- **Fine art shippers:** specialist companies that handle, crate and often install work. They cost more but suit large, heavy or high-value pieces.
- **Hand delivery:** for local sales, delivering the work yourself removes most of the risk.

CCI rates parcel networks as the highest-risk route and art-handler networks as the lowest, and recommends at least 2 inches (50 mm) of cushioning, up to 4 inches on rough routes. Climate matters too: ordinary packaging buffers sudden temperature changes for only about half an hour to a few hours, so don't leave work in a hot car or a freezing depot.

#### Insure Artwork for Its Real Value

A carrier's included liability is usually small, and declaring a value is not the same as fine art insurance, because each carrier sets its own caps and exclusions. UPS, for example, does not accept packages worth more than $50,000 at all. Read the carrier's terms, declare the full sale price and, for valuable work, look at separate art insurance. Golden suggests extra coverage for anything over $500.

Keep your condition photos, receipt and tracking number together. If damage happens, the carrier or insurer will ask for them, often along with the original packaging.

#### Shipping Art Internationally

Shipping art internationally adds paperwork. You will need a commercial invoice with an honest description and value, and the buyer may owe import duties or taxes. Hand-made paintings, drawings and pastels fall under customs heading 9701, which helps the declaration go smoothly. Works that include animal or plant materials can need extra permits, so check the rules for the destination before you send.

#### What Collectors Should Do on Delivery

- Be home to sign, or ask the seller for signature confirmation.
- Photograph the box before opening it if it looks damaged.
- Unpack slowly, keep all the packaging and report any problem to the seller right away.

#### Frequently Asked Questions About How to Ship Artwork

**What is the cheapest way to ship artwork?**
For small works, a well-packed box sent with a standard parcel carrier is usually the lowest-cost option.

**Do I need a fine art shipper?**
Not always. Small, sturdy pieces travel well by parcel; large, fragile or high-value works are safer with a specialist art shipper.

**How much insurance do I need when shipping art?**
Insure for what it would cost to replace the work, usually the sale price, and check that the carrier's cap actually covers that amount.

Ready to buy or sell? Browse original [artworks on Cohart](https://www.cohart.com/discover/artworks) and meet the [artists](https://www.cohart.com/discover/artists) behind them.

*Sources: [Canadian Conservation Institute, Five Steps to Safe Shipment](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/five-steps-safe-shipment.html); [Golden Artist Colors, Shipping](https://goldenartistcolors.com/howto/Shipping); [UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service](https://assets.ups.com/adobe/assets/urn:aaid:aem:c6bf8a2f-018f-4aa0-838b-ffc1a75eb1d9/original/as/terms-carriage-us-en.pdf); [Artwork Archive](https://www.artworkarchive.com/blog/how-to-take-the-headache-out-of-shipping-your-artwork)*


A wrapped canvas with cardboard corner protectors next to a padded shipping box on a studio table, showing how to ship artwork safely

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How to Ship Artwork: A Simple Guide for Artists and Buyers

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