Art Courier & Shipping Services
At a Glance
- Specialist handling for a wide range of artwork including oil paintings, watercolours, framed prints, and mixed media installations.
- Professional custom packing available at Service Centres, including tailored foam protection and bespoke crating for large or fragile pieces.
- High-value, oversized, or fragile artworks must be managed via a Service Centre – not suitable for online self-service.
- Domestic and international shipping available, with documentation support to help navigate customs requirements.
- Up-to-date tracking with milestone updates provides peace of mind throughout your artwork's journey.
Artwork deserves exceptional care during transport. Whether you're an artist sending pieces to a gallery, a collector relocating valuable works, or someone gifting a cherished painting, proper handling isn't optional - it's essential. From delicate watercolours to large oil paintings, framed prints to mixed media installations, every piece requires precision and expertise to arrive safely at its destination.
We pack with precision. We send with confidence. And we handle everything in between.
Our specialist approach ensures your artwork receives the attention it deserves, with tailored solutions that protect your investment and provide complete peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
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How to Ship Artwork with PACK & SEND
Shipping artwork successfully requires careful planning, proper preparation, and expert handling. Our end-to-end process covers everything from initial assessment to final delivery, with specialist guidance for fragile, oversized, or high-value pieces through our service centres.
Step 1: Prepare Your Artwork
Proper preparation protects your artwork and ensures accurate documentation before shipping. Clean the surface gently to remove dust or debris, then photograph your piece from multiple angles, capturing any existing damage or unique characteristics. Record dimensions, medium, and any special materials used in the work.
Remove any loose hanging hardware, frames that aren't securely attached, or accessories that could shift during transit. For glazed works, check that glass or acrylic is firmly secured. Document the artwork's condition thoroughly - this provides peace of mind and helps verify its state before transport.
Step 2: Package Your Artwork
Artwork protection requires specialist materials and techniques. Surface protection using non-abrasive materials like glassine paper prevents scratches, whilst moisture barriers protect against humidity damage during transit. Corner protection for frames and adequate cushioning around all edges are essential for safe transport.
For larger works or pieces requiring maximum protection, custom crating provides the highest level of security. Wooden crates with internal padding and structural support are often necessary for valuable paintings, large canvases, or delicate mixed media works.
No time to pack? No problem. Our experts assess your artwork, select appropriate protective materials, and create custom art packaging solutions including foam protection and specialist crating for valuable pieces. We handle everything from small prints to large installations, ensuring each artwork is prepared to withstand its journey safely.
Visit your local PACK & SEND service centre and we'll handle the packaging for you.
Step 3: Ship Your Artwork
For fragile, oversized, or high-value artwork, we recommend contacting your nearest service centre directly. Our team coordinates the best transport option, arranges pickup, and provides up-to-date tracking with milestone updates throughout your artwork's journey. This ensures your piece receives the specialist attention it deserves from collection to delivery.
Cost to Courier Artwork
The cost of shipping artwork depends on several factors, with no one-size-fits-all pricing. Key considerations include the packed size and weight of your artwork, destination (local, interstate, or international), speed requirements (standard, expedited, or express), packaging level (professional packing or custom crating), optional warranty cover for high-value pieces, and any access constraints at pickup or delivery locations.
For an accurate quote tailored to your specific artwork and requirements, contact your local PACK & SEND service centre. Our team will assess your piece, discuss your timeline, and provide a transparent estimate. Instant online quotes are available for pre-packed consignments under 30kg.
Types of Artwork We Courier
We handle a comprehensive range of artwork types and media. Canvas paintings, both stretched and unstretched, receive specialist handling to prevent damage to the surface or frame. Framed artworks and prints benefit from corner protection and secure packaging to maintain their integrity during transport.
Limited edition prints, mixed media works, photographs, and small sculptures all require specific handling techniques based on their materials and construction. Delicate or high-value pieces benefit from specialist packing and custom crating solutions available through our service centres.
Art Courier Services for Businesses
PACK & SEND supports galleries, artists, auction houses, studios, and corporate clients with dependable art courier solutions. Whether you're coordinating exhibition logistics, managing artist consignments, or handling auction house deliveries, our managed logistics approach covers everything from custom packing to international documentation.
Our business shipping solutions provide scheduled and one-off transport options, with specialist packaging for valuable works and reliable delivery across Australia and overseas. We understand the commercial art world's requirements and provide the professional service your business needs.
Individual Art Shipping Services
Selling artwork online? Moving house and need to transport your collection? We make individual art shipping simple and stress-free. Common scenarios include buying or selling through online marketplaces, relocating personal collections, gifting artwork to family or friends, and coordinating exhibition participation.
Whether you're sending a single painting or an entire collection, PACK & SEND handles everything from documentation to delivery, providing the peace of mind that comes with specialist art handling expertise.
Shipping Artwork in Australia
We provide comprehensive coverage to all major cities and regional areas across Australia, with road and air freight options available. As a leading interstate courier, our team coordinates the best transport method based on urgency, artwork size, and destination. Popular routes include deliveries to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth, with support available for both metro & regional areas.
Typical timeframes are a guide only and may vary depending on carrier networks, operational requirements, and other factors affecting transit:
- Standard interstate delivery: 5-10 business days
- Expedited delivery: 2-5 business days
- Express delivery: 1-2 business days
Shipping Artwork Overseas
International artwork shipping requires careful documentation and compliance with destination country regulations. We'll guide you through the documentation process to help reduce the risk of issues during international transit, with most shipments sent DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid).
Air freight provides fast delivery for time-sensitive or high-value artwork, whilst sea freight offers cost-effective solutions for larger shipments where timing is more flexible. Typical international timeframes include:
- Express air freight: 3-7 business days
- Standard air freight: 5-10 business days
- Sea freight: 6-10 weeks
How to Book Your Art Courier Service
- Contact your local PACK & SEND service centre - Recommended for fragile, valuable, or complex artwork shipments
- Professional packing if needed - Bring your artwork packed, or let us handle it with specialist materials
- Pickup and delivery arranged - We coordinate collection and delivery logistics
- Up-to-date tracking - Stay informed with progress updates at major milestones
For simple, pre-packed consignments under 30kg, online self-service booking is available.
Why Choose PACK & SEND for Artwork
- 135+ service centres across Australia providing local expertise
- Specialist packaging including custom foam and crating solutions
- Flexible transport options - road, air, interstate, and international
- Tailored business solutions for galleries, artists, and collectors
- Up-to-date tracking with milestone delivery updates
- Expert support from planning through to delivery
- Over 40,000 customer reviews on independent platforms
- Professional handling of delicate and high-value artwork
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pack my artwork before shipping?
If your artwork is already securely packed, we can collect it as-is. Otherwise, our professional packing service is available through service centres. Online self-service requires pre-packed items under 30kg.
What's the safest way to ship a valuable painting?
Professional packing via our service centre ensures your artwork receives appropriate materials and protection. Consider custom crating for large or delicate works requiring maximum security.
Can you ship artwork internationally?
Yes, we provide specialist international art shipping for framed pieces, canvases & fragile works. Art is often sent to Italy, France, Germany, Ireland & Lebanon. Most travel DDU, with guidance to reduce customs risks.
How do I track my artwork shipment?
You'll receive up-to-date tracking with progress updates at major milestones. Our scan-based tracking system provides reliable information throughout your artwork's journey.
What happens if my artwork is damaged in transit?
If you've selected warranty cover, you're protected against loss or damage during transit. Our team will guide you through the claims process and work to resolve issues quickly.
Related Courier Services
If you're preparing art for transport, you might also find it useful to explore solutions for other fragile or high-value pieces. Many clients review our pages on moving a guitar or arranging a delicate courier service for a wedding dress. Similar care applies to specialised items like couriering wine, transporting a vinyl record or sending a sewing machine where safe handling is essential.