Why Artwork Needs More Than Standard Carrier Coverage
No two artworks are the same, and neither is their value. Carriers usually limit their liability for artwork and antiques well below market value, and they often restrict or exclude certain items, so a standard label can leave a significant gap.
A declared value is not the same thing as insurance. It states what you say the work is worth, but the carrier's own limit can still decide what is paid. With full-value insurance, the declared value of the shipment is covered, up to $150,000 with Unival.
Documentation does much of the work with art. An invoice, appraisal or provenance record, plus photographs of the condition before shipping, make the declared value credible and a claim easier to resolve.
What to Prepare for Each Type of Art Shipment
Different shipments carry different risks. This table shows what to focus on for each.
| Shipment | Main risk | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Sale to a collector abroad | Customs delays, value disputes | Condition photos, invoice, commercial invoice with the correct value |
| Works for fairs and exhibitions | Several legs, repeated handling | Itemized list, photos before and after each leg |
| Works on paper and photographs | Humidity, bending | Moisture barrier, flat or tube packing, edition numbers |
| Framed works and canvases | Surface damage, glass breakage | Corner and glazing protection, photos of front, back and frame |
| Collectible design and small objects | Breakage, loose parts | Padding on all sides, note of existing damage |
Photographs and a written condition note taken before shipping are the best evidence if a claim is ever needed.
Shipping Art From Miami's Galleries and Art Week
Miami's galleries are spread across Wynwood, the Design District and Miami Beach, alongside museums and public art. Each December, Art Basel Miami Beach takes over the Miami Beach Convention Center with galleries from dozens of countries, and satellite fairs such as NADA Miami, Untitled Art, Design Miami/ and SCOPE run alongside it during Miami Art Week.
Typical shipments from the Miami art trade include:
- Works sold to collectors in other cities and countries
- Works sent to and returned from fairs and exhibitions
- Consignments sent to galleries and advisors
- Collectible design and antiques sold to dealers
Unival is headquartered in Los Angeles and insures and tracks shipments to and from Miami. Read more about our secure transportation or see our overview of insured shipping in Miami. If you ship to or from the other major art markets, see insured fine art shipping in New York and insured fine art shipping in Los Angeles.
Packing Artwork for Miami's Heat and Humidity
Works on paper, canvas and wood respond to humidity, and Miami's climate is warm and damp for much of the year. Wrap works in a moisture barrier, use dry packing materials and avoid leaving a packed work in a hot vehicle or on a loading dock.
Size, Weight and Cost of Insured Art Shipping
Insured shipping works best for artwork that can be packed to carrier size and weight limits, such as framed works, paintings, prints, photographs, small sculpture, ceramics and collectibles. Very large, oversized or exceptionally fragile pieces may need specialist crating or handling, so contact us before you ship.
The price has two parts: the shipping and the insurance on the declared value. Carriers price by dimensions as well as weight, so a large, light framed work can cost more than expected. We quote each shipment before it moves. Get a quote with the type of work, its size, declared value, pickup location and destination.
How to Pack and Document Artwork for Shipping
Good records prevent most claim disputes. Before you ship, check the following:
- Keep the invoice, appraisal or provenance record for the work.
- Photograph the front, back, frame, signatures and any existing damage.
- Write a short condition note and keep a copy.
- Protect corners, glass and surfaces, and fill the box so the work cannot move.
- Use a plain outer box with no mention of art or the contents.
- Declare the full, accurate value and make sure the recipient can sign for the delivery.
