Artwork/Antiques Shipping

Shipping artwork costs vary widely, from $5 for small prints (USPS tube) to over $100-$400+ for large, framed pieces, depending heavily on size, weight, distance, packaging ( DIY vs. professional crate), and carrier (USPS, FedEx, UPS, specialized art shippers). Small art ships cheaply via USPS, while larger/valuable art needs specialized packing (foam, sturdy boxes/crates), increasing costs significantly, often requiring FedEx/UPS or art shippers like Convelio / The UPS Store for insurance and proper handling.

Moving art and antiques can cost anywhere from under $20 for basic shipping to thousands for specialized services. Factors like item size, weight, and packing needs greatly affect pricing. Medium-cost services range from $90 to $238, while full-service options can exceed $2,000.

The moral of this story is if your painting is valued at more then $1000.00 you will not be fully covered for damage, unless you have a UPS account or you go to your Mail Box store and create your labels with them. As long as your show is less than 30 days, FedEx ground is fine. If longer then UPS is the better option.

Make sure that your artwork is protected in case the package is exposed to moisture during its shipping journey. I used Frost King Polyethylene Sheeting. Make sure you tape it up well so that the package is well-sealed to protect from water. Wrap it as if you're preparing it to be dropped into a body of water.