How to pack stone sculpture for shipping

[George Graham]

I am wondering the best way to pack stone sculptures

so they don’t break or get damage in any way. Mary

Hi Mary
Crating and shipping heavy sculpture is always challenging. Every job is
different, so you have to think outside of the box. (sorry, couldn't resist)
The weight is the main thing to know because it will dictate how you can
ship. UPS has a size and weight limit so you need to check with them. I'm
pretty sure you are over the limit.
If you have to go to a trucking company, do a lot of calling around to find
someone who will clearly walk you through the process of getting your stuff
picked up and delivered. Shop around and compare!! The prices will be
comparable, but the service can vary , so find someone who really listens to
you.
Crating up sculpture involves building a box around the piece. Then putting
cross bars of wood on the inside so the work cannot shift at all. Screw down
the inner braces with some kind of protection between the wood and stone so
the vibrations won't leave scratches. If the piece weighs hundreds of
pounds, put cleats on the bottom first so a forklift can easily pick it up.
If you have a lot of crates then try to load them onto a pallet and tighten
them down with bands so they can't shift around. Palletizing a big shipment
makes shipping and handling easier and safer.
I don't know of any way to guarantee that damage will not occur, other then
doing everything your self , and even then accidents happen.
Depending of the size of the job, you might need the services of
professional shipper that specializes in art transport. I don't have anyone
to recommend, but others on the list can be of more help.
Good luck,
George Graham

[Walter S. Arnold]

When I checked several years ago UPS excludes original art work from
their insurance coverage; check to make sure if this is still the
case... otherwise you might end up paying for insurance but having
any claims disallowed.

Walter S. Arnold * walter-VaaHNYf8zNnENDDW/***@public.gmane.org
Gallery: http://www.stonecarver.com
Gargoyle postcards: http://www.stonecarver.com/postcard.html

[sue]

I have alwyas sent paintings and prints via ups and never had trouble
with purchasing the exttra insurance I needed. Don't know if the rule
is different for sculpture.

Sue

[Walter S. Arnold]

Post by sue
I have alwyas sent paintings and prints via ups and never had trouble
with purchasing the exttra insurance I needed. Don't know if the rule
is different for sculpture.

Purchasing insurance is not the problem. Collecting on a claim is the
problem, and if they find anything awry with the claim or can find
any loopholes.

Here are their rules on sculpture, from
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/service/terms/service_freight.html

Notwithstanding the above limitations, shipments containing the
following items are limited to a maximum declared value of $500.00:
* Artworks and objects of art, including without limitation
original paintings, drawings, etchings, water colors, tapestries or
sculpture. Shipper must pack these items in accordance with the
packing and marking provisions contained herein. We shall not be
liable for any damage to a commodity containing glass facings when
damage to the commodity is created by the breakage of the glass.
Later in that document it states:

Shipments of artwork, original paintings, drawings, etchings, water
colors, and sculptures of any kind, must be packed in wood crates of
at least 1/4 inch thickness which completely surround the article
being shipped and must be clearly marked as to the nature of the contents.

and, under the list of shipments not accepted:
Shipments of an inherent nature for which transportation could not be
furnished without sustaining loss or damage, including but not
limited to the following shipments if they have a glass facing
included in the same shipping container: artwork and sculptures of any kind.

You can also find that info in their T&C at
http://www.ups-scs.com/tools/terms/air_tc.pdf

Fedex offers a fine art shipping service:
http://www.fedex.com/us/services/customcritical/whiteglove/museums.html

Other than that, for standard shipping they have the same limit as UPS:
* Shipments (packages or freight) containing all or part of the
following items are limited to a maximum declared value of US$500:
* Artwork, including any work created or developed by the
application of skill, taste or creative talent for sale, display or
collection. This includes, but is not limited to, items (and their
parts) such as paintings, drawings, vases, tapestries, limited
edition prints, fine art, statuary, sculpture and collector's items.




Walter S. Arnold * walter-VaaHNYf8zNnENDDW/***@public.gmane.org
Gallery: http://www.stonecarver.com
Gargoyle postcards: http://www.stonecarver.com/postcard.html

[Norman Watts]

I once shipped a 65 lb sculpture by greyhound from DC to Maine. I was
going anyway so it was luggage, but I had to bribe luggage handlers
both in DC and NYC to put it on the bus. They'd wait until the last
moment and then let me know the problem, where the scales where, the
short time before the bus would leave, etc, then look the other way.
$20 and it got whisked right in.

n