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International
Art Treasures Web Magazine November 2004 |
Art of TransportationArt exhibitions are extremely popular such as the World Famous Art Basel annual event in Switzerland or the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition. In each contemporary artists present their works that are available for purchase. These are two examples of countless art fairs held around the globe for the art buying public. Transportation should not be an impediment to bringing that 'must have' item home even if it doesn't fit in a suitcase. The simple solution is to find a reliable transportation company to help. Let them do what they do best while enjoying a vacation or attending business functions. IATWM explored different transportation options by submitting a series of questions to some of the best known and most reliable cargo transporters in the world. Click on the Logo to go directly to their responses. Accuracy is essential, for that reason IATWM decided to publish their responses unedited for our readers benefit, next to our questions.
Federal Express
OverviewWhen shipping anything from art to auto parts, FedEx offers a number of shipping options through its networks Art collectors looking to ship individual pieces of art can rely on FedEx Express services. FedEx Express offers a wide range of services for delivery of small packages weighing up to 150 pounds. With reliable U.S. express service, delivery is guaranteed in one to three business days within the continental United States. For international shipping needs, FedEx boasts unmatched air route authorities and an extensive air and ground infrastructure to get packages to their destination on time. FedEx Express International provides customs-cleared, door-to-door service to more international locations than its competitors, guaranteeing delivery to 215 countries, with a variety of time-definite services. FedEx Custom Critical White Glove Services® meet the needs of museums and institutional art shippers, providing exclusive-use, climate-controlled, air-ride suspension vehicles that are constantly monitored via two-way satellite tracking for door-to-door transportation service throughout the U.S. and Canada. With service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Custom Critical’s drivers and customer service representatives are specially trained to handle high-value shipments. White Glove Services® provides faster service than art shuttles and van lines – with no packaging, size, weight or scheduling restrictions throughout the United States and Canada. FedEx Custom Critical Europe also provides shipping services for urgent, fragile, valuable or even hazardous goods, with 24/7 availability.
What are the size/weight limitations? FedEx Express is able to ship items with a maximum length of 119 inches and a maximum length and girth of 165 inches. Packages must weigh 150 pounds or less. In cases where the art is bought on the first day of the trip, can it be held so it doesn't arrive home before the traveler? FedEx will hold an item at its local delivery station for three to five business days if the recipient is not available to accept the package; following that period the item will be returned to the sender. FedEx does not provide warehousing services for individual shippers. Collectors wishing to delay shipments until they return from vacation may select a multi-day delivery option.
What practices are put in place for fragile and delicate works such as glass? With the recent introduction of Pack & Ship service at the 1,100 U.S. FedEx Kinko’s Office and Print Center locations, individuals can drop off unpackaged items—including delicate ones—and have them packed by specially trained FedEx Kinko’s team members and shipped via any of FedEx’s time-definite or day-definite shipping options. Customers who prefer to package items themselves can also find a wide array of packaging materials available at all FedEx Kinko’s locations. Is insurance available for expensive works of art? Many customers work with outside companies to insure high-value shipments. FedEx does not provide insurance for any of its packages and allows any artwork shipment a maximum declared value of $500.
Please provide contact information for global travelers (both to and from North America). FedEx Express can be contacted at: http://www.fedex.com/us/express/main United Airlines
OverviewNo matter what you're shipping, United Cargo has a reliable solution to get your freight where it needs to go - securely and on-time. As one of the world's largest passenger/cargo airlines, United is a leader in providing shipping services to more of the world's business centers. United, United Express and Ted together operate more than 3,500 flights a day on a route network that spans the globe. United also has the youngest and most extensive fleet of cargo-friendly aircraft and convenient flight schedules to provide a full range of shipping options. From delivering time-sensitive small packages, to moving heavy freight across the globe, United Cargo delivers with the reliability and speed our customers count on. What are the size/weight limitations? This depends on the origin and destination of the shipment. We have several aircraft types servicing different locations. Our smallest aircraft can accommodate weight of up to 400 lbs and dimensions up to 34 inches in height and length up to 142 inches. Our largest aircraft can accommodate weight up to 10,000 lbs but the freight must fit into a container. The dimensions of the largest container is 125x88x63. We would need the exact dimensions and weight to determine if we could transport the shipment.
In cases where the art is bought on the first day of the trip, can it be held so it doesn't arrive home before the traveler? The shipment can be held at the destination for a few days without storage being accessed. If the shipment comes into the U.S. from an international point, storage starts 48 hours after arrival. If the shipment is determined to be an Article of Extraordinary Value - AEV, it has to be picked up within three (3) hours of the scheduled flight arrival time. An Article of Extraordinary Value is any shipment or piece with a declared value or insured value exceeding $454.00 per lb or $1000/kg. What practices are put in place for fragile and delicate works such as glass? If the shipment requires special handling, it should be packaged to insure that it can withstand the rigors of any mode of transportation.
Insurance is available for shipments not considered Articles of Extraordinary Value - "AEV". The customer is allowed to declare a value for the AEV. The fee for "Declared Value" would be $0.75 for each $100.00 USD (or fraction thereof the insurance amount). The minimum would be $5.00 USD.
Please provide contact information for global travelers (both to and from North America). For Passenger Reservations: ConclusionPreplanning is a must! However for those who like to buy on impulse an internet cafe can be invaluable to get in contact with the transportation experts. Let their experience and efficiency do the work. Transporting art purchases isn't a barrier to global shopping, not with companies like Federal Express and United Airlines available to offer their advice and expertise. |
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