Statues and sculptures are precious works of art. From timeless pieces to your children's clay creations, each sculpture deserves to be treated with the utmost care when it comes to safe transportation, whether via air or ground shipping. Statue and sculpture shipping requires careful attention to support, padding, and protection to ensure that your art pieces make it to their destination in one piece.
Common challenges faced during the shipping of statues include carefully supporting delicate forms and uneven surfaces and, in some cases, safely transporting very large and heavy works of art.
Why Choose Navis Pack & Ship for Shipping Statues & Sculptures
Navis Pack & Ship is not your typical shipping center. We specialize in difficult shipping challenges including antiques, artwork, family heirlooms, tech equipment, and more. We know how to secure the safe transport of delicate statues and sculptures of many sizes, weights, fragility levels, and values.
We provide custom packing solutions for every single item. For sculptures, we take the time to build custom supports. Small sculptures may be shipped with custom inserts to provide padding for even the smallest details and from every direction. Larger sculptures may require custom crating and hand-built supports. We also work with reliable shipping and logistics partners to get your safely packed sculpture to its destination.
Navis also offers white glove delivery service to provide a higher level of care, including careful delivery, unpacking, and placement in the room of your choice.
Steps to Prepare Statues & Sculptures for Shipping
How Navis prepares statues and sculptures for shipping is a tried-and-true process that we apply to all works of art.
Assessing the Condition
First, we assess the sculpture to determine its size, weight, delicacy, value, and packing needs. If necessary, we can schedule a time to visit your home or office to assess, quote, and pick up your art to bring back to our warehouse for packing or crating. We will also take photos of your items before packing to note any preexisting conditions.
Selecting the Best Packing Materials
Next, we determine the right packing materials, such as a custom-built shipping crate, customized supports, bubble packaging, protective wraps, double boxing, and beyond. We have access to a wide range of materials and choose what is best for your statue or sculpture.
Custom Crafting Your Packing Solution
Then we hand-craft the right balance of protection and support to prepare your sculpture for shipping. The result may look like a box or crate from the outside, but the complex support and padding inside will gently carry your work of art safely on its journey.
Shipping Process at Navis Pack & Ship
When you ship with Navis Pack & Ship, you can rely on a proven shipping process and transparency every step of the way.
- Initial Consultation
- Packing and/or Crating
- Shipping Options and Tracking
Once we have consulted and crafted your sculpture's packing solution as described above, you can choose from a variety of shipping options. We will guide you through selecting ground, air, or ocean travel, added options like white glove service, and provide tracking information so you can monitor your sculpture on its journey and coordinate delivery.
Tips for Ensuring Safe Delivery
Best Practices for Packing and Shipping
- Let us know about any weak or delicate features of the sculpture that are not immediately apparent.
- Share your concerns regarding safe transport.
- Arrange for on-site assessment and/or pickup of oversized sculptures.
Coverage Options
- Secure coverage if your statue or sculpture has a high value.
- Get your sculpture assessed for insurance purposes.
Post-Shipping Care and Inspection
- Take photos before and after shipping.
- Make sure you are available at the time of delivery.
- Carefully unpack your statue or ask Navis to provide white glove unpacking services, if chosen.
- Inspect your statue for damage immediately upon arrival.
- Set up your statue in a safe place.
Shipping Your Statues and Sculptures with Navis
When shipping precious artwork like statues and sculptures, you need a professional shipping service that can custom-build solutions based on the needs of each artistic piece. Contact Navis Pack & Ship for expert assistance in sculpture and artwork shipping services. Request a shipping quote and consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Statues & Sculptures
How do you ship a sculpture safely?
Sculptures should be packed with support around delicate points, protective cushioning, and a box or crate designed for the item’s size, weight, fragility, and shape. Larger or high-value sculptures often require custom crating.
Do sculptures need custom crating?
Not always. Small sculptures may be safely packed in reinforced boxes with custom inserts, while larger, heavier, fragile, or high-value sculptures often benefit from custom crating and built-in supports.
Can Navis pick up a sculpture for packing and shipping?
Yes. Many Navis locations offer pickup options for statues, sculptures, artwork, antiques, and other difficult-to-ship items. Availability may vary by location.
What is the best way to protect fragile sculpture details?
Fragile details should be supported and cushioned so they do not carry weight or absorb pressure during transit. Custom inserts, protective wraps, padding, and internal supports can help reduce movement and impact.
Can sculptures be shipped internationally?
Yes. Statues and sculptures can be shipped internationally, but they may require custom packing, crating, export documentation, and careful shipping coordination depending on the size, value, material, and destination.
