Top Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Art and Antiques in Philadelphia

When it comes to shipping high-value items like art, antiques, and rare collectibles, the Greater Philadelphia area demands expert care and precision. From renowned galleries on Walnut Street to corporate art collections in Center City, the risks of improper handling are significant and costly. Businesses, institutions, and collectors across Philadelphia and nearby communities face unique challenges in protecting their valuable assets during transit. At Navis Pack & Ship of Philadelphia, we’ve witnessed the costly pitfalls that can arise without specialized expertise. Avoiding common mistakes is key when shipping high-value items. Here are the top pitfalls to watch for—and how your organization can ensure a seamless, secure shipping experience. Learn more about Navis Pack & Ship of Philadelphia.

Common Mistakes Clients Make with High-Value Shipping in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s vibrant art scene, historic institutions, and active commercial sectors mean that galleries, museums, auction houses, and manufacturers frequently need to transport fragile, valuable, or oversized items. Unfortunately, many clients underestimate the complexities involved. Here are the most common mistakes—and how to avoid them:

• Using Inadequate Packing Materials: Standard boxes and generic packing materials are not designed for priceless artwork, antiques, or delicate equipment. Without professional packing and specialized cushioning, the risk of damage increases significantly.
• Improper Crating for Oversized or Fragile Assets: High-value, oversized, or uniquely shaped items—such as sculptures or designer furniture—require more than standard packing solutions. Working with a professional custom crating provider like Navis ensures your assets are protected with crates built specifically for their dimensions, weight, and fragility—especially when shipping from areas like Rittenhouse Square or the Avenue of the Arts.
• Overlooking Coverage Options: Many shippers neglect to arrange appropriate coverage options, leaving themselves open to significant financial loss in the event of damage or theft. Discuss your coverage options with Navis the next time you need to ship high-value items.
• Choosing the Wrong Carrier or Service Level: Not all carriers are equipped to handle high-value, fragile, or awkward shipments. Clients who don’t leverage experienced trucking, air, or ocean carriers risk delays and mishandling.
• Special Handling: For valuable or delicate items, standard delivery isn't always enough. White Glove Service offers added care with professional packing, careful transport, placement in the room of choice, and debris removal for a polished, secure experience from start to finish.

Why Philadelphia-Area Clients Need Specialized High-Value Shipping Solutions

Philadelphia’s role as a cultural, academic, and business center makes it a focal point for high-value shipments. The region’s art galleries, auction houses, design firms, and Fortune 500 companies require meticulous logistics management for:

• Original art and sculpture installations for corporate offices and public spaces
• Antique furnishings for historic property restorations
• Valuable equipment and technology for university labs and medical centers
• Exhibition pieces for major events at the Pennsylvania Convention Center

Navis Pack & Ship of Philadelphia provides custom shipping solutions—combining expert packing, custom crating, and access to a network of trusted large-scale LTL and FTL carriers—to ensure every item arrives safely and on schedule.

Serving Greater Philadelphia and Surrounding Communities

Our reach extends beyond Philadelphia’s city limits, supporting clients in King of Prussia, Cherry Hill, Wilmington, Conshohocken, and more. Whether you’re a museum curator moving a collection, a manufacturer shipping prototypes, or a gallery preparing for an art fair, our team’s hands-on expertise ensures every asset is packed and shipped with professional care.

• Strategic Pickup & Delivery: We offer flexible pickup and delivery options to fit your busy schedule.
• Custom Logistics Planning: Each project receives a shipping plan tailored to your timeline and budget.
• Collaboration with Local Institutions: We regularly partner with Philadelphia-area galleries, universities, and design firms to ensure their valuable assets are protected at every stage.

Partner with Philadelphia’s Trusted High-Value Shipping Experts

For your High-Value Shipping and Valuable Item Shipping requirements in the Greater Philadelphia area, trust the experts. Navis Pack & Ship of Philadelphia is your dependable partner for Shipping, Crating, Art Shipping, Antique Shipping, and White Glove Delivery—all designed to protect your most valuable assets. Call us at (610) 534-0750 to discuss your project and receive a custom shipping solution. Thank you for choosing Navis Pack & Ship of Philadelphia to support your needs.