Frequently Asked Questions

How much does fine art shipping cost in NYC?

Fine art shipping in NYC depends on size, value, distance, and whether the work requires custom crating. A local same-day delivery of a framed painting within Manhattan or Brooklyn might start around $300 to $400, while a cross-country shipment of a large sculpture with custom crating can run $3,000 or more.

Key factors that affect pricing:

  • Size and weight of the artwork
  • Custom crating vs. soft-wrap packing
  • Distance — local NYC delivery vs. domestic vs. international
  • Insurance value — higher-value pieces require more coverage
  • Climate-controlled transport — required for sensitive works on paper, oil paintings, and mixed media
  • Timeline — rush jobs cost more than scheduled shuttle routes

For an accurate quote, contact our logistics team at (718) 237-2442 or request an estimate. We provide detailed, itemized quotes within 24 hours.

What is climate-controlled art transportation?

Climate-controlled art transportation uses vehicles equipped with temperature and humidity regulation systems to keep artwork within safe environmental conditions during transit. Most fine art requires a stable environment between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit with 45% to 55% relative humidity to prevent cracking, warping, flaking, and mold growth.

At Waypoint, our entire fleet of box trucks is climate-controlled and satellite-tracked, maintaining museum-standard conditions from pickup to delivery. This is especially critical for:

  • Oil paintings — sensitive to temperature fluctuations that cause canvas expansion and contraction
  • Works on paper — vulnerable to humidity damage
  • Photographs — can warp or develop emulsion damage in extreme heat or moisture
  • Mixed media and delicate sculptures — adhesives and composite materials degrade with temperature swings

Standard moving trucks offer no climate control, which is why fine art should never be shipped alongside household goods in an unregulated environment.

What's the difference between fine art movers and regular movers?

Fine art movers are specialized logistics professionals trained in museum-standard handling techniques, while regular movers are generalists who handle furniture and household goods. The differences are significant:

Fine Art Movers Regular Movers
Training Trained in art handling, gallery installation, and conservation-safe techniques Trained in general furniture and box moving
Vehicles Climate-controlled, air-ride suspension, satellite-tracked Standard trucks with no climate or vibration control
Packing Custom crating, acid-free tissue, museum-grade wrapping Blanket wrap, bubble wrap, standard boxes
Insurance Specialized fine art insurance based on appraised value Basic carrier liability (often $0.60 per pound)
Handling White-glove — cotton or nitrile gloves, two-person carry protocols Standard handling

Waypoint's technicians are trained art handlers, many with backgrounds in museum installation and conservation. We handle pieces for major institutions, galleries, and private collectors throughout the US and internationally.

How should I prepare artwork for shipping?

Proper preparation depends on the type of artwork, but here are the steps we recommend before your art shipper arrives:

  1. Document the condition — photograph the front, back, and any existing damage for insurance purposes
  2. Note fragile areas — flag any loose paint, delicate frames, or protruding elements for the handler
  3. Clear the path — make sure hallways, doorways, and elevators are accessible on moving day
  4. Gather documentation — have appraisals and insurance information ready

For high-value pieces, we recommend professional crating rather than soft-wrap packing. Our team builds custom wooden crates in-house, engineered with foam-lined interiors specific to each artwork's dimensions and fragility. Contact us at info@waypoint.art to discuss preparation for your specific piece.

Do you offer international art shipping?

Yes. Waypoint provides full-service international art shipping by air and ocean freight through our trusted global network of fine art logistics partners. We handle every step of the process, including:

  • Export and import documentation — customs declarations, commercial invoices, and certificates of origin
  • ATA Carnet processing — for temporary exhibition loans that return to the US
  • CITES permits — for works containing regulated materials (ivory, certain woods, coral)
  • Custom crating to ISPM-15 standards — internationally compliant heat-treated lumber required for cross-border wood packaging
  • Door-to-door delivery — from your location in NYC to any destination worldwide
  • Insurance coordination — wall-to-wall fine art coverage during international transit

We regularly ship to and from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America for galleries, auction houses, and private collectors. Our Brooklyn facility at 20 Bay Street serves as the staging point for international shipments departing from JFK and Newark.

For international shipping quotes, contact us at (718) 237-2442 or email info@waypoint.art with details on the artwork, destination, and timeline.