Safe, Professional Transport for Fine Art, Sculptures and Exhibition Pieces
Whether you’re shipping a single piece or managing transport for an international exhibition, our international art shipping service ensures safe, reliable handling from start to finish. From specialist packing to customs support and delivery, we provide everything you need for smooth, secure shipment worldwide.
- Specialist crating and protective packaging for fine art and sculptures
- Worldwide import and export services for artistic installations
- Full customs paperwork for permanent and temporary shipments
- UK-wide collection and global delivery to museums, fairs and galleries
OBTAIN A FREE INTERNATIONAL ART SHIPPING QUOTATION
Specialist Art Freight Services for Global Exhibitions
When it comes to moving high-value or delicate artwork, there’s no room for error. Our international art shipping service is designed specifically for galleries, museums and organisers of fairs or exhibitions who require expert handling and complete reliability. Whether you’re shipping a sculpture to Europe, a canvas to Asia or preparing a full exhibition tour, we provide the logistical expertise to make it happen.
At Barrington Freight, we offer secure, fully managed transport options for art archivists, curators, dealers and others. With years of experience as fine art shippers, our team understands the importance of care, discretion and precise planning.
To get started simply give us a call 01268 525 444 or request an online shipping quote.
Custom Packing & Crating
Every artwork is unique and so are its packaging requirements. We are able to supply bespoke wooden crates for both framed and freestanding artworks, as well as competitively priced shock-absorbent materials ideal for sculptures and larger installations. For sea freight routes, we also offer moisture-resistant packaging to safeguard delicate surfaces from humidity and salt exposure.
Whether you are transporting a single oil painting or a collection of antique sculptures, all items are packed to museum-grade standards. Each crate includes tailored internal supports to protect against vibration, stacking pressure and fluctuations in temperature, ensuring your pieces arrive in perfect condition.
Contact us for information on export packing for art and get a tailored quote for your international shipment.
Road, Sea and Freight Options for Global Coverage
Our art freight services are available worldwide via road and sea. We also offer air freight for urgent shipments, although we do not use dedicated cargo aircraft.
- Road Freight: Ideal for European deliveries, our LTL (less-than-truckload) and FTL (full truckload) options provide flexible, cost-effective services across the continent. Groupage is also available for smaller consignments.
- Sea Freight: Suited for larger or heavier pieces, we offer both FCL (full container load) and LCL (less than container load) shipping for longer-distance moves. Ideal for international galleries shipping exhibitions abroad.
- Air Freight: When time is of the essence, we offer consolidated air services. This allows your shipment to travel on scheduled commercial or cargo flights—more affordable than booking a full aircraft.
For art dealers coordinating international acquisitions and exhibitions, our international art shipping services cover both export and import requirements with full documentation support.
Case Study: Art Freight for Bronze Sculptures to Belgium
We arranged the secure transport of two award-winning bronze sculptures from the UK to Belgium. Understanding the challenges of commercial art freight for high-value pieces, we coordinated with a trusted customs agent to streamline EU import procedures. Using a dedicated 7.5-tonne vehicle, the statues were delivered safely within 24 hours, arriving in perfect condition.
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INTERNATIONAL ART SHIPPING INFORMATION
Effortless Art Freight Services
Temporary Art Shipping for Exhibitions and Shows
We understand that many shipments are not permanent. Art fairs, museum loans and showcases often involve the temporary export and reimport of items. In these cases, we support clients with ATA Carnets, a document that allows artworks to move between countries temporarily without incurring duties or VAT.
We’ll handle:
- Handling of the ATA Carnet once it has been processed by the exporter
- Route planning based on customs requirements
- Return logistics after the event concludes
Whether you’re preparing for Art Basel, the Venice Biennale or a travelling gallery installation, our temporary international art shipping services are trusted by professionals across the creative and heritage sectors.
Customs Clearance Compliance for Fine Art Shippers
Navigating international customs can be complex, especially when the goods involved are valuable or culturally significant. That’s why our fine art shippers work closely with customs experts to ensure all declarations, classifications and documents are accurate. Whether you’re sourcing works from abroad or returning collections after a fair or show, we handle customs procedures for permanent and temporary shipments alike.
From major art hubs in Europe to destinations further afield, our team ensures each piece is cleared, documented and transported efficiently, minimising delays and ensuring compliance at every step. We regularly work with art dealers managing high-value stock across multiple countries and can coordinate shipments to align with event schedules or gallery openings.
We’ll take care of:
- Export declarations for outbound shipments
- Import clearance, including valuation and commodity codes
- Paperwork for temporary imports
- Coordination with customs officials for smooth processing
You’ll avoid unnecessary delays, errors or penalties, all while gaining peace of mind that your shipment is compliant at every stage.
UK COLLECTION AND GLOBAL DELIVERY FOR ART SHIPMENTS
Here at Barrington Freight, we provide complete door-to-door services for both domestic and international clients. Whether your shipment is travelling a few hundred miles or heading across continents, we manage every step of the process.
We offer:
- UK-wide collection from galleries, museums, and storage units
- Direct delivery to international venues, museums and auction houses
- Flexible scheduling, including express and weekend collections
From a framed painting going to a fair in France to a full sculpture collection destined for a Middle East exhibition, we tailor every aspect of transport to the needs of the artwork and the customer. We can also handle pick-ups from overseas galleries for onward transportation to another establishment in the same country or another one.
WHY CHOOSE BARRINGTON FREIGHT FOR ART SHIPPING?
Art logistics require more than just transport – they demand attention to detail, sensitivity and specialist knowledge. As experienced fine art shippers, we support museums, artists, and cultural institutions across the UK with:
- Specialist packing and secure crates for delicate, high-value pieces
- Flexible global services via road, sea and consolidated air freight
- Customs paperwork for both permanent and temporary export/import
- Affordable pricing without compromising on quality or care
Whether you’re shipping fine art, sculptures or mixed-media installations, we’re here to support your goals from start to finish. Our friendly, knowledgeable team will guide you through every step – no jargon, no guesswork, just professional service.
Contact our team today for a quote and find out how our international art shipping services can support your next project.
Contact Us for Affordable International Art Shipping
Our transport options are well suited for handling delicate and unusual items – including artwork, sculptures, and other valuable or oddly shaped pieces. Whether it’s a single painting or a large installation, Barrington Freight is here to manage your art logistics with care, precision, and competitive pricing.
