Shipping Comparisons: Shipping Cost & Insurance with Common Carriers
July 06, 2012
Have you ever wondered which shipping company is best for shipping your work to an exhibition?
For the SNAG Professional Development Seminar, Loring Taoka prepared a short presentation and an essential handout for comparing shipping costs. Download PDSShippingCostComparisonsLoring
For a shipping price comparison:
There are three different boxes.
Three different insurance values.
All boxes were estimated for shipping from Seattle, WA to Pittsburgh, PA.
Download the Shipping Comparisons handout.
Watch the presentation below.
Note: Shipping cost is not the only issue. Careful handling and availability of shipping insurance are also important considerations.
Not all carriers offer insurance to the full value of the item (which is really misleading and irritating).
Careful handling during shipping is important. It is my professional opinion that UPS should only be used for production work where the objects shipped are replaceable. I do NOT recommend using UPS for shipping one-of-a-kind exhibition work.
USPS "Registered Insured" offers the best handling and full insurance. This is my recommendation for all shipping. Registered Insured is the least expensive option if the insurance value is over $1,000. It has the added protection of being a federal offense to tamper with USPS mail.
Related topics about shipping art or craft:
HORROR STORIES: Packing & Shipping Recommendations for ARTISTS
PLAN PACKING for SHIPPING Art & Craft
Shipping Planning vs. Sh*t Happening
Shipping Boxes for Art or Craft Should Include Instructions
PACKING YOUR WORK FOR EXHIBITIONS (tip sheet)
Condition Report from the Professional Guidelines
DAMN! Damaged boxes! Claims for Damaged Work.
Preservation, Conservation - Design for Repair
This post was updated on April 2, 2022, to provide current links.