Basic small and mid-size shipping costs have risen dramatically, regardless of the vendor. Additionally, new rates affect distance, size, and weight. Here’s what we learned the hard way:
Recently we sold a framed 40-inch square, 35 lb. artwork for $1,200 + $250 (my guesstimate) shipping to Denver. FedEx charged $448—their slowest, lowest rate. Whoops! My packing crate materials alone cost an additional $220. Whoa! Next time, I will be more thoughtful.
The maximum carton size for normal rate is 36 x 48 x 4 inches. This size ships FedEx Ground for around $90. Most art can be shipped in a carton that size. Anything larger, the price jumps to over $440.
When artwork has glass, the size of the box increases to allow for sturdier, thicker padding. Typically we wrap the art in
- acid-free tissue,
- add waterproof plastic wrap,
- add protective foam corners,
- put it in a industrial-strength bubble wrap envelope,
- add two layers of corrugated top and bottom,
- add soft 2 x 2 inch foam all around,
- insert this package into a custom crate made from 2-inch thick rigid insulation foam,
- add rigid hard-board corners,
- wrap exterior in corrugated or rip-stop nylon
- seal with duct tape
- secure with nylon tension straps.
These straps are important because a box this large and heavy needs handles to maneuver. An average man’s arm span cannot grip this width and depth easily, as I learned.
