Air Cargo Green Capabilities (ACGC) arranges fine art logistics and international art shipping for galleries, art dealers, auction houses, artists and private collectors.

We transport paintings, sculptures, photography, works on paper and large-format pieces by air. Each shipment is planned around the artwork dimensions, packing, handling requirements, route and delivery date. For cargo outside the art sector, see International Air Freight.

Fine Art We Transport

Photography, Prints and Works on Paper

Photography, prints, drawings and other works on paper require protection from bending, impact and unsuitable conditions during handling and transport.

Large-Scale Art and Installations

Large sculptures, multi-piece works and installations are assessed according to the dimensions, weight and loading requirements of each piece. Artworks exceeding standard airline limits can be handled under Heavy & Outsized Cargo.

Paintings and Framed Works

Paintings on canvas, framed artworks and other flat works can be shipped individually or as part of a larger consignment. Existing packing is reviewed before transport, and additional protection can be arranged where required.

Sculptures and Three-Dimensional Art

Sculptures and three-dimensional works require an assessment of their weight, dimensions, shape and packing before airline capacity is confirmed.

International Fine Art Shipping by Air

Air freight is suitable for international art shipments that must arrive within a defined delivery window or travel over long distances.

Artwork can be collected from a gallery, artist’s studio, auction house, storage facility or private collection and transported to the selected departure airport. After arrival, delivery can be arranged to the buyer, gallery, collector or other agreed destination.

For fragile, high-value or unusually sized works, routing is selected with the number of handling points, available aircraft capacity and artwork dimensions in mind.

Packing, Crating and Art Handling

Packing requirements depend on the artwork type, materials, dimensions, weight and existing condition. Depending on the shipment, preparation may include:

  • protective wrapping and surface protection;
  • reinforced packing for framed works;
  • custom-sized crates where required;
  • internal cushioning and movement restriction;
  • pallet or base preparation for heavier pieces;
  • handling instructions for fragile or irregular works.

Packing and crating can be coordinated before international transport where required.

Any requirements related to handling position, temperature, humidity or other transport conditions should be provided before booking.

Fine Art Logistics for Galleries, Auction Houses and Collectors

Galleries and Art Dealers
Artwork can be collected from galleries, dealers or artists and transported internationally to buyers, partner galleries or other destinations. Shipments may include a single work, several pieces sold together or artworks moving between different locations.
Auction Houses
Fine art shipping can be arranged before or after a sale, including collection from the seller or auction location and international delivery to the buyer. When the shipment is tied to an auction collection date or buyer handover deadline, the required timing is considered when selecting the route.
Artists and Private Collectors
Individual paintings, sculptures and private collections can be transported between studios, residences, galleries and other destinations. For museum collections, historical objects and cultural heritage shipments, see Museum Logistics.

Customs Documentation for Fine Art

International art shipping may require customs documentation according to the origin, destination, declared value and purpose of the shipment.

Documentation may include a commercial or pro forma invoice, packing list and supporting information identifying the artwork. It is also important to specify whether the work is being sold, returned, loaned or moved temporarily, as this can affect the applicable customs procedure.

When required, Customs Clearance can be coordinated as part of the shipment.

Information Required for an Art Shipment

To prepare a fine art shipping quote, provide:

  • collection and delivery locations;
  • type of artwork;
  • number of pieces;
  • dimensions and weight of each piece;
  • current packing or crate details;
  • declared value, where applicable;
  • required collection and delivery dates;
  • special handling requirements.

For sculptures, fragile works, unusual shapes or oversized pieces, photographs of the artwork and its current packing can help assess the handling and loading requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you collect artwork directly from a gallery or artist’s studio?

Yes. Collection can be arranged from a gallery, studio, auction house, storage facility or other agreed location.

Can you arrange packing or a crate before international shipping?

Yes. Packing requirements can be assessed before collection, and additional packing or crating can be coordinated where required.

Can artwork purchased at auction be shipped directly to another country?

Yes. Collection can be arranged from the auction location and combined with international air freight, customs procedures and delivery to the buyer.

Can a large sculpture be transported by air?

Yes, subject to its dimensions, weight and available aircraft capacity. Large pieces are checked against loading restrictions before booking.

Can you work to a fixed gallery or auction delivery date?

Yes. The required date should be provided with the shipment request so available flights, collection timing and final delivery can be planned accordingly.

Do you need photographs of the artwork to prepare a quote?

For standard packed works, dimensions and weight may be sufficient initially. Photographs are useful for sculptures, unusual shapes, fragile pieces and artworks without transport packing.

Request a Fine Art Shipping Quote

Need to ship a painting, sculpture or other artwork internationally?

Send the collection and delivery locations, artwork type, number of pieces, dimensions, weight, packing details and required delivery date. For fragile, unusually shaped or oversized works, include photographs so the handling and transport requirements can be assessed before booking.

    Contacts

    Address:

    27, Boulevard Prince Henri, L-1724, Luxembourg

    phone:

    +352 691 747 755

    Email:

    Marketing & Partnerships: