Transporting fine art requires more than careful handling — it demands precision, craftsmanship, and complete environmental control. At Metropolitan Logistics, we specialize in fine art packing and shipping services across Canada and worldwide, ensuring every piece — from delicate paintings to large sculptures — is packed, crated, and delivered with museum-grade care.
Why Professional Art Packing Matters
Artworks are often irreplaceable, both in cultural and financial terms. Therefore, improper packaging or unregulated temperature can cause irreversible damage. Our fine art packing and shipping division follows international museum standards to ensure optimal safety during every stage of transportation.
We ensure protection from:
- Vibrations and shock during transit
- Temperature and humidity fluctuations
- Compression during stacking and container loading
- Customs inspection mishandling
Furthermore, our packaging materials are acid-free, moisture-resistant, and anti-static, ensuring preservation quality even during long-term storage.
Our Art Packing and Shipping Process
Every artwork receives a custom handling plan designed by logistics and conservation specialists.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Artwork Assessment | Experts evaluate dimensions, materials, and fragility. |
| 2. Custom Crate Design | Precision-built ISPM 15 wooden crates with foam and suspension support. |
| 3. Packing Materials | Acid-free wrapping, moisture barriers, and shock-absorbing inserts. |
| 4. Environmental Control | Temperature and humidity monitoring for sensitive works. |
| 5. Secure Shipping | Road, air, or sea transport with real-time GPS tracking and insurance coverage. |
As a result, each item arrives in pristine condition, regardless of distance or transport mode.
Fine Art Insurance and Documentation
In addition to physical protection, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage for all fine art shipments. Each shipment includes:
- Custom export and import documentation
- Condition reports before and after transport
- Photographic verification for claims and audits
This process guarantees transparency and compliance with Canadian and international art logistics standards.
Case Study Example
| Case Study Example | |
|---|---|
| Client | Private Collector, Toronto, ON |
| Artwork | 19th-century oil painting (1.8m x 1.2m) |
| Destination | London, UK |
| Challenge | Maintaining temperature and vibration control during transatlantic air transport. |
| Solution | Metropolitan Logistics designed a double-insulated ISPM 15 crate with internal shock absorbers and moisture sensors. The painting was delivered in perfect condition within 5 days. |
Types of Artwork We Handle
Our expertise covers a wide range of fine art and collectible categories:
- Paintings, canvases, and framed artwork
- Sculptures and large installations
- Glass, ceramic, and mixed-media pieces
- Museum and gallery collections
- Antique furniture and cultural artifacts
Each project is managed by trained art handlers with years of experience in international crating and conservation standards.
Service Coverage Across Canada
| Province | Major Service Cities | Available Services |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton | Art crating, museum-grade packing, temperature-controlled transport |
| Quebec | Montreal, Laval, Quebec City, Longueuil, Gatineau | Fine art packing, customs documentation, export compliance |
| British Columbia | Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Victoria | Custom crates, gallery deliveries, port coordination |
| Alberta | Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer | Fine art handling, air cargo preparation, insurance coverage |
| Manitoba | Winnipeg | Custom crate fabrication, temperature-regulated storage |
| Nova Scotia | Halifax, Dartmouth | Coastal export packaging, marine crate construction |
| Saskatchewan | Regina, Saskatoon | Art crating and delivery for galleries and collectors |
Why Choose Metropolitan Logistics
As one of Canada’s leading fine art packing and shipping companies, we combine precision engineering with trusted expertise in international logistics.
Our Advantages:
- ISPM 15 certified wood crates
- Temperature and humidity control
- Climate-controlled storage and shipping
- Fully insured door-to-door service
- White-glove handling and installation
Moreover, we offer custom scheduling and confidential logistics for high-value collections and exhibitions.
Related Services
If you’re also shipping industrial, medical, or exhibition equipment, explore our Crating & Export Packaging Services for ISPM 15-certified global logistics solutions.
Contact Us
📞 +1 (365) 829-5000
✉️ service@metropolitanlogistics.ca
Request a Quote for your fine art packing and shipping project — we ensure every masterpiece travels with the same care it was created with.
