Art Shipping in London & the UK: Choosing the Right Option

Shipping artwork can feel daunting—like handing a priceless piece of your soul over to a stranger and hoping it arrives unscathed. Whether you're an artist sending a painting to a client or a gallery shipping high-value pieces across the UK, the stakes are always high. Damages, customs, and absurd costs can make the whole process feel more stressful than it should be.

But here's the good news—it doesn't have to be. Today, we're breaking down your options for art shipping in London and the UK. From traditional couriers to specialized services like us at Ziplo, we'll give you the pros and cons of each and explain why we might just be the best choice for your needs.

What Makes Art Shipping Tricky?

Shipping artwork isn't as simple as throwing a T-shirt in a box and calling it a day. Art has its own set of challenges that most general couriers simply aren't equipped to handle.

• Fragility: Paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works require careful packaging and handling. A single mishap during transit can cause irreparable damage.
• Cost: Between packaging materials, insurance, and courier fees, shipping can quickly become eye-wateringly expensive.
• Customs and Paperwork (for international shipping): Nothing says "fun" like navigating declarations, import taxes, and customs delays.

Now, let's take a look at the shipping options available to you.

The Main Art Shipping Options in London

1. Traditional Couriers (Royal Mail, UPS, FedEx, DHL)

Most artists and galleries start here purely because it's familiar. Couriers like UPS and DHL promise fast shipping and reliable tracking—and to their credit, they often deliver (pun intended). But when it comes to art, that's where the convenience ends.

Pros:

• Accessible: Everyone's heard of them, and they're easy to find.
• Tracking Systems: You'll always know where your package is.
• Speed: Options for next-day or even same-day delivery exist for urgent shipments.

Cons:

• Insurance Exclusions: Spoiler alert—most general couriers don't offer proper coverage for "fine art," leaving your pieces vulnerable.
• Expensive Rates: Unless you're shipping something tiny, costs can quickly climb. Add international shipping, and it's a whole other beast.
• Limited Support: Good luck getting a human on the phone when something goes wrong.
• Rough Handling: Even with "FRAGILE" stickers, many couriers treat packages like Amazon returns.

If you're shipping something low-cost or unbreakable (like reproductions or prints), these couriers might work. But for high-value originals? Keep reading.

2. Aggregator Services (ParcelHero, Parcel2Go)

Aggregators act as middlemen, offering discounted shipping rates by combining orders across different carriers. They're ideal for saving money—especially for smaller-scale shipments.

Pros:

• Cheaper Prices: Aggregators often have deals with couriers, meaning you'll spend less.
• Convenience: Their platforms are user-friendly, making it easy to compare courier options in one place.

Cons:

• No Art-Specific Coverage: Their insurance policies rarely (if ever) cover artwork, so you're left taking the full risk.
• No Accountability: If your shipment gets delayed or damaged, you're on your own.
• Impersonal Service: Need help? Good luck finding a human who knows what's happening with your piece.

Aggregators can work well for low-risk shipments, but like traditional couriers, they're not equipped for those "irreplaceable" pieces.

3. Specialized Art Couriers (Museum-Grade Services)

For high-end galleries and museums, specialized art couriers are the go-to choice. Think white gloves, custom crates, climate-controlled vans—the works.

Pros:

• Unmatched Care: Your artwork will be treated like the treasure it is.
• Secure Transport: These couriers excel at handling high-value pieces and fragile items.
• Full Insurance Options: Policies typically cover fine art.

Cons:

• Astronomical Pricing: Premium services come with premium costs—often out of reach for independent artists or small galleries.
• Limited Accessibility: These couriers aren't readily available for everyday shipments.

If you're shipping a million-dollar Picasso, this is the service for you. For everyone else? Not so much.

4. Ziplo

This is where things get interesting. We designed Ziplo as artists and gallery owners who truly get the frustrations of shipping art. Offering a happy medium between price, protection, and convenience, we're a game-changer for anyone shipping artwork in London or across the UK.

Why We Stand Out

Specialized Artwork Insurance

Unlike generic couriers, we offer policies designed specifically for artists. Whether you're shipping a watercolor or a 60-kilogram sculpture, your work is protected against mishaps.

Affordable Rates

Shipping art shouldn't require taking out a second mortgage. Our rates are competitive without cutting corners on quality.

Customs Expertise

For international shipments, our network of customs brokers minimizes delays and smooths the paperwork process—saving you headaches and fees.

Tech-Powered Tracking

No more vague "your package is in transit" updates. We keep you informed with transparent, real-time tracking every step of the way.

Built by Artists, for Artists

Because we created Ziplo as gallery owners ourselves, we understand firsthand what it takes to handle and transport fine art. This means a human-first approach to customer service and expertise you won't find elsewhere.

How to Ship Artwork with Ziplo

Getting started with Ziplo is as simple as it gets.

1. Sign Up for Free: No fees, no commitments—just create an account.
2. Generate Your Shipping Label: Share the details of your artwork, and we'll guide you through the packaging process.
3. Track in Real-Time: Use our platform to monitor your piece from point A to point B.
4. Breathe Easy: That's it! Your artwork is in expert hands.

Why We're the Best Option for Art Shipping in London

At the end of the day, shipping artwork is about more than just logistics—it's about trust. You need a service that understands the unique challenges of transporting art and offers solutions that work. And while traditional couriers, aggregators, and even museum-grade specialists all have their place, we've got your back.

Whether you're an independent artist shipping your first piece or a gallery owner juggling international clients, we've got your back. And with our art-specific insurance, affordable rates, and artist-centered approach, you can finally say goodbye to the stress of shipping.