Best Courier for Artwork UK

Nick O'Ferrall
If you're an artist or gallery in the UK, you already know the struggle of shipping artwork. Between unpredictable costs, nerve-wracking risk of damage, and customs-induced gray hairs, finding the right courier feels more like a leap of faith than a business decision. And while many couriers promise the world, few actually deliver (pun fully intended).
That's where we come in. At Ziplo, we've cut through the noise (and the headaches) to make artwork shipping a breeze. Want to know why we think we're the best courier for artwork in the UK? Keep reading—we'll spill the beans.
Why Shipping Artwork is Tricky Business
Shipping artwork isn't like tossing a book into a padded envelope and calling it a day. Nope—art demands the sort of TLC that most couriers just aren't set up to provide. Think about it:
- Art is fragile, and "FRAGILE" stickers can feel like more of a suggestion than an instruction to some couriers.
- The prices are often absurd. Between packaging, insurance, and shipping fees, you might as well sell your soul to cover costs.
- Customs delays. Because nothing's more fun than tracking a painting that's stuck (forever?) in customs limbo.
Now, mix in global shipping or high-value pieces, and you've got an even bigger logistical nightmare. But don't worry; we've untangled these challenges and found solutions that actually work.
What Makes Ziplo Different?
At Ziplo, artwork is all we do. We're not just about moving boxes from A to B—we've built our entire service around the unique needs of independent artists and galleries. Our goal is simple: take the stress out of shipping so you can focus on creating or curating. Here's why we think we're the best courier option in the UK:
1. Specialized Artwork Insurance
Have you tried insuring artwork with a standard courier? It's like trying to convince them your child is priceless. We get it—art isn't just expensive, it's irreplaceable. That's why we offer specialized insurance tailored for artwork. Whether you're shipping a small watercolor or a large sculpture, you can trust that it's covered against mishaps.
2. Affordable Rates (No, Really)
Courier costs are the bane of every artist's or gallery's existence. Why does sending a painting halfway across the UK often cost more than a plane ticket to Spain? At Ziplo, we've negotiated unbeatable rates to make shipping your artwork not just doable, but affordable. High-quality shipping shouldn't break the bank.
3. Customs? We've Got a Plan
If you've shipped internationally, you've likely faced the customs black hole. Delays, missing paperwork, outrageous fees—you name it. At Ziplo, we have a network of customs brokers who are pros at minimizing these delays. They'll make sure your shipment clears customs as smoothly as possible, saving you time, money, and sanity.
4. Tech-Focused to Speed Up Shipments
We've embraced tech to make art shipping faster and smarter. No more obscure tracking updates or miscommunication—you'll always know where your art is (and when it'll arrive). Plus, our automated systems help catch potential issues before they become nightmares. Consider us the nerds who've figured out how to make logistics work for you.
How Does Ziplo Stack Up Against Other Couriers?
If you're still on the fence, here's us being extremely honest about why traditional couriers usually don't cut it for shipping artwork:
- Generic Couriers (think FedEx, DPD): Great for shipping gadgets, terrible for fragile masterpieces. Do they know how to handle hand-stretched canvas? Probably not.
- Specialized Art Couriers (think museum-grade services): These guys are fantastic but can cost an arm, a leg, and maybe a kidney too. Not feasible for most independent artists or small galleries.
- Ziplo (yes, us!): We sit happily in the middle—affordable prices, tech-friendly processes, and artwork-specific features like insurance and expert-level handling.
How to Ship Artwork with Ziplo
We've made it insanely easy to get started with Ziplo. Here's the process:
- Sign Up for Free: No membership fees, no hidden costs. Just sign up and start shipping.
- Generate a Shipping Label: Tell us about your artwork, and we'll guide you toward the best packaging and insurance options.
- Tracking: Keep tabs on your shipment in real-time and get detailed updates.
- Sit Back and Relax: That's it. Your artwork is in good hands, and you can finally breathe.
Final Thoughts
Having owned a gallery ourselves, we know what it's like to worry about shipping your art. We've seen the real frustrations that artists and galleries face, and we've built a service that erases as much stress as humanly possible.
Don't take our word for it—experience the difference for yourself. Whether you're an emerging artist selling your first painting or a seasoned gallery shipping a collection across the globe, we've got your back.
Start shipping now and find out why we're the best courier for artwork in the UK.