Paintings, sculptures and antiques are one-of-a-kind – transport damage cannot be re-ordered. That is why Speed Logistics runs fine art transports as a climate-controlled direct transport with no transhipment: a constant 22 ± 2 °C at around 50% relative humidity, with security to the TAPA FSR-A standard and all-risk cover for the value of the goods.
Galleries, museums, auction houses and private collectors receive a discreet, personal service from us: a dedicated contact in the 24/7 dispatch team, a fixed-price quote within a few hours and live GPS tracking over the entire route.
Climate-controlled transport for sensitive artworks
Temperature and humidity swings are the biggest risk to canvases, wooden panels and antiques alongside mechanical damage. Our climate-controlled vehicles hold 22 ± 2 °C and around 50% relative humidity constant – regardless of season and outside climate. The direct transport with no transhipment additionally avoids every unnecessary handling step: the work is loaded once and only moved again at its destination.
Security to the TAPA FSR-A standard
High-value art travels with us at a heightened security level, based on the TAPA FSR-A standard:
- sealed, continuously closed load compartment (sealed trailer)
- immobiliser and live GPS tracking of the vehicle
- trained drivers with a code procedure and discreet handling
- no intermediate stops with an unattended vehicle when carrying valuables
On request we notify only verified contacts as recipients and coordinate handover protocols with the curator or registrar.
Insurance: all-risk cover instead of standard CMR
Statutory CMR liability is calculated by weight – for art that is obviously unsuitable. That is why for fine art transports we offer all-risk cover based on the actual value: you state the sum to be insured, we show the premium transparently in the fixed price. Condition and handovers are documented so that no gaps in evidence arise in the event of a claim.
Typical assignments: acquisition, loan traffic, trade fair, collection move
Fine art transports arise from very different occasions – and each places its own demands on timing and handling. After an auction, what counts is a discreet, swift collection with a documented handover. In loan traffic between museums, the loan agreement and registrar set the framework, from the handover protocol to the climate window. For an art fair, the work must be at the stand within the build-up window and swiftly back in the depot after the fair ends. For the move of a private collection, in turn, confidentiality is key: no reference to the contents, no unattended intermediate stops, handover only to named persons. We plan each of these cases individually – with a realistic schedule, the right vehicle and a dispatch team that keeps deadlines rather than merely promising them. Short-notice transports, for example after a spontaneous acquisition, we also arrange within a few hours via our 24/7 availability.
Process: from the gallery to the international exhibition
You describe the work, dimensions, packaging condition and dates – we recommend the right vehicle from the climate-controlled van to the box truck and calculate the fixed price. For loan traffic and exhibitions outside the EU, for example in the United Kingdom, Türkiye or the Gulf states, we handle customs clearance including the ATA Carnet for temporary export. This way the work travels door-to-door – from the depot to the museum wall. We document dates, handover protocols and contacts throughout, so that lender and borrower always have the same information.