Photograph and Fine Art Print Transport
From a framed silver gelatin print to a “fine art” print fresh off the printer, transporting photographs is never left to chance. This category of works has its own particular fragilities: a surface extremely sensitive to marks and scratches, a sometimes rigid and brittle support (Plexiglas, Dibond), and conservation requirements identical to those of a painting. A print damaged in transit is a lost work: there is no such thing as “almost intact” in photography.
Our strength lies in combining the expertise of an international network of art shippers from the Horus group with a 100% digital platform. From the photographer’s studio to the final hanging, every step is designed to preserve the surface of your print.
Why does transporting photographs require a specialist approach?
A photograph is not an ordinary parcel. Its support (baryta paper, aluminium, Plexiglas, Dibond), its surface (matte, satin, gloss) and any frame form a whole that is sensitive to fingerprints, static electricity and friction. The challenge during transit is simple to state but demanding to meet: avoid any direct contact between the sensitive surface and a material that could stick to it or mark it.
For collector prints or numbered pieces, two requirements are added to these physical constraints:
Constant traceability, particularly important for numbered limited-edition prints.
Appropriate customs formalities for international shipments.
This is where the Horus group’s worldwide network of 15 Fine Art companies comes in, able to adapt the packing protocol to every type of photographic surface. This dual expertise, digital and logistical, is what guarantees you a fast, uncompromising service.
Our tailored solutions for your print: total security comes first
1. The "All-Inclusive" Service: the choice of professionals and collectors
Because most art photographs are fragile and displayed under glass, the “All-Inclusive” mode is our strongest recommendation for complete peace of mind. For a high-value print, a unique piece, a large framed format or a shipment to an international fair or auction, entrust the whole operation to our experts:
- “White glove” collection: Our specialist technicians come directly to your address to collect the work.
- Glass protection and custom packing: We apply our specific protocols for glass and design precision wedging adapted to the overall fragility of the piece.
- End-to-end logistics: We manage the entire transport and customs process through to hand delivery and unpacking at destination.
2. The "Autonomous" Mode: the digital solution for your standard formats
If you are shipping unframed prints, standard formats or pieces that do not require technical handling by a third party, this flexible option lets you manage your shipment at your own pace:
- You get your price in real time on our platform.
- You receive secure Moviiu packaging at home, adapted to the size of your print.
- Our video tutorials guide you step by step as you pack the piece yourself.
- You track every stage of the shipment directly from your customer account.
The art of packing: Tyvek®, Melinex® and custom solutions
Dry prints, framed or unframed
Tyvek® provides an antistatic, waterproof and breathable barrier, ideal for works on paper.
Freshly printed or varnished prints
For pieces whose surface has not fully stabilised, we favour Melinex®, a chemically inert polyester film that does not stick to the surface and leaves no texture imprint.
Frames under glass or Plexiglas
A low-tack technical tape is applied to the glass. In the event of accidental breakage in the hold, the shards stay attached to the tape so they cannot scratch the print.
Anti-vibration wedging
Our composite structures made of high-density triple-flute cardboard include protective foams whose density is calculated according to the exact weight of your piece.
How do I flag a freshly printed or varnished print?
Nothing could be simpler: write “Melinex needed” in the free comments field when confirming your quote, or send us your file number at info@moviiu.com right after your simulation.
Important: declaring the value
To benefit from our insurance and ensure smooth customs clearance, the declared value must be strictly accurate, especially for numbered prints whose market value may change. An underestimated value limits your compensation in the event of a claim, while an overestimated value needlessly increases customs duties on delivery.
Case studies: two examples of photograph transport
Berlin ➔ Montreal
Requirement: A Berlin photographer sells a numbered print to a private collector in Canada.
Moviiu logistics solution: Autonomous Mode: Tyvek® packaging and wedging delivered to the door, packing following the tutorial, handover to the partner carrier, door-to-door delivery.
Zurich ➔ Vienna
Requirement: A Zurich gallery sells a fine art print to an Austrian collector.
Moviiu logistics solution: “White glove” collection in Zurich, Melinex® packaging and custom wedging, secure freight, CH export / AT import customs clearance, hand delivery in Vienna.
Ad valorem insurance and real-time tracking
Your photograph can be insured as soon as you order, with no deductible in the event of a claim, thanks to Moviiu ad valorem insurance dedicated to works of art.
For a declared value of up to €100,000, cover is taken out in one click on the platform, at a cost of 1% of the value (minimum €20), provided the print travels in Moviiu’s secure packaging. Above this ceiling, our team reviews your file manually to offer suitable cover, which you can request via info@moviiu.com.
Damage noticed on delivery? Reporting it within 72 hours, with photos, allows your claim to be processed within 15 days.
How to get your price for secure transport?
The process takes less than two minutes, with no prior registration:
1. Enter the departure point and the delivery address.
2. Describe the piece: weight, overall dimensions (including the frame where applicable) and value of the print.
3. Choose the level of service, Autonomous or All-Inclusive, and the level of insurance you want.
4. Sign electronically: the shipment is confirmed and can be tracked in real time from your account.
A monumental piece, a grouped shipment, a custom project? Contact our experts at info@moviiu.com for a quote within 24 hours.
Our answers to your questions about photograph transport
Can a freshly printed photograph be transported?
Yes, absolutely. For prints whose surface has not fully stabilised, Moviiu uses Melinex®, a chemically inert polyester film that does not stick to the surface. If in doubt, choose All-Inclusive handling.
How do you protect photographs framed under glass or Plexiglas?
We apply a low-tack technical tape to the glass. In the event of accidental breakage during the flight, the shards stay attached to the tape and cannot scratch the print.
What dimensions should I enter for the quote?
The total size of the piece, including the frame where applicable (height, width, depth).
Can I group several prints in one shipment?
Yes, Moviiu can group several photographs in the same secure container, each keeping its own individual protection and wedging.
Do you use wooden crates to transport photographs?
Our standard solutions are based on triple-flute cardboard composite structures combined with wedging foams. For non-standard formats or particularly fragile pieces, a custom crate can be offered after assessment.
Entrust your prints to a leader in precious goods logistics.
Whether your photograph travels from Zurich to Vienna or from Berlin to Montreal, enjoy the simplicity of a digital tool backed by the strength of an international physical network.