Any helpful tips for shipping framed art for first gallery exhibit out of state? Fedex? UPS? What is the best.

way to ship to ensure both safety and that won't break the bank? This is my first gallery exhibit out of state and I am looking for the particulars about shipping and also, what is the best method of retrieving the pieces that do not sell??? I am shipping four 16X20 photos in glass frames. Thank you for any tips!

You can't say one or the other is better. They use the same transportation methods: conveyor belts, semi-trailers, part-time loaders, etc... Its a gamble with either.

Just pack the packages with plenty of cushion so that there is no movement in the box. Use a NEW box! You can put fragile stickers on the boxes, but they won't get special treatment. They will still be transported by the same trailers ( where 90% of damage occurs). If you really want to be sure spend the extra for next day air. It will be tranported for less time and will go through alot less as far a handling and planes are much better on packages than semis, which carry packages in excess of 100 pounds.

FedEx.

UPS has always broken my fragile stuff.

I use to work for FedEx and they are burtal with their packages. I remember i use step and throw a few everyone does it and they fall and everything. Honestly i would not go FedEx I would go for UPS they should be better i think. But i never got a lot of broken packages just make sure it is well protected on all sides and it will be ok I can say this that for about every 1600 packages a day that is only for me about only 3 to 5 got minor damage.

Oh and Trust me fragile packages are not fragile to workers.

Good luck i Know it will be in good hands
I do know that if there are damages FedEx would pay for them

FedEx is the most careful and most dependable.

Rent a van and do it yourself I wouldnt trust anyone with your work