FAQ‘S

How do I ship a parcel exceeding a courier's allowable dimensions to the USA?
What kind of packaging is suggest for large fragile works?

Situation: Artists have a difficult time finding a suitable way of packaging and sending large items to the USA. When each item exceeds the courier’s allowable dimensions, artists look for other avenues available.

First, Consider the maximum size that UPS will ship is described as follows: weight maximum 150 lbs. or size maximum of 130 inches calculated as length plus twice the width plus twice the depth. An example is an item with packaging that weighs not more than 150 lbs and is not greater than 50 inches x 20 inches by 20 inches.

Packaging should be such that the item could take a beating. If there is glass, i.e., for a watercolour, try to find out if glass can be inserted at the other end rather than ship it. A wooden box or a wood-framed cardboard box would be ideal, filled around the piece with styrophone chips, bubble wrap or other reliable padding or combination.

If the funds are available, a company, such as Denbigh Design Ltd. (phone 604-876-3303 fax 604-876-3303), will do door to door service for larger pieces and provide the packaging and insurance, if you are willing to pay for it. They use a reliable delivery service that functions worldwide and employ customs brokers to alleviate that problem for the artist. Denbigh Design has no size limits and will ship anywhere. As the variables are so different for each shipment causing costs also to vary greatly, ask for an estimate before you ship.

If the artist must do it themselves, be sure to get the appropriate forms from a customs broker, some of whom may answer questions. In order to not pay GST should the piece be returned, CARFAC recommends the use of the Certificate of Canadian Origin.
Go here for more information: http://www.carfac.ca/documents/Certificate_of_Canadian_Origin_Letter.pdf

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Disclaimer: CARFAC BC is an organization run by volunteers, in essence, artists working for artists. These Frequently Asked Questions are produced by CARFAC BC as an informational service to provide a summary of issues of interest to practising visual artists. They are intended to be used as guidelines, not to replace professional advice, which may be required before taking action. CARFAC BC cannot assume liability for problems that may arise from their use or for any errors or omissions contained herein. Views expressed on this site are not necessarily those of CARFAC BC.