Packing & Freight

At some time in your career, you will likely be required to freight your work, whether it’s to a client or a venue for exhibition.

Packing work is a skill that requires consideration. It is important to ensure you have the right materials to protect the work, prevent breakage and preserve it during storage. The correct box or crate is critical in safeguarding your work and avoiding damage during transit or storage.

Considerations when packing your work

• Will the work be stored for an extended period of time? If so, ensure your materials are suitable for archiving and will not degrade or cause damage to the work in its storage location.
• How will the work be handled throughout transit? You know how to handle your work carefully, but do others?
• Is your packing material moisture resistant? It will need to offer protection from possible weather exposure during transit.
• Can it be repacked easily? If you have sent your work to an exhibition, include repacking instructions so your work is returned in the same state.
• There are many freight services available, but to ensure everything runs smoothly, prioritise the correct packing of your work.
• When booking your freight or obtaining a quote, have the following details prepared: dimensions of your package or crate, its weight, pick-up and delivery addresses and contact person. Also consider if you want to insure the work while it is being transported.

Resources
Below is a list of resources that provide further guidance on the packing and freighting process.

http://www.artworktransport.com.au/
http://www.cevalogistics.com/
http://www.iasdas.com.au
http://www.packsend.com.au/

To assist in sourcing the necessary materials in packing your work, refer to the following list of suppliers:

Softlon
Sekisui Pilon Pty Ltd
Ph: 02  9525 9880
1-5 Parraweena Road, Taren Point, NSW 2229

Coreflute (or mulflute)
Mulford Plastics
Ph: 8444 9666
750 Port Road, Beverley, SA 5009
http://www.mulfordplastics.com/

Pine frames for light weight crates
Phoenix Society
Ph: 8116 2102
PO Box 18, Melrose Park SA 5039

Polyurethane foams
Dunlop foams
Ph: 08 8343 7555
101-103 Churchill Road, North Dry Creek, 5094
http://www.dunlopfoams.com.au/home

Ethafoam (hard foam that can be carved)
Metro Foam Products
Ph: 02 9748 8588
PO Box 6746, 15 Fariola St, Silverwater, NSW 2128
http://metrofoam.com.au/