A courier quote for art and antiques depends on six things: the distance and route, the size and number of pieces, the access at each end, the protection each piece needs, the timing, and for Europe, the paperwork. We do not publish a price list, because no two jobs are the same. A small framed print across town and a large canvas to Geneva are both “one painting”. This guide explains what goes into a quote, so you know what to tell us and why we ask.
Distance and route
The further the journey, the more time it takes, and time is the largest part of most quotes. For Europe, the route matters as well as the distance: a Channel crossing, and for Switzerland, a journey in transit across the EU.
The size and number of pieces
Larger pieces take more space in the van and more care to load, and large paintings and bigger items go with two people. Several small pieces going to the same address can cost less each than the same pieces going to different addresses. Give us accurate measurements, including frames, so the quote matches the job.
Access at each end
Stairs without a lift, narrow turns, a long carry from the nearest place to stop, a building that only accepts deliveries at set times: each adds time on the day. Tell us about access when you ask for a quote, so we do not have to change the price later.
Protection
A framed work under glass, a fragile antique or a sculpture with delicate parts needs more protection than a robust item. If a piece already travels in a crate, or you think it needs a crate or other special packing, say so at the start: it changes the job and the quote.
Pieces are normally wrapped by you before collection. If you would like us to wrap them, or you need extra help with lifting and carrying, we can do both at an extra cost. Say what you need when you ask, and it will be included in the price.
Timing
A fixed date or time, such as an exhibition install, a booked loading-bay slot, an auction collection deadline or a handover that has to happen on one day, limits how the job can be planned. Being flexible on the date can help.
Paperwork for Europe
A job to or from Europe includes customs declarations. If you have your own customs agent, they may charge you directly. If you ask us to arrange one, the cost of the declarations is part of the job. Separately, the receiver may have to pay import VAT and, for some goods, duty. Those are taxes, set by the importing country, not courier charges.
If the job is a return journey, for a fair or a loan, tell us at the start. Some temporary exports can travel under an ATA Carnet, which changes the paperwork.
How to get a more exact quote
Send us:
- photographs of each piece
- the height, width and depth in centimetres, including frames, and the weight if it is heavy
- both addresses, or at least the towns and postcodes
- the access at each end
- the date, or whether you are flexible
- for Europe, what you have in place for customs
The quote form asks for all of these and puts them into one WhatsApp message.
Last updated 5 November 2026.
Official sources
Rules change. Check the official guidance for your own consignment; we will talk it through with you.