Transporting Fragile Items and Artwork by Car

Say what the item is, roughly its size, and how it's packed — a framed piece in bubble wrap and a cardboard sleeve is a different handling situation from an unpacked ceramic. The more specific the note, the more the driver knows before they ever see it, rather than working it out at the kerb.

How well an item is packed before it travels is the single biggest factor in whether it arrives fine, and that part is worth doing properly yourself — proper padding, a rigid outer case where possible, and clear orientation markings if it matters which way up it travels. Once it's in the car, a driver will take reasonable care with it as flagged, but we don't offer a liability promise beyond what's set out in our terms, so it's worth packing as if the item genuinely matters to you, because that's the part fully in your control.

Mention explicitly if something needs to stay flat, upright, or wedged rather than loose — a driver can position a boot load accordingly if they know in advance, but can't guess an orientation requirement that wasn't flagged.

A point-to-point ride works well for collecting a piece directly from a gallery, auction house or storage facility rather than an airport leg at all — you set the pickup and drop-off addresses, and the same notes about packing and orientation apply. It's worth allowing a little extra time at the pickup end in case the piece needs a final check or extra wrapping before it's loaded.