🚩 The Illusion of Professionalism

Many galleries assume if someone says they’re “insured,” that means the artwork is protected. But often, that “insurance” is just:

- Auto liability (for accidents, not cargo)

- General business liability (doesn’t cover artwork)

- Or nothing at all

We know the art industry operates in a gray area and highly unregulated fashion, but the biggest shocker when it comes to art shipping is... not vetting shipping companies to see if they’re dodging legal loopholes. The sheer number of shipping companies operating without state and/or federal commercial licensing and the required insurance is, well... most. The willingness of the industry to forgo research to vet shipping companies, risking liability, is mind-boggling.

🛡️ The Risks of Hiring Unlicensed, Under Insured or Uninsured Shippers

- Lost or damaged artwork with no recourse

- No insurance payout because the carrier had none or never claimed

- No legal remedy because the shipper wasn’t registered or traceable

- Damage to your reputation or relationships

- Potential legal liability if accidents or injuries occur during transit

The reality? Most unlicensed shippers operate completely under the radar… no DOT authority, no cargo coverage, and no paper trail. If something goes wrong, they can disappear just as quickly as they showed up, leaving you to deal with the fallout. And in many cases, you won’t know the difference until it’s too late.

Some galleries and collectors treat shipping original artwork like they’re shipping a bed frame from IKEA or a decorative wall print from Target. But that mindset ignores the fact that fine art isn’t replaceable — and neither is your legal liability if things go wrong.

⚖️ Who’s Liable When Things Go Wrong?

If a shipper causes an accident, damages artwork, or injures someone, and they don’t have proper insurance…guess who may be on the hook?

You.

Whether you’re a gallery, artist, or collector, hiring an unlicensed or uninsured shipper exposes you to:

- Legal liability if you didn’t do your due diligence

- Insurance complications if your own policy excludes third-party damage

- Loss of trust from clients or partners

- Reputational fallout that can be hard to repair

For example:
A gallery hires an unlicensed art courier to transport a valuable sculpture. During transit, the courier causes a traffic accident, injuring another driver and damaging the sculpture. Because the courier lacked proper insurance, the gallery — as the hiring party — is sued for damages and medical costs. Without proper due diligence, the gallery faces costly legal battles and liability, even though they weren’t behind the wheel.

🧾 What Licensing and Insurance Should You Expect?

Legitimate fine art shippers are required to carry:

- Motor Carrier (MC) authority through FMCSA.

- Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) for interstate shipments

- Minimum $0.60 per pound carrier liability for damaged or lost freight

- Bodily Injury and Property Damage (BIPD) insurance, usually $300,000 minimum

- Cargo insurance covering the artwork, often arranged through brokers

(Vehicles under 10,001 lbs may not need to display DOT numbers but must still comply with FMCSA and UCR if operating across state lines.)

❓ Questions Everyone Shipping Fine Art Should Ask

1. Are you licensed with FMCSA and registered with UCR?

2. Can you provide a Certificate of Insurance?

3. What is your liability limit for damaged or lost artwork?

4. What are your packing and vehicle safety standards?

5. Do you facilitate or offer all-risk transit insurance?

🙌 What Professional Carriers Do Differently

At Arête Logistics, we:

- Carry a $250,000 commercial cargo policy

- Provide $0.60/lb standard carrier liability

- Follow FMCSA and UCR compliance

- Carry $1,000,000 BIPD coverage

- Assist clients in securing all-risk transit insurance

- Communicate clearly and document condition from pickup to delivery

🛑 Why You Can't Always Trust Galleries

Traditionally, galleries act as gatekeepers, vetting shippers on behalf of artists and collectors. But this system isn’t foolproof. Some galleries show favoritism, continuing to use the same shippers even when they know those carriers are unlicensed or uninsured.

They who control the keys, control the rules of the road.
Gatekeeping art shipping services is a power grab, one that limits client access to high-quality carriers and manipulates pricing. It blocks market visibility by preventing newer, properly licensed shippers from reaching collectors and artists directly.

This practice might save the gallery time, but it knowingly passes risk onto the people who matter most — the artist, the collector, and the artwork.

💪 Empower Yourself — Don’t Leave Your Artwork’s Safety to Chance

Whether you’re buying, selling, or moving art, taking the time to vet your shipper can prevent costly and emotional damage. Don’t let assumptions leave you exposed.

Ask questions, demand documentation, and choose professionals who treat art with the care it deserves. Visit the FMCSA SAFER website to research fine art shippers before you hire.

🎯 Final Thought

There are many ways to save money on art logistics, but skipping due diligence on your shipper shouldn’t be one of them.

If you care about your artwork and reputation, vet the person moving it.

Next time you’re booking a shipment, ask yourself:

Am I trusting a professional — or just a "man with a van?"