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U.S.Art can handle all of your art packing and crating for domestic and international shipping. We are happy to provide estimates ranging from a single object to large exhibitions.

Crating Guidelines for a Museum Crate

  • Standard crate shell is constructed of ½” AC plywood. MDO Plywood is available on request.
  • All joints are glued and nailed.
  • Side, top, and bottom panels are framed with 1 ½” x 1 ½” SPF battens.
  • The lid and back panel are framed with 1 x 4 pine battens.
  • All battens are glued and stapled from inside the crate.
  • One by stock is added to the sides for upper and lower cleats.
  • 2 x 8 stock is used for skids. Edges are beveled.
  • All crates have an integrated wood handle on each end.
  • All edges are rounded over.
  • The crate interior utilizes strips of 2.2#, 2” Etha foam for absorbing shock.
  • All interior materials are attached with FDA approved hot melt adhesives.
  • Trays are constructed of 3/16” or ½” foam board. Edges are taped with white framer’s tape.
  • Perimeter edge of the open side of the crate is covered with gasket.
  • Exterior of crate is sealed with two coats of clear polyurethane.
  • Crate lid is secured with a grade 5, 3/8 x 3” flange head bolt and an internally secured threaded insert.
  • Crate exterior is stenciled with appropriate markings.
  • All materials used meet the ISPM-15 (European Unions) requirements.
  • All crates receive the appropriate “bug” stamp.

Butterfly Crate

  • Standard crate shell is constructed of 3/4 AC plywood with 2 x 4 battens. MDO Plywood is available on request.
  • All joints are glued and nailed.
  • Side, top, and bottom panels are framed with 2 x 4 SPF battens.
  • The lid and back panel are framed with 2 x 4 pine battens.
  • All battens are glued and stapled from inside the crate.
  • One by stock is added to the sides for upper and lower cleats.
  • 4 x 4 stock is used for skids. Edges are beveled.
  • All crates have an integrated wood handle on each side.
  • All edges are rounded over.
  • The crate interior utilizes strips of 2.2# and 4#, 2” Etha foam for absorbing shock.
  • All interior materials are attached with FDA approved hot melt adhesives.
  • Perimeter edge of the open side of the crate is covered with gasket.
  • Exterior of crate is sealed with two coats of clear polyurethane.
  • Crate lid is secured with a grade 5, 3/8 x 3” flange head bolt and an internally secured threaded insert
  • Crate exterior is stenciled with appropriate markings.
  • All materials used meet the ISPM-15 (European Unions) requirements.
  • All crates receive the appropriate “bug” stamp.

Tour Crate

  • Standard crate shell is constructed of ½” AC plywood. MDO Plywood is available on request.
  • All joints are glued and nailed.
  • Side, top, and bottom panels are framed with 1 x 4 SPF battens.
  • The lid and back panel are framed with 1 x 4 pine battens.
  • All battens are glued and stapled from inside the crate.
  • One by stock is added to the sides for upper and lower cleats.
  • 2 x 8 stock is used for skids. Edges are beveled.
  • All crates have an integrated wood handle on each end.
  • All edges are rounded over.
  • The crate interior utilizes strips of 2.2#, 2” Etha foam for absorbing shock.
  • All interior materials are attached with FDA approved hot melt adhesives.
  • Trays are constructed of 3/16” or ½” foam board. Edges are taped with white framer’s tape.
  • Perimeter edge of the open side of the crate is covered with gasket.
  • Exterior of crate is sealed with two coats of clear polyurethane.
  • Crate lid is secured with wafer head screws.
  • Crate exterior is stenciled with appropriate markings.
  • All materials used meet the ISPM-15 (European Unions) requirements.
  • All crates receive the appropriate “bug” stamp.

Travel Crate

  • Standard crate shell is constructed of ½” AC plywood. MDO Plywood is available on request.
  • All joints are glued and nailed.
  • Side, top, and bottom panels are framed with 1 x 4 SPF battens.
  • The lid and back panel are framed with 1 x 4 pine battens.
  • All battens are glued and stapled from inside the crate.
  • One by stock is added to the sides for upper and lower cleats.
  • 2 x 8 stock is used for skids. Edges are beveled.
  • All crates have an integrated wood handle on each end.
  • All edges are rounded over.
  • The crate interior utilizes strips of 2.2#, 2” Ethafoam for absorbing shock.
  • All interior materials are attached with FDA approved hot melt adhesives.
  • Trays are constructed of 3/16” or ½” foam board. Edges are taped with white framer’s tape.
  • Crate lid is secured with Crate lid is secured with wafer head screws.
  • Crate exterior is stenciled with appropriate markings.
  • All materials used meet the ISPM-15 (European Union) requirements.
  • All crates receive the appropriate “bug” stamp.

Basic Crate

  • Standard crate shell is constructed of ½” AC plywood. MDO plywood is available on request.
  • All joints are glued and nailed.
  • Carcass of crate can be made from either ¾ “ Pine or Plywood
  • The cleats (1 x 4 stock) are glued and stapled from outside of the crate.
  • 2 x 8 stock is used for skids. Edges are beveled.
  • All crates have an integrated wood handle on each end from 2 x 4 “ pine
  • All edges are rounded over.
  • The crate interior utilizes strips of 2.2#, 2” Etha foam for absorbing shock.
  • All interior materials are attached with FDA approved hot melt adhesives.
  • Trays are constructed of 3/16” cardboard (3/16” or ½” foam board upon request)
  • Crate lid is secured with wafer head screws.
  • Crate exterior is stenciled with appropriate markings.
  • All materials used meet the ISPM-15 (European Unions) requirements.
  • All crates receive the appropriate “bug” stamp.

Slat Crate

  • Standard crate base is constructed of ¾ ” AC plywood with 1 x 4 battens  and 4 x 4 stock is used for skids. Edges are beveled. MDO Plywood is available on request.
  • All joints are glued and nailed.
  • Carcass of crate is constructed from 1 x 4 slats typically spaces 12 – 14” apart
  • Slat crates have 4 metal chest handles attached
  • The crate interior utilizes strips of 2.2#, 2” Etha foam for absorbing shock. And either 1 x 4 or 2 x 4 braces covered with 2.2# ethafoam covered with Volara
  • All interior materials are attached with FDA approved hot melt adhesives.
  • All sides are removable and secured with wafer head screws.
  • Crate exterior is stenciled with appropriate markings.
  • All materials used meet the ISPM-15 (European Unions) requirements.
  • All crates receive the appropriate “bug” stamp.

Travel Frame

  • Carcass made of 1 x 8 pine (inside dims 7 ¼ “) this will be adjusted depending upon the depth of the piece.
  • 1 x 12 pine slats on the back spaces 10 – 12” apart front slats will be added if the travel frame is a standalone.
  • 1.7# ethafoam 1” covered with soft Tyvek on the riding edge
  • 2 chest handles
  • Mending plates provided to secure piece (Oz clips will be provided upon request).
  • Coroplast or foam cor can be added to the front and back for extra protection.
  • Crate exterior is stenciled with appropriate markings.
  • All materials used meet the ISPM-15 (European Union) requirements.
    • All crates receive the appropriate “bug” stamp.

Foam Cor Box

  • Carcass & bottom made of ½” Foam cor (white)
    • Sides glued together
    • Tape all edges with white archival tape
  • Lid should be made of 3/16” foam cor  (Shoe box lid)
    • Tape all edges and tape corners together
  • Lid can also be made of ½” foam cor if lid needs to be flat.
  • Inner materials
    • Collar pack
      • 2.2# etha pad on riding edge
      • 3 – 4 collars out of 2.2# etha foam
      • 16 2 x 2 rails to hold collars
    • Cavity pack
      • 2” polyester foam (closed cell) or similar
      • Box would be lined with the 2” foam (Ester, Grey)
      • Cut hand holes left and right
      • Make a window on the lid.
  • If lid is ½ “use Velcro to secure lid.

U-Frame

  • Carcass made of ¾ MDO Plywood
  • 2.2# ethafoam pad on riding edge
  • 1 ½  x 1 ½ “ braces
  • 1 ½ x 1 ½” skids
  • 2 chest handles per side
  • Coroplast cover upon request

Testimonials

I was extremely impressed with how communicative, punctual, friendly, thorough, professional, and precise your entire team was, from start to finish. Your service was the finest I’ve worked with, and I will always request your services going forward.

Built on Experience, Trusted Worldwide

Museum-Quality Expertise

With decades of experience, U.S.Art provides expert packing, crating, and transportation for fine art, antiques, and antiquities.

Nationwide & Global Reach

From cities across the U.S. to destinations around the world, U.S.Art supports museums, galleries, auction houses, and collectors.

Trusted Family Legacy

As a third-generation family business, U.S.Art combines long-term commitment, personal service, and unmatched industry experience.

Customer Reviews

Stories from Satisfied Clients

Your team did an excellent job in every respect in getting my paintings from the ambassador’s residence in Nepal back to south eastern Virginia. They were securely wrapped and arrived in perfect shape. The people who delivered them to the house were on time and gave me a heads up about a half an hour before arriving, which was appreciated. They were polite and delivered them right to my house. Thank you!

I was extremely impressed with how communicative, punctual, friendly, thorough, professional, and precise your entire team was, from start to finish. Your service was the finest I’ve worked with, and I will always request your services going forward.

Hello all, thank you for the seamless delivery of work sent by Luhring Augustine Gallery in New York. I appreciate your efforts and professionalism . Job well done.

OUTSTANDING crew, so prepared and professional. I’ll continue to choose USArt!

The whole process was amazing and easy… truly, thank you! Perfection

Eric wrapped the work with great care. He did a most beautiful job, his wrapping job a work of art in itself. He said he enjoyed his work and took great pride in it. Wonderful to find someone with that attitude. Please pass on my praise to his employers.

Other Services

Explore our options or let us customize a solution that suits your vision.
Packing & Crating 01 Packing & Crating U.S.Art can handle all of your art packing and crating for domestic and international shipping. We are happy to provide estimates ranging from a single object to large exhibitions. Art Transportation 02 Art Transportation U.S.Art’ s fleet of vehicles is equipped to museum quality specifications with air-ride and climate control, are fully alarmed and have security tracking systems installed for the safety of all shipments. Installation 03 Installation Artwork comes in all forms and sizes. At U.S.Art we recognize that the proper presentation of the artwork is an integral part of the total appreciation of any given piece. Rigging 04 Rigging U.S.Art has handled installation and rigging for both temporary and permanent collections of the world’s most prominent museums for over 60 years. Consulting & Site visits 05 Consulting & Site visits Clients frequently desire to leverage our extensive industry and logistics experience to deal with specific challenges faced by their organization or facilities. Museum Quality Storage 06 Museum Quality Storage U.S.Art owns museum-grade warehouses across the country providing short and long term storage. Excess Valuation 07 Excess Valuation Due to our excellent track record, U.S.Art Company has been covered by Lloyds of London for 60 years. We carry the highest levels of coverage to best suit the needs of our clients. We also have the ability to offer additional coverage to our clients that require this service at competitive rates. All cargo coverage (when requested) is provided on a “wall to wall” basis to ensure seamless and worry free transactions and carry zero deductibles. Legal Documentation 08 Legal Documentation The Bill of Lading is a required document to move freight shipments. It works as a receipt of freight services, a contract between a freight carrier/ shipper and a document of title.
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