We’re Trusted By The Best
Every piece of artwork is unique, and so is every crate we build. Custom crating is a craft we’ve perfected over decades. With over 20 years in the custom crafting and shipping industry, we’ve developed specialized techniques to fabricate protective enclosures that safeguard even the most delicate, fragile, or valuable pieces during transit.
Unlike generic crating solutions, our crates are engineered in-house by experienced technicians who understand the complex needs of fine art. From hardwood builds to lightweight alternatives, each crate is designed to absorb shocks, stabilize the piece, and control environmental exposure throughout its journey.
In-House Crate Fabrication
All of our custom crates are built in our fully equipped shop, allowing us to control every detail of the fabrication process. We produce:
Solid Hardwood Crates
Strong, durable enclosures built to the very highest standards.
ISPM-15 Compliant Crates
Certified for international shipping, meeting all global transport regulations.
Corrugated & Hybrid Crates
Lightweight, multi-wall corrugated options for shorter trips or specialized handling needs.
Travel Frames & Shadow Boxes
Custom internal structures designed to stabilize work during installation or repeated travel.
The Crating Process
Our crating services begin with a full art assessment, taking into account the size, weight, medium, and journey ahead. We then construct each crate to fit the piece precisely, incorporating:
Shock absorption and vibration control
Climate protection
Archival, acid-free interior linings
Protective cushioning for sensitive finishes.
Real Stories, Real Results With Arrow Express.
Authentic reviews. Proven performance. See why clients choose Arrow Express.
Precision You Can Trust
From preparing a single painting for overseas transport to crating a full collection for long-term storage, we deliver custom crating solutions with unmatched attention to detail. When you need reliable protection, trust the team that builds every crate by hand with your artwork in mind.
Custom Crating FAQs
Not every artwork needs the same level of fortification. We’ve answered common questions about our crate types, materials, and how we determine the right protection strategy for everything from paintings to heavy sculpture.
How do you decide between a travel frame and a full crate?
It depends on the artwork’s vulnerability. Travel frames protect the edges and surface of a painting for local transport but leave the back open. Full custom crates provide total enclosure and climate buffering, which is required for long-distance domestic shipping or international art shipping.
Do you use archival materials inside the crate?
Yes. We use conservation-grade packing materials for all contact layers, including acid-free glassine, Tyvek®, and chemically neutral foams. This ensures no acidic materials touch your art.
Can you build crates for heavy sculptures?
Absolutely. We engineer heavy-duty crates with reinforced bases and internal bracing to support high-weight items. For extremely heavy works, we build palletized bases to allow for safe forklift handling.
What is a museum-quality crate?
A museum-quality crate is the highest standard of protective enclosure used in fine art logistics. It features a gasket-sealed lid for weatherproofing, thermal insulation, and custom-cut foam interiors. It is the industry standard for high-value loans and international fine art shipping.
Do you build crates for items other than art?
Yes. We build custom crates for antiques, chandeliers, medical equipment, and high-value furniture. If it needs protection, we can crate it.
Can I reuse the crate?
Yes. We build our crates with screw closures (not nails) so they can be opened and resealed multiple times. This makes them ideal for traveling exhibitions or long-term storage.
Do you reuse wood when building custom crates?
Yes. When structurally appropriate, we reuse sound lumber from previous builds rather than cutting new full sheets of plywood for every crate. Scrap sections are joined and reinforced as part of the crate panel so strength and rigidity are maintained. That allows us to reduce unnecessary waste while still meeting the protection standards required for fine art, antiques, and high-value objects.