Shipping fine art and antiques takes more than just a sturdy box and a roll of bubble wrap. These items usually carry more than price tags; they often come with emotional value, unique textures, or fragile features that make them harder to move without damage. That is where custom crating services make a difference. These crates are not one-size-fits-all. They are built to match the shape, weight, and sensitivity of whatever you are protecting.
In February, colder weather in places like Colorado Springs can add extra risks to shipping. Snow, icy roads, and extra handling can delay shipments or increase the chance of damage. With smart planning and the right packing approach, we can help protect even the most delicate items before they go out the door.
Crating vs. Boxing: What’s the Difference?
Basic shipping boxes work fine for everyday items, but when something is heavy, oversized, or breakable in more than one spot, it is time to ask if a box is enough. Cardboard can flex or collapse, even when double-walled. Internal packaging does not always prevent objects from shifting around.
Wooden crates give more structural support than boxes. Made with thicker walls, solid corners, and internal padding, they do not just hold the item, they hold it in place. This makes them good for original paintings, sculptures, and antique furniture. We often choose a crate when:
• The item is unusually shaped and does not fit well in a box
• Standard packaging does not prevent the item from rattling or tilting
• The item has external details like corners or frames that can catch or snap
Even if something seems sturdy, vibration from travel or a cold snap in shipping trucks can be enough to ruin the surface or loosen parts. Crates help avoid some of those risks by holding things steady throughout the trip.
What Makes Art and Antiques So Tricky to Ship
Every piece of art and every antique brings its own challenges. Paintings come with different frame depths. Sculptures might not sit flat. Older items can have worn finishes, fine cracks, or parts made from different materials. Most of these pieces are one of a kind, which means if something breaks, it may not be fixable.
Some materials react poorly to winter shipping conditions. Wood can expand or contract. Canvas gets brittle. Cold air can make plastic or resin parts more likely to snap under pressure. Snow and rain can get into weak seams or damage labels during handoffs.
We look at each item carefully to decide what protection makes sense. The goal is not just to keep something from breaking; it is to send it in a way that respects what makes it unique. That means keeping it dry, steady, and protected from the kind of bumps that happen between drop-off and delivery.
How Custom Crating Services Help Keep Items Safe
One of the most helpful tools we use is a customized crate. These are not made in advance. They are measured, cut, and built to work with the exact size of the item being shipped. With custom crating services, we take into account:
• The length, width, and height of the piece
• Whether it hangs, sits flat, or needs bracing inside the crate
• The shipping plan (ground, air, or international freight)
These crates can include supports, foam inserts, and wrap treatments that reduce the amount of movement across bumpy roads or cargo reroutes. That becomes especially useful with DHL or freight shipping, which may include more transfers or longer time in cold areas.
Not only do custom crates absorb shock better, they also make loading and unloading simpler. Drivers and warehouse workers can move crates more safely when they are shaped to stay stable. That reduces the chance of tip-overs or accidental crushes during stacking.
Pak Mail offers expert custom crating in Colorado Springs, building each crate to the item’s measurements and using ISPM-15 certified lumber for international shipments when needed.
Planning Ahead for Winter Shipments
Shipping in February means thinking two steps ahead. In areas like Colorado Springs, weather can shift quickly. One day might be sunny, the next snowy. A closed road or delayed pickup could hold up an item just long enough for damage to happen.
That is why it helps to plan shipments slightly earlier in the month or to add padding to estimated timelines. When we know the item needs to get somewhere by a certain date, we work backwards to allow for weather and weekend slowdowns. We also check that the packaging can handle temperature swings or sitting for longer than expected.
Mailbox services and tracking make this process smoother. When incoming deliveries are headed our way, alerts help us act fast. When we are sending items out, tracking means we are not guessing where something is or waiting too late to step in if plans change.
Pak Mail provides full-service packing, custom crating, and insured shipping for highly fragile or valuable antiques and works of art.
A Better Way to Protect What Matters Most
When someone hands off a piece of art or an old heirloom, they are often worried about the same thing: keeping it safe. We understand. These are not just objects. They are often meaningful in ways that cannot be replaced if something goes wrong.
That is why basic boxes are not always the right fit. With custom crates, we can give each item the space, support, and structure it needs to arrive in good condition. When we build those plans around the current weather, the location it is going, and the schedule it is on, we reduce the things that can go unexpectedly wrong.
Shipping does not have to be stressful. With the right setup and a little planning, even cold-weather shipping can be handled in a way that keeps your most valued pieces safe and gives you one less thing to worry about.
At Pak Mail, we take pride in making sure every shipment is expertly packed, handled, and sent with care, especially when it comes to art, antiques, and unique valuables. Shipping from Colorado Springs deserves the highest level of protection, so our custom crating services are designed to meet the specific requirements of each item based on size, weight, materials, and destination. Whether your shipment needs to travel across Colorado or overseas, we will help make sure it arrives safely. Reach out today to discuss your needs and see how we can provide secure shipping solutions.