Carved stone fails in transit at specific, predictable points. Good packing addresses them directly.
Where damage happens
Fingers, crowns and jewellery — the thin, projecting parts.
The base edges and corners.
Any bonded joint.
Places where the statue can shift inside the crate.
How to pack against it
Foam-mould the projecting details so they cannot move, brace the statue to the crate floor, and build the crate to be stackable. A crate that is strong but lets the statue move internally still fails.
Transport mode
Air freight is faster and involves fewer handling steps. Sea freight is cheaper for large pieces but sees more movement. Either way, insure for full replacement value.
Before signing for delivery
Inspect the crate for impact damage before opening.
Photograph the crate and the statue before unpacking fully.
Check the details most likely to be damaged and note any issues on the delivery paperwork.
If damage occurs
Photograph everything before moving the piece and notify the carrier and insurer promptly. Do not attempt repairs until the claim is assessed.
Frequently asked questions
What parts of a marble statue break in transit?
Fingers, crowns, jewellery, base edges and any bonded joint — the thin or projecting areas that can move inside a crate.
Is air or sea freight better for a large statue?
Air is faster with less handling; sea is cheaper for very large pieces but involves more movement. Insure either way.
What should I do if the statue arrives damaged?
Photograph the crate and statue before moving it, note the damage on the delivery paperwork, and notify the carrier and insurer before attempting repairs.
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