Fragile and high-value goods rarely break in transit. They break during loading and transhipment. That is why they travel differently: made-to-measure crating, no intermediate terminals, and an agreed insured value instead of standard liability calculated by weight. We move artwork, antiques, musical instruments, laboratory and medical equipment, display cases and glass across all 27 EU countries.
What we carry this way
- Paintings, sculpture and collectibles.
- Antiques and handmade furniture.
- Musical instruments, including keyboard instruments.
- Laboratory, medical and measuring equipment.
- Glass, mirrors, display cases and retail fittings.
- Servers, electronics and equipment with sensitive calibration.
Why ordinary groupage does not fit
In groupage, pallets are loaded tight against each other and moved again at the terminal. Every handling step is a separate risk. For fragile freight we remove transhipment altogether: the vehicle runs directly from the loading address to the delivery address.
| Groupage | Our fragile-freight model | |
|---|---|---|
| Transhipment | Possible at a terminal | None |
| Packing | Standard pallet | Crate or box built to size |
| Securing | Shared across the load | Individual, with bracing |
| Insurance | CMR liability | Agreed value based on valuation |
How preparation works
- Survey and inventory. Condition is recorded before packing, with photographs. This is the basis of any later claim.
- Crating on site. A plywood or timber frame is built around the specific piece, with closed-cell foam and corner bracing inside.
- Glass and paintings travel on edge, in flat cases, with interleaving between panels.
- Securing in the vehicle with straps and load bars; nothing touches the side walls.
- Receipt against the inventory at unloading, with condition recorded.
How to label this kind of freight, and which handling symbols are required, is covered in our note on cargo handling symbols.
Insurance: why standard liability is not enough
Carrier liability under the CMR Convention is calculated on the weight of the goods, not on their value. For a three-kilogram painting that comes to a token sum. So for valuable consignments we always discuss separate cover for an agreed value. More detail in our guide to insurance and CMR.
Arranging it requires a valuation or invoice. Artwork above a certain age may also need an export licence from the country of origin — that is confirmed before the move.
Why Layner Group
Over five years in operation and more than 10,000 commercial shipments completed. Our own fleet from 1 to 24 tonnes means matching the vehicle to the object rather than forcing the object into the vehicle. Offices in France and Poland, coverage across all 27 EU countries, ISO 9001 quality system. Preliminary offer within 15–30 minutes.
If this is a full household move rather than a single item, see also what is worth packing yourself.