STORAGE | PACKING AND CRATING | TRANSPORTATION | ART HANDLING/INSTALLATION | IMPORT/EXPORT

Your valuables may be out of sight in our discreet facilities, but they’re always on our mind. With both private vaults and managed storage in shared rooms housed in state-of-the-art facilities as well as collection management guided by experienced professionals, you can choose the level of service that suits your needs. And even if you don’t understand all the elements of risk mitigation, you can rest assured knowing Atelier 4’s systems have been approved by the GRASP program and sanctioned by insurance underwriters.

Specialized Facilities

• Fireproof concrete construction. Pillar and slab in New York and Charlotte, and tilt-up in Miami and Los Angeles

• Security redundancies to mitigate risk including UL-certified central station system, closed-circuit video, TSA security ID verification of all entrants, and no unescorted access to shared storage or cargo areas

• Temperature control set to a constant 20°C / 68° F

• Humidity control set to 55% Relative Humidity

Proprietary Software

• A4 runs on an in-house database developed specifically for our industry

• Integrated tracking and inventory reports

• Privacy assured through restricted access

Professional Registrars

• Experienced arts professional manages database and art handlers

• Peace of mind for accounts who rely on off-site storage of important cultural property

Your irreplaceables need protection, and we know how to build it. We know that art crates are more than just boxes. Archival material, bespoke slipcases, collared soft-pack for untouchables, cavity-pack for tricky three-dimensional art, folios for works on paper, and travel frames with oz-clips are stocked in house and customized at all our locations.

You choose the standard of fabrication—from affordable commercial or durable multi-use to luxury museum models—and our carpentry nerds will use sustainable materials (where possible) and proven design techniques that will keep your artwork safe. That promise is backed by 30 years of experience, but we still send our techs to PACCIN meetings to learn about the latest innovations.

In-house crate shops at all A4 locations

• Less unnecessary handling and travel for artworks

• Fully stocked to meet almost any packing needs

• Avoids costs and delays associated with outsourcing

• Maximum protection for art works inside custom-built crates

In-house air freight department

• Clear communication through direct coordination with project managers

• Increased cost efficiencies in both departments

Well-versed with national and international regulations

• Crate technicians work with up-to-date equipment in shops surpassing OSHA standards

• Safety standards ensure projects are delivered within budget and on time.

• USDA APHIS–compliant wood is pre-screened to avoid delays at international customs

On-staff experience, top to bottom

• Expertise in specialized materials and design according to industry best practices

• Hands-on experience developing creative solutions in unusual circumstances

• Crate techs are employed full time with benefits, cultivating loyalty and pride in work and assuring consistency

• Skilled building ensures the most accurate planning and budgeting

• Over three decades, management haven’t just learned the industry standards, they helped set them

Your treasures have budgets and schedules when they travel just like anyone else, but they also need specialized attention. Our team has the resources and know-how to meet all your requirements. Our state-of-the-art fleet can provide local pick-up and delivery, interstate consolidated shuttle transport to the lower 48, and dedicated trucking for high-value or museum exhibitions. Whatever type of transport suits your needs, you can rest easier knowing every climate-controlled vehicle is outfitted with integrated alarm systems and GPS locators as well as a mandatory minimum of two professional art handlers.

Trucks customized for art shipping

• Stabilization and tie-downs allow our art handlers to completely secure all artworks on board

• Air-ride suspension prevents damage from rough road conditions

• Liftgates allow pickup and delivery of works up to 2500 pounds at small or residential locations, without the need for forklifts

• Our straight-design trucks are small enough to access almost any location, yet interior clearance up to 103-119 inches can accommodate most artworks

• GPS tracks all vehicle locations around the clock

• Integrated alarm systems provide on-board security 24/7

• Climate control means cargo never experiences adverse temperature conditions

• Sleeper cabs allows our professional drivers to rest when needed, preventing exhaustion, and assuring adherence to DOT driver-hours regulations

Breakdown Prevention

• Regular servicing and renewing the fleet create preventative measures help minimize breakdowns.

• Our partnership with Ryder, a national truck leasing company, provides access to repairs and emergency-use trucks around the clock, assuring on-time delivery even in a case of a breakdown

Full-Crew Staffing

• A minimum of two full-time professional art handlers with current CDLs are assigned to our shuttles, strengthening security and assuring staff back-up at all times

• All employees are carefully vetted and thoroughly trained

• The use of experienced professionals helps prevent damage due to inappropriate handling DOT Compliant

• Driver safety contributes to security of cargo

• A4 holds some of the highest safety ratings in the industry

Consistency Reliable Service combined with National Coverage

• Over three decades of consistent operations on scheduled runs allows for peace of mind for clients.

• A4’s interstate routes are managed by a dedicated full-time NY dispatcher who contacts each client personally before arrival

• Deliveries across the country are always handled by A4’s expert shuttle crew members.

• With our asset-based model, A4 handles every need for each job; if partner vendors are needed, we work with only a few trusted and vetted specialists

You name the place, we'll make sure your artwork fits right in. Whether it’s a home, office, or gallery, or maybe an art fair, yacht, or RV, our experienced art handlers have been in a similar situation before. They will bring along all the materials and tools—from nitrile gloves, spirit levels, security hangers, mounts, and brackets to gantry hoists, lifts, scaffolds, and ladder—to get the job done safely and securely.

Experienced In-House Teams at All A4 Locations

• A4’s art handlers and transport crew are one and the same, mitigating risk and avoiding the costs of outsourcing

• A 30-year tradition of art handling and installation

• Efficient use of time developing a clear plan to come in on budget

• Membership in ICEFAT and PACCIN grants A4 access to the latest innovations in research and development

• Staff trained on diverse equipment can offer the best solutions for install projects

Liability Certification

• COI for liability insurance requirements provided on all jobs

• Ineligible contractors may void your own coverage and put you at odds with your landlord or real estate management company

Project Management

• The same representative that is coordinating your storage, packing, and transport will be managing your install

• Proprietary web-based operations software gives all of our managers and technicians real time updates on your project

Overseas travel can pose surprising challenges, even for artworks, but A4 knows how to overcome them because we have been there before. Whether you are dealing with a foreign government customs agency or looking for an island-hopping cargo airline in the Caribbean, our staff can help with just one aspect of the trip or by designing and implementing a complete strategy.

A4 Has Insider Access

• IATA certification allows us to book competitive rates on airlines directly, avoiding both TACT charges and third-party agency fees

• TSA approval means A4 can tender cargo directly to airlines without additional vendor charges

• ICEFAT Membership gives us access to the global network of trusted art logistics companies practicing the highest in our industry in 34 countries

Technological solutions

• Ion trace detection method allows us to screen closed crates for approval at airline and avoid the risk of a physical inspection at the airport and potential delays or damage

Courier and On-Site Assistance

• When an institution or insurance underwriters require cargo to be accompanied, all arrangements—from accommodations, per diem, and car service to a jump seat on cargo plane—can be made by A4 to streamline the process

• A4 can contract a trained consultant to witness the build-up or breakdown of palletized cargo and planeside security prior to take off or at arrival so as to identify any anomaly between delivery to the terminal and departure or from the time of landing until cargo is released to art handling truck

Clearing Customs, Tax, and Regulatory Hurdles

• Customs brokerage requires specialized knowledge of the specific commodities we handle, a good relationship with the authorities, and the support of a legal team; A4’s resources can help solve international trade issues and avoid costly errors

• A4’s expertise with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, FCC, and CITES permitting can prevent penalties and seizures

• ATA Carnets Merchandise “passport” eliminates the need for taxes and duties on temporary imports and exports for up to one year; A4’s in-house application service removes accelerates the process and reduces delays and costs