ARCS 2026 Courier Training Workshop
Workshop
Thursday, April 16, 2026–Friday, April 17, 2026
New York, NY
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Instructors
Lauren Fly, Founder, Conservator and Collections Manager | Samantha Springer, Owner and Principal Conservator, Art Solutions Lab LLC | Meg Colbert, Assistant Dean of Libraries, University of Maine Libraries+ Founder, Collections Care Services
Description
This two-day workshop will prepare attendees to successfully work as a contract courier during any stage of the loan process and to follow good courier practices. From accompanying an object during travel and navigating cargo flights, to building trust with clients and problem-solving crate modifications, this workshop covers it all. Adapted for a US audience, the training combines content from the Courier Training Program Framework, developed by multiple European registrars’ groups, and bookend courier training facilitated in partnership with the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC).
This workshop includes information targeted towards those working as independent contractors, and is suitable for any collections care or allied professionals who may serve as couriers. The curriculum provides attendees with a comprehensive manual that includes training presentations, project management worksheets, and checklists appropriate for both early career and more experienced cultural heritage professionals across a range of specialties.
Training will include conceptual and practical components, leading participants through a combination of a taught syllabus, tabletop exercises, group discussion, hands-on activities, Q&A sessions, and a bibliography of online resources and take-home worksheets.
Day One: April 16, 2026
- Time: 8:30am-4:30pm
- Location: Maquette Fine Art Services, 48-49 35th St, Long Island City, NY 11101
On Day One, participants will be at Maquette’s Long Island City flagship facility, which is an active fine art warehouse with full-climate open storage, private viewing rooms, a CCSF-certified cargo screening facility, and a crate shop. Participants will learn the couriering process from start to finish, which will include information on:
- The responsibilities of working as a contract courier
- Best practices and responsibilities for travel with a loan
- On-site expectations of the borrower and lender for packing/unpacking and installation/de-installation
- How to establish trust with the lender
- Considerations for determining courier fees
- Determining what services to offer
- The tools and equipment needed as a courier
- Questions to ask the lender and borrower
- Courier-specific contract and insurance needs
- How to market courier services
Day Two: April 17, 2026
- Time: 8:30am-4:30pm
- Location: Boxart, Inc. 79 N 5th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
On Day Two, participants will meet at Boxart’s Williamsburg, Brooklyn facility, which houses art storage, warehouses, trucks, a full wood shop, viewing rooms, and a dedicated packing and preparation shop. The day will provide a thorough overview of:
- Industry Standards: Learn best practices for packing fine art, including crate types, their functions, and when to use them
- Materials & Methods: Explore commonly used components, materials, and construction methods that support safe transport
- Hands-On Object Handling: Work directly with real examples such as travel frames, sculpture trays, foams, woods, boards, and wrapping materials
- Equipment Demonstrations: See fine art shipping tools in action, including J-bars, dollies, forklifts, and pallet jacks
- Crate Loading & Securement: Observe and discuss how artworks and crates are safely loaded and stabilized for transport
- Compliance & Regulations: Review TSA requirements and other key compliance standards essential to fine art shipping and logistics
Cost Per Day
- $175.00 for members
- $250.00 for non-members
- Capacity: 50 per day
- Note: Attendees have the option to register for both days of the workshop or one day only. If attending for one day, please select between Day One or Day Two when registering.
