Logistics Before, During and After an Auction
Kortmann APS manages art transport on a daily basis for auction houses, buyers and sellers. Behind every auction lies an extensive logistics process that begins well before the actual sale and often continues long afterwards, across national borders. From collecting and carefully packing an artwork to arranging transport and customs formalities, and ultimately delivering it to its new owner.
A painting, sculpture or other valuable object that may have been part of a collection for many years changes ownership at auction and often also finds a new destination. For an auction house, this involves a continuous flow of logistics: artworks arrive from different collections and locations and, once sold, make their way to destinations in the Netherlands, across Europe and far beyond.
This requires a logistics partner that handles art and valuable objects with the utmost care, can respond quickly and flexibly, and fully understands the dynamics of the international auction world.
Before the Auction
The logistics process often begins well before the auction takes place. Artworks are collected from private owners, collectors, galleries or other locations, carefully packed and transported safely to the auction house.
Every artwork requires an appropriate approach. Based on the type of object, its fragility, the mode of transport and its destination, our specialists advise on the most suitable packaging. We can also provide the packaging itself, ranging from soft packing to a custom-made transport crate.
After the Sale
Once the hammer falls, the next stage begins. The sold works must be prepared for transport within the agreed timeframe and delivered to their new owners.
Because Kortmann APS centrally coordinates the various logistics activities, we can plan efficiently, respond quickly and achieve short delivery times.
Unpacking at the final destination can also be part of our service. Within the Netherlands and Europe, depending on the location, this is carried out by our own art handlers.
International Transport and Customs
International sales involve more than transport alone. Depending on the country of departure and the final destination, various customs formalities and import or exportdocuments may be required. Missing or incorrect documentation can result in delays.
Kortmann APS assists auction houses, buyers and sellers with the required customs procedures and carefully coordinates all documentation in advance. Depending on the destination, we arrange art transport by road, air or sea.
For destinations outside Europe, we work with a carefully established international network of professional fine art transport companies. This enables us to coordinate the various stages of international deliveries seamlessly, while Kortmann APS remains the central point of contact for the auction house and all parties involved throughout the process.
A Team That Knows the Auction World
The auction world operates around fixed sale dates, payment terms and collection deadlines. Careful planning is therefore essential. Within Kortmann APS, a dedicated team specialises in transport for auction houses. They understand the dynamics of this market and can respond quickly to changes, additional requests and international deliveries.
Speed, however, should never come at the expense of care. Safety, discretion and clear communication are paramount at every stage.
From Owner to Owner
Once the hammer falls, a new chapter begins for every artwork sold. Sometimes the new owner is only a few kilometres away, sometimes on the other side of the world.
From collection and packing to transport, customs assistance, delivery and unpacking, Kortmann APS accompanies the artwork throughout its journey from seller to buyer.
From owner to owner, safely, carefully and with one trusted point of contact.