Porcelain sculptures are delicate artworks that require extreme care during shipping. Despite precautions, many pieces arrive damaged due to avoidable mistakes. Here are the five most common causes of porcelain damage during transit:

1. Inadequate Packaging: Insufficient cushioning materials like bubble wrap or foam allows sculptures to shift and collide during transport. Proper void-fill techniques are crucial.

2. Improper Box Selection: Using boxes that are too large (causing movement) or too small (creating pressure points) significantly increases breakage risks. Always choose double-walled boxes with 2-3 inches of clearance.

3. Vibration and Shock: Road vibrations and sudden stops can crack thin porcelain sections. Shock-absorbing materials like honeycomb cardboard inserts help mitigate this.

4. Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme temperature changes during shipping can weaken porcelain's structural integrity, making it more prone to cracking. Climate-controlled transport is ideal for valuable pieces.

5. Improper Handling: Rough treatment by carriers, especially during loading/unloading, accounts for nearly 40% of damage cases. Clear "Fragile" labeling helps but isn't foolproof.

Prevention Tips:

- Use suspension packaging for delicate protrusions

- Wrap sculptures in acid-free tissue before cushioning

- Consider custom foam crate solutions for high-value pieces

- Always purchase specialized art shipping insurance

By addressing these common pitfalls, collectors and artists can dramatically reduce shipping-related damage to their porcelain artworks.