Category

Specialist Services

Case Study
Testimonial

Unique challenge, solution, special techniques used, why Constantine was the best choice.

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Museum : Transportation

Constantine offers every possible method of transport, both nationally and internationally. Whether by road, air or sea, we are able to provide comprehensive coverage.

Our fleet consists of 24 specialist vehicles made to the highest specification, all of which are fully alarmed and are equipped with GPS tracking systems, climate (environmental) control and air-ride suspension. Our tracking system is monitored by Constantine and not by a third-party. All vehicles in the fleet have also been designed with special seating areas to allow for as many as three accompanying couriers at any time.

Constantine has clearly defined procedures for the packing and handling of all kinds of works of art.

All objects are packed in conservation-grade materials and are additionally crated in museum-standard packing cases. Our packing generally follows museum best practices as specified by the Tate and the National Gallery.

Constantine undertakes the transport of art to UK Government indemnity guidelines (GIS), the key points of which are as follows:

  • Any transport company used to move the object(s) must have experience in the transport of fragile and valuable artifacts with employees trained in the handling of such material and must be able to meet the conditions below and confirm this in writing.
  • When object(s) are sent out or brought in from abroad, the company used must have the ability and appropriate experience to handle consignments of valuable and fragile material. Company staff must be experienced in dealing with airport and seaport procedures and all necessary documentation.
  • The removal, packing, unpacking and transport of the loan material must be supervised by senior members of the transport company in consultation with the lender and/or borrower of the material.
  • Any vehicle, whether owned by a transport company or the borrower or the lender, used for the transport of indemnified material must conform to the specifications in paragraphs 5 to 10 below.
  • Vehicles used should normally be closed vans (i.e. having solid sides and roof) with a windowless freight compartment separate from the driving cab. All vehicles should be equipped with good quality locking devices. Additional locking facilities may also be required, such as closed shackle padlocks. Any locking bars or external fittings must be secured with concealed or non-return screws or welded or riveted into place.
  • Vehicles should provide appropriate protection against vibration and shock and extremes in relative humidity and temperature conditions for consignments of valuable and fragile material. Air-ride suspension and climate control equipment may be necessary in appropriate circumstances. Environmental conditions should be monitored.
  • Vehicles and crew have to be equipped with appropriate means of communications such as fixed and/or mobile radio telephones for route monitoring and emergencies.
  • Keys to the freight compartment should be kept separate from the vehicle keys.
  • All vehicles must be provided with fire-fighting equipment appropriate to the load and the crew experienced in its use.
  • A vehicle must carry two drivers on long journeys, or one driver and a courier on short journeys. The crew to consist of responsible persons experienced in the handling of valuable consignments and capable of dealing effectively with an emergency situation.
  • Where a space on the carrying vehicle is limited, or where deemed essential for security control, a second escorting vehicle will need to be provided and equipped with mobile radio/telephone communications.
  • The route should be carefully planned and the addresses and telephone numbers of emergency services should be carried by the crews and accompanying couriers.
  • Ideally, the journey should be completed in one haul.
  • When a stopover is necessary arrangements must be made to lodge the vehicle and/or material in secure premises which are protected by a 24-hour intruder and fire alarm system or under continuous supervision.
  • On no account should a vehicle be left unattended by the crew, even in an emergency.
  • Special circumstances may apply to some overseas transport, but arrangements must be no less rigorous than those specified above.
  • An effective 'no-smoking' policy should apply in respect of areas containing loan material.

Airport Services
Constantine is the only company to retain six full-security air-side passes for access at all BAA-approved airports, including the primary hubs of London’s Heathrow and Gatwick Airports and Glasgow’s Prestwick Airport. Our staff includes three full-time airport representatives, all of whom know the airport like the back of their hand, having worked for several airline companies. Full supervision services, including tarmac security, are offered and undertaken every day.

Courier Services
We handle couriers with as much care as objects and maintain permanent staff at UK airports to supervise the shipments under our care. All arrangements, including travel and subsistence, are arranged in-house with a system designed to enable a full overview of the couriers requirements. All details are also included in our FADAS system, allowing quick reference and booking changes.