Pak Mail Santa Fe, Santa Fe’s local art shipping experts, is excited to welcome the International Association of Pastel Societies 14^th Biennial Convention back to Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico! This convention takes place through Sunday, June 26, 2022, bringing together local and international artists passionate about pastels and sharing in the medium.  Since 2009 Pak Mail Santa Fe has been a trusted art shipping partner of the IAPS. We offer onsite custom packing and shipping, working with artisans to create a custom shipping solution for art pieces and supplies.

Why Pak Mail for IAPS Custom Packing and Shipping?

With over 30 years of custom art shipping experience, Pak Mail Santa Fe is the trusted local choice for custom packing and art shipping services. Our certified packing and shipping professionals expertly evaluate your item’s dimensions, value, and fragility to custom create a packing solution and determine which shipping option best fits, getting your items where they are going safely and efficiently.

·         Onsite packing & Shipping– We process shipments with tracking numbers and receipts on-site for attendees and vendors.

·         Expertise– Pak Mail has the small packaging experience to help artists with their art supplies and easels to be shipped economically.

·         Trusted-Pak Mail’s art handling experience help attendees confidently ship their own artwork home from the I.A.P.S. workshops.

When is Pak Mail Onsite at the 2022 Convention?

Professionals will be onsite at The Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town, Albuquerque, for all custom packing and shipping needs:

·         Saturday, June 25^th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

·         Sunday, June 26^th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

See You at IAPS 14^th Biennial Convention!

Pak Mail Santa Fe’s art shipping professionals will custom pack, pick up, and deliver with care. Let our art shipping professionals handle the entire process from start to finish, including paperwork, manifests, clearances, tracking, and written confirmations. Whether it is down the block or the other side of the world, Pak Mail Santa Fe has the custom packing and shipping option it takes to get your art and supplies where they are going safely and efficiently.

Our passion for the arts does not begin and end with its custom packing and shipping. We relish the opportunity to meet with local and visiting artists. By learning about the different techniques and materials that go into creating their works, we can hone our packing and art shipping services. The IAPS is an exciting opportunity, not only for us but for New Mexico, to be a part of up-and-coming artists’ communities from around the country and the world! Pak Mail Santa Fe looks forward to seeing you at the 2022 International Association of Pastel Societies 14th Biennial Convention.

Pak Mail Santa Fe provides custom crating, packing, and shipping services for high value and one-of-a-kind items. 

For over 30 years, our expert art shipping and packing professionals have specialized in custom shipping fine art. 

Custom shipping Santa Fe: A real life scenario

Recently, a tourist from Ohio visited Santa Fe and bought a large bronze sculpture of a leaping elk from Mountain Trails Fine Arts Gallery on Old Santa Fe Trail.

He decided he would personally transport his bronze sculpture on a flatbed trailer and drive it 2,000 miles back home.

The sculpture stood mounted to a block of cement, which would need to be removed for transport. Without it, the sculpture was not stable or counterbalanced. Once back in Santa Fe, he realized he needed expert packing assistance to ensure its safe transport home.

The gallery called Pak Mail.

Pak Mail Santa Fe crating assessment

Smaller pieces don’t necessarily need such detailed crating as did this piece with intricate shapes comprising 1,500 pounds of material. We went to the gallery four times to make our assessments. 

• Measured the bronze sculpture in all its dimensions and angles to determine the size of the braces and straps that would be needed to hold the piece in place on the flatbed trailer.
  
• We acquired the sculpture’s dimensions from the warehouse and assessed the rough prototypes and wax moldings used for the pouring of the bronze.

• Examined the existing counterbalance of the bronze sculpture — how could we pack this piece safely for transport on a flatbed? Without its concrete base, the bronze sculpture was not counterbalanced to allow safe shipment.

• Our third assessment trip involved forming the braces for packing and crating. We realized that one brace that had been custom-cut to specifications did not fit correctly under the chin of the elk sculpture. So we altered our next cuts and preps accordingly to better house the piece. 

Date of load

Our task was to safely pack the piece and strap it securely, without damaging its fine patina. We brought power tools plus extra materials. Our Pak Mail crew joined with representatives from the gallery and the locally-based crane operator. 

We met in the street in front of the Inn of the Laredo where the buyer had his flatbed trailer waiting. It was early in the morning when there was not much traffic.

First, the crane operator supported the 1,500-pound sculpture while we determined the angles for placement. Then, we cut the bolts to free the base. Once it was freed, we worked incrementally to place it on the trailer. 

We looked at the angles and the general geometry of the sculpture to determine vulnerabilities, such as the antlers. We ran straps at different angles, careful to not leave rub marks. No surface was flat or symmetrical.

Straps and braces can harm the bronze patina finish, especially considering the potential dings from traveling 2,000 miles.

We did a couple of test runs and made adjustments accordingly, including one new brace on site, under the neck of the elk to support the balance for the antler rack. Then, we wrapped plastic sheeting and soft foam for cushioning before placing and tightening the straps. We redid all the straps until we were certain it was secure for safe transport.

The buyer made safe passage to Ohio with his bronze elk sculpture, with no shifting nor any damage to the sculpture whatsoever. The buyer, the gallery, the crane operator, and our Pak Mail crew all worked together as a team to make this happen!

Cost and insurance for the custom shipping of the elk sculpture

Since the buyer provided the trailer and transportation, the carrier insurance was on the buyer’s personal insurance. Pak Mail Santa Fe charges were for a total of materials and labor, and came out to approximately $400. The charge for the crane operator was $800.

Pak Mail Santa Fe only charges for the services we provide and the cost of materials. Our quotes and charges are transparent. You will find no new line items to our invoices.

Shipping insurance for unique items

When we ship an item for our customers, we use our own alternate declared value (ADV) program which allows us to cover a “one-of-a-kind” item.

Other shippers such as UPS and FedEx sell you carrier insurance and charge you for coverage for the proclaimed value of your item. However, when you have a claim, you go through their underwriters.

Did you know that those underwriters don’t cover claims on original artworks under this type of carrier insurance?

In other words, you will have no claim for compensation, due to it being a “one-of-a-kind.” Call Pak Mail Santa Fe for more details at 505-989-7380.

Our doors are open to walk-ins and we offer curbside service

As of early April, we have opened our doors to the general public. However, our curbside pickup service is still quite popular. Pak Mail Santa Fe continues to offer in-house and curbside pickup and drop off, as well as our on-site pickup services.
Pak Mail shipping company Santa Fe, 369 Montezuma Ave. Call us now for your custom shipping needs: 505-989-7380.

The upcoming 17th Annual Sweetheart Auction is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Cancer Foundation of New Mexico. Pak Mail Santa Fe, premier art shippers for northern New Mexico, is a proud sponsor of this event to be held Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the Santa Fe Convention Center. Get your Sweetheart Auction tickets now.

Pak Mail Santa Fe is providing our packing and shipping services free of charge for all Sweetheart Auction purchases made during this 2022 event.

If you’ve ever attended this “great party for a great cause,” you know it is an event not to be missed. Get a sneak-peek at some of the 2022 auction items here! 

All the funds raised at this fun and exciting event go to enable northern New Mexican cancer patients who live outside of Santa Fe access to quality treatment here. The funds raised provide patients the full costs of transportation, lodging, and groceries while receiving cancer treatment here. 

Your Pak Mail shipping company in Santa Fe supports our community 100%, and we invite you to join in by supporting the Sweetheart Auction. Neighbors help neighbors, and those who can, do. Get your Sweetheart Auction tickets now.

Our pledge is to make your Cancer Foundation donations simple. Have no worries about how to pack or ship your winning bid item home or elsewhere. Pak Mail Santa Fe art shippers will take care of that free of charge!

We donate our time and shipping materials so you can make generous bids without worrying about the additional cost of shipping the item if you win. 

So, enjoy this event, bid, and purchase and know that Pak Mail Santa Fe will safely wrap, insure, and deliver your valuable auction items free of charge. Get your Sweetheart Auction tickets now.

How does this work? You place a winning bid at the Sweetheart Auction, and we will pack it and ship for free to the destination of your choice within the United States. We do this so the full proceeds of the fundraising made by the generous donors will go to benefit cancer patients. All patrons can continue with the evening activities, resting assured that PakMail Santa Fe will safely secure, pack, and ship your winning bids to your intended destination.

Pak Mail Santa Fe has over 30 years of experience with custom crating and shipping fine art and collectibles. So, don’t worry about the cost of shipping that 32-pound bronze sculpture you just bought to support cancer patients! 

All auction items are hand-carried for pickup or shipment. A big part of our donation is to provide all packaging including the box, crate, and bubble wrap, and all is free of charge even if we ship out of state. We donate our time and all materials necessary, and provide pick up of the items for delivery, in and out of state.

Pak Mail Santa Fe gives a shout out to the Cancer Foundation of New Mexico! Get your Sweetheart Auction tickets now. We encourage you to bid high and bid often, knowing that your Cancer Foundation winning bids during the Sweetheart Auction will not incur any charges to safely pack, ship, and deliver them.
Pak Mail shipping company Santa Fe, 369 Montezuma Ave., is in the heart of downtown, PakMail Santa Fe. Call us now for your shipping needs, 505-989-7380.

Pak Mail Santa Fe is the only shipping store in Santa Fe to provide this contactless curbside pickup for all your New Mexico shipping needs!

Call us, and we will meet you at your car for curbside pick-up and delivery for all shipping and packing services. Our staff follows all COVID safety protocols recommended by the CDC. All our employees wear masks, and conscientiously sanitize our hands, our machines, as well as all packaging materials. 

We are the ONLY Santa Fe shipping company to have offered these services since the start of the pandemic.

For both locals and tourists, we have adapted to meet your shipping needs during the pandemic. We follow simple protocols for shipping drop-off and pick-up. You can call in advance for an appointment, or you can call us as soon as you arrive. 

At Pak Mail Santa Fe, we provide a contact-free transaction for shipping and receiving your mail and packages. Curbside delivery means, “Pop the trunk” and we will pick up your item and send you the receipt and the shipping transaction details. All of our shipping services are contact-free other than our masked smiling faces and nods of recognition! Call us now! 

How do you use our Pak Mail curbside pick up and drop off shipping services?

First of all, we have dedicated parking spaces with numbered signs. You just stay in your vehicle and call us.

We will come to you. Pop your trunk when we come out. You can leave a note with a description of the shipment in the trunk of your vehicle.

We can leave your receipt in your trunk, or email or text you it for your shipping records. We will pick up your shipments or drop off your mail and packages in your trunk, and you’re done!

What if you haven’t used Pak Mail off the Plaza in Santa Fe before? What if you’re just visiting town and need to ship something?

We ask first-time customers to take advantage of our convenient drop-off service at our front door rather than coming into the store. Call us. Our customer service technicians will meet you upon your arrival.

A very comfortable bench sits right outside where you are welcome to have a seat as we process your shipping needs. We have dedicated parking spaces in our lot conveniently located at the corner of Montezuma Avenue and Guadalupe.

Come right in, long-time customers and valued boxholders.

Nothing has changed in the shipping services we provide Santa Fe residents and visitors. You’re welcome to come into our Pak Mail store! Nothing has changed. The flow of traffic through our doors is kept to a minimum, with side doors for exiting, as it has always been.

Our long-time customers are never surprised when they drive up and we’ve already got their packages ready for them. Once we know that you are on your way, we get your mail ready. It is ready to be out the door upon your arrival, sometimes even as you are just entering the parking lot! 

Did you know? We are open on Saturdays again for both curbside delivery and pickup!

In addition to our Monday through Friday Pak Mail hours, we are now open again every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We are also offering notary services starting at the end of February!

At Pak Mail Santa Fe, you can expect old-time, small-town charm and quality full-service shipping from our friendly, knowledgeable and experienced staff. We take pride in knowing our customers by their first name and enjoy the camaraderie of providing you the shipping, receiving and mail services that you need done now.

We pack and ship Santa Fe! Call us now, or just drive up for our super-easy curbside pickup and drop-off to receive the best packing and shipping services in Santa Fe.

Get your free quote from us today. Or call us now at 505-989-7380. Pak Mail off the Plaza, 369 Montezuma Ave., in the heart of downtown! 

Supply chain issues are on everyone’s mind these days. “Delivery date delayed” is not what you want to hear about your holiday gift arrivals!

Long renowned as the premier Santa Fe art shipping company, Pak Mail off the Plaza promises to safely shepherd the packaging and transportation of your invaluable packages during this holiday season. Anxious about shipping delays? It’s better to shop local this holiday season and when you do, use Pak Mail off the Plaza to ensure your gifts arrive safely and on time to your loved ones, near and far away.

Is it true that pandemic-related supply chain issues will cause delays in holiday shipping? 

Yes, record backups at U.S. ports due to COVID protocols and labor shortages have delayed raw material availability to manufacturers. These disruptions have caused shortages across many product categories. You can see the diminishing cascade effect in many stores, where shelves were once always full, and yet now are often frustratingly empty. 

Why? Global supply chains have been challenged by protecting workers in offices and factories, as well as by skyrocketing prices of materials and shipping. The nation overall is short on truck drivers and warehouse workers, while big box stores and local retailers struggle to fill personnel positions and their store shelves. 

Yet, demand for goods is also on the rise. The end result is higher prices and shipping delays. To minimize this effect, we hope everyone chooses to shop local and when you do, Pak Mail is here in the heart of downtown Santa Fe to make sure your gifts arrive on time and in one piece. 

What are the recommended shipping deadlines this holiday season? 

Due to the pandemic effects, major carriers have suspended their service guarantees on many of their lower-priced shipping options. The holiday shopping season has been starting earlier and earlier since big box stores first opened their doors for Black Friday deals. So, plan to get your shopping done well ahead of Thanksgiving, and the Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping deals. We encourage you to shop locally rather than online.

Shipping deadlines are tighter this year. If you want to ship using ground or priority rates, the last week of November and the first week of December are the best times to do so. For express shipping, we recommend you do so no later than the middle of December because even express shipping delivery is not necessarily guaranteed in the last few days of the season. Now is the time to ship for the holidays to make sure your packages arrive on time, and don’t cost you an arm and a leg to do so! 

We ensure your shipping will be on time, and as inexpensively as possible.

Supply chain pressures have driven up inflation, forcing many companies to pass these costs on to consumers. Whether small parcels or large freight shipping, Pak Mail off the Plaza has you covered at competitive prices. 

We specialize in the best routes and carriers to ship from Santa Fe coast-to-coast and worldwide. Despite pandemic-related carrier changes and operational adjustments, we will find the safest, most expedient route to ensure your packages arrive at their final destination, at the best price terms for you. Check with us for the latest prices, shipping rates, and carrier schedules from Santa Fe to any destination in the world during this holiday season.

We pack and ship Santa Fe! Get your free quote from us today, https://weshipsantafe.com/request-a-quote/ or (505) 989-7380. Pak Mail off the Plaza, 369 Montezuma Ave, in the heart of downtown Santa Fe!