• Complicated journey

• Special handling

• Fragility/conservation reasons, complicated installation/size of object

• Concerns relating to the borrowing institution, e.g. first time loan, previous problems indemnity/insurance

• Value of item. It should always be borne in mind that the value of an object can go far beyond its financial or security value. An item with considerable cultural value, be it of national, local or community significance, may have little financial value and not be considered worth stealing. The quality of provenance should also be considered.

This may be influenced by the following factors:

• Knowledge of the object/item concerned, conservation, handling or display requirements
• Courier suitability: temperament, common sense, stamina, good health and the ability to speak a foreign language.
• The courier requirement must be pointed out to the borrower at the earliest opportunity and the terms agreed between the lender and borrower. At this point, it might be considered whether sharing a courier would be appropriate.
• Previous experience, e.g. of venue, journey, or a personal knowledge of the lender/vendor when collecting objects (a courier with no previous experience should accompany an experienced courier, preferably on an inland journey, before graduating to an overseas location

The courier has a shared responsibility with the drivers for the care of the work in transit, from loading to unloading at the point of delivery, but it must be remembered that the drivers are officially in charge of their vehicle, the load and safety.

• In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the courier is ultimately responsible for his/her load, e.g. if Customs insist on the examination of the objects.
• The object(s) must be at a minimum risk at all times: Safely and securely stowed, and correctly strapped (two straps recommended).
• Environmental control – maintaining the correct temperature is especially important. The courier should continually be aware of the object’s needs and its current environment. The courier should be prepared to take all practical measures to ensure the well-being of the object, and should take advice from the lending institutions Conservator if necessary. This includes ferry journeys and requires courier vigilance.
• Awareness of any official paperwork in the driver’s possession e.g. Export Licence.

• On long-haul journeys the drivers will work shifts, this may affect arrival and departure times.
• The journey may be hampered by local road transport regulations, i.e., no lorry driving is permitted at weekends or public holidays in many European countries.
• Carry a credit card and/or local currency in case of unexpected delays.
• Find out who the drivers will be and the vehicle details. Couriers should inform the registrar of their smoking/non-smoking requirements before departure.
• Couriers should be aware of their scheduled stops and arrange a rota to ensure that the vehicle is not left unattended during breaks. Ensure that drivers are equipped with the necessary road maps.
• The vehicle itself should carry water and basic medical supplies.
• The truckcab is the drivers “house & home” andr the courier should be sensitive to being a guest.
• The vehicle should not be opened on route. However there may be exceptional circumstances when a courier will need to act decisively, eg. in the event of a breakdown, or customs inspections at ports or to check the load.