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Did you know with LTL (Less Than Truckload), you can customize your delivery service to fit your home or company needs? Yes, it's true and we are here to help you navigate the variety of services that carriers provide to our customers. For a specific item, you may want to select either Inside Delivery or White Glove Service as part of your shipment plan. Before you begin, it is important to understand the difference between the two services as these delivery methods are not interchangeable. Both can remove some of the hassle shipping your freight but do differ on how the item arrives at your intended location. How do you know which one is the best for your shipping needs? Let us talk you through different processes and relieve any stress you may feel when delivering your freight. In this blog post, we'll explain the differences between Inside Delivery and White Glove Service to help you choose the right option for your shipping needs.

Inside Delivery

Inside Delivery occurs when you need freight, such as a large piece of furniture, delivered to your home or office. By selecting Inside Delivery, a carrier delivery agent is required to move the shipment to a driveway, garage, or even your front porch. The driver is, however, not required to take your shipped items inside your home. For a business, the shipment may be placed inside a few feet within your office entrance. Additionally, there might be an extra charge for the usage of an elevator and carriers may not break down your freight in order to move it through any doors. If your freight shipment is larger than the entryway of your business, our carrier delivery agent may not bring it inside. Drivers do not perform "extraordinary" functions, such as delivering up long and winding drives or delivering in an area that could be unsafe for their equipment as a few examples. As noted earlier, if you need to add any further instruction, be aware that the cost of shipment will increase due to your specialized needs.

White Glove Delivery

Let us exceed your expectation with the ultimate level of care when it comes to the delivery of your items. LTL's White Glove Service is much more than wearing just white gloves to deliver your freight. Instead, our drivers provide that extra special step beyond the standard expectations of a delivery when what you are shipping requires special processing and handling, an item that is delicate such as an antique or when you just want all the details handled for you. You are our VIP and the carrier delivery agent will make sure not to rush you during the delivery process, take time to identify the best method for handling your shipment as well as deliver your items to a specific destination. This service includes carrier delivery agents unloading and bringing the items to the location within the building such as a designated office space or bedroom. Additionally, this type of service provides:

Reduced theft risk: Your packages are not left outside where they could be stolen.

Heavy item assistance: Movers will carry bulky items up or down stairs and remove packaging debris.

Light assembly: Your White Glove Service may include assembly of shipped items.

Flexible scheduling: Select the day and time that works for you, typically between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, in 4-hour increments.

Final Thoughts

As a valued LTL customer, understanding the differences between Inside Delivery and the White Glove Service is important. Our company will connect you with the delivery service that will meet your needs as you plan your next freight shipment. Our Inside Delivery and White Glove Services are not part of the standard delivery for freight. There might be a few requirements that our carrier delivery agents need to adhere to in order to avoid liability issues. Before you pay for a service that does not meet your shipping needs, connect with one of our LTL experts. Our company wants to ensure that your deliveries are stress-free and if you anticipate these factors ahead of time, then your shipping experience is likely to be a positive one.

At Redwood, our associates can provide additional information concerning our courier services or many delivery methods. Contact us for free estimates as we are here to help you before, during and after your items are delivered.

FAQs

What is the difference between inside delivery and white glove service?

Inside delivery moves freight to a driveway, garage, front porch, or a few feet inside a business entrance. White glove service goes further by unloading the shipment, delivering it to a specific room or destination, and often including debris removal and light assembly. The two services are not interchangeable because white glove is a more hands-on, higher-touch delivery option.

Does inside delivery include bringing items upstairs or through multiple floors?

No, inside delivery typically does not include carrying items upstairs or moving them through multiple floors. It is generally limited to the delivery point near the entrance, such as a driveway, garage, porch, or a few feet inside a business. If you need stair carry or more complex placement, white glove service is the better fit.

What does white glove delivery include?

White glove delivery includes a higher level of handling than standard inside delivery. It can involve unloading items, bringing them to a specific room or location, removing packaging debris, carrying heavy items up or down stairs, and sometimes light assembly. It is designed for shipments that need special care or more complete setup at the destination.

Is white glove service the same as inside delivery?

No, white glove service is not the same as inside delivery. Inside delivery only gets freight to a basic drop point or just inside an entrance, while white glove includes more complete placement and handling. If you need the shipment taken deeper into the building or require extra setup, white glove is the more specialized option.

Will white glove service assemble my furniture?

White glove service may include light assembly of shipped items, depending on the carrier and the service package selected. It is not guaranteed for every shipment, so the exact level of assembly should be confirmed in advance. The service is intended for deliveries that need extra care and more complete placement support.

Why do inside delivery and white glove service usually cost extra?

Both inside delivery and white glove service typically cost extra because they require more time, labor, and handling than standard freight delivery. Specialized needs such as elevator use, stair carrying, debris removal, or delivery to a specific room can increase the price. The final cost depends on the shipment details and the level of service required.

When should I choose white glove delivery instead of inside delivery?

Choose white glove delivery when your freight is delicate, bulky, requires special handling, or needs to be placed in a specific room or area. It is also the better option when you want stair carry, debris removal, or light assembly. Inside delivery is more appropriate when you only need the shipment brought just inside or to a basic drop point.