People are buying large and bulky goods online more than ever, and brick and mortar businesses are moving to an e-commerce platform. This shift means you can find and purchase anything from anywhere. But how do you get it to its destination?
Unique pieces of furniture, recreational or exercise equipment, and other high-value items are being transported with added value and care through white glove delivery services. If you’ve got something of value that you need shipped with extra TLC, uShip white glove delivery is the move.
WHAT IS WHITE GLOVE DELIVERY
White glove delivery is a term used to describe shipping services that exceed expectations of standard delivery. Often, white glove services are the preferred choice when shipping furniture or other high-value and special care items. While transport companies may have different definitions, you can expect some general value-added services when opting for white glove shipping.
For example, white glove shipping services include threshold, or in-home delivery, meaning the carriers will bring the item directly into your home. No longer do you have to deal with a large shipment left on the curb. On top of that, you can ask the carrier to place your new piece exactly where you want it. A well-known issue when shipping high-value goods is damage done during transit. White glove delivery services protect all kinds of shipments with blanket wrap services, and extra care when loading and unloading their truck.
WHAT IS WHITE GLOVE DELIVERY
White glove delivery is a term used to describe shipping services that exceed expectations of standard delivery. Often, white glove services are the preferred choice when shipping furniture or other high-value and special care items. While transport companies may have different definitions, you can expect some general value-added services when opting for white glove shipping.
For example, white glove shipping services include threshold, or in-home delivery, meaning the carriers will bring the item directly into your home. No longer do you have to deal with a large shipment left on the curb. On top of that, you can ask the carrier to place your new piece exactly where you want it. A well-known issue when shipping high-value goods is damage done during transit. White glove delivery services protect all kinds of shipments with blanket wrap services, and extra care when loading and unloading their truck.
WHAT ITEMS SHIP BETTER WITH WHITE GLOVE DELIVERY?
While these services are available for anything you need to be shipped, white glove delivery is ideal for high-value and large or bulky items. When you need to move one piece of furniture, an antique piece, artwork, or even a kayak – you’ll want to look into white glove service. Knowing items like these are in the hands of a white glove carrier means you can rest assured that your delivery is in the best possible care.
Besides protecting the shipment, you may also want or need assistance when bringing your piece into your home. Most white glove shipping services will place your furniture, antique, or artwork right where you want it. If it’s big and bulky, this additional service can go a long way.
WHAT ITEMS SHIP BETTER WITH WHITE GLOVE DELIVERY?
While these services are available for anything you need to be shipped, white glove delivery is ideal for high-value and large or bulky items. When you need to move one piece of furniture, an antique piece, artwork, or even a kayak – you’ll want to look into white glove service. Knowing items like these are in the hands of a white glove carrier means you can rest assured that your delivery is in the best possible care.
Besides protecting the shipment, you may also want or need assistance when bringing your piece into your home. Most white glove shipping services will place your furniture, antique, or artwork right where you want it. If it’s big and bulky, this additional service can go a long way.
HOW DOES WHITE GLOVE DELIVERY REDUCE RISK ON THE ROAD?
Delivering furniture and home goods comes with it’s own complications. When furniture is shipped new, it’s typically not 1 assembled piece. In these cases shoving pieces and parts in a flat box onto a palette to be shipped with other items won’t be as risky. But when it comes to shipping furniture and special care items, White glove delivery is a more refined and thoughtful approach. With white glove delivery:
- Your furniture is never transferred once it’s packed for delivery
- White glove delivery ships furniture first to last mile
- Furniture gets delivered to the room of your choice and all packaging is removed immediately
WHAT IS FIRST TO LAST MILE DELIVERY?
First-mile delivery is at the start of the delivery portion of the supply chain and last-mile delivery is at the end of the supply chain. First-mile operations get the product from the manufacturer via a courier to a carrier. Last-mile operations finish when the order is delivered.
When you don’t make any additional stops during your furniture shipment, that means less loading and unloading, less potential for impact.
HOW MUCH IS WHITE GLOVE DELIVERY SERVICE
The cost of white glove delivery varies based on the services the company provides, the distance from the pickup to the destination, and any specific needs to keep the item safe. White glove delivery can cost anywhere from 5% to 20% more than basic shipping.
A common question around the cost of white glove delivery is whether to tip your carrier. As always, tipping is entirely up to you. If you want to tip your carrier for the added services, it’s customary to tip $20 per person.
To find out what your white glove shipment will cost, check out uShip’s In-Home Delivery Rate Calculator.
IHD Vs. LTL
Not every uShip furniture shipper can be a part of our IHD white glove delivery program. For a carrier to be chosen for the program they must meet the following guidelines
- Must deliver for uShip full time
- Must Operate a Single Truck
- Operate a box truck, sprinter van, enclosed trailer, or combination.
- Operate a fleet of less than 5 trucks
- Must have at least 5 years transport experience
- Must have at least 15 years hauling experience
LTL freight carriers might be the most affordable option, but they make several delivery stops, and your items will be sharing space with several other items. If you’re shipping new furniture in box, LTL is a much better option, but if your furniture is already assembled, opting for white glove delivery will allow you the special care you need.
IN-HOME DELIVERY SERVICE
uShip’s In-Home Delivery solution has been designed to help online retailers provide white glove level service at a cost-effective rate. With In-Home Delivery, your shipment is secured and blanket-wrapped for added protection when in transit, and your items are brought into the home and placed in the location of your choice.
Most white glove services are associated with final-mile delivery, meaning your goods are loaded on and off multiple trucks before the final-mile delivery truck. uShip’s In-Home Delivery is a first-to-final mile service, which significantly reduces damage rates.
uShip’s In-Home Delivery business shipping solution provides a suite of valuable benefits that elevate the buyer experience, from the critical purchase consideration point online to delivery into the room-of-choice.