Want to learn more about white glove delivery?
As industry experts will tell you, all goods are not created equal. Whether it’s a pallet of Dom Perignon or a new Luxury Lexus, some packages deserve a little extra attention. That’s what white-glove service is all about.
What is White Glove Delivery? (Definition and Meaning)
White glove delivery is a premium shipping service that goes far beyond standard package delivery. The term “white glove” originates from the practice of wearing pristine white gloves to handle delicate or valuable items with exceptional care, a standard once reserved for museum curators, luxury retailers, and fine art handlers.
In modern logistics, white glove delivery service means your shipment receives specialized handling from origin to final placement. Unlike standard shipping where packages are left at your doorstep, white glove service includes inside delivery, unpacking, assembly, installation, debris removal, and sometimes even the removal of old items being replaced.
When you invest in white glove shipping, you’re paying for peace of mind. Your freight is transported with the utmost care, handled by trained professionals, and delivered with a level of service you’d trust for your most valuable possessions. Think of it as the Louis Vuitton of delivery services, where every detail matters and nothing is left to chance.
What Does White Glove Service Include?
White glove delivery services typically encompass several key components that set them apart from standard shipping:
Inside Delivery: Professional movers transport your item inside your home or business to the room of your choice, not just to the threshold or front door.
Unpacking: The delivery team carefully removes all packaging materials, including boxes, plastic wrap, foam padding, and protective covers.
Assembly and Installation: For furniture, appliances, and equipment requiring setup, white glove service includes full assembly according to manufacturer specifications. This means your treadmill, bedroom set, or commercial equipment arrives ready to use.
Placement: Items are positioned exactly where you want them, whether that’s a specific wall, corner, or integrated into existing spaces.
Debris Removal: All packing materials, boxes, and waste are removed from your property, leaving your space clean and clutter-free.
Floor Protection: Professional crews use drop cloths, furniture pads, and protective materials to prevent damage to floors, walls, and doorways during transport.
Inspection: A final walkthrough ensures everything is assembled correctly, positioned properly, and functioning as expected.
Some white glove services also include:
- Old Item Removal: Taking away and disposing of the item being replaced (such as old appliances or furniture)
- Two-Man Delivery Teams: For heavy or bulky items requiring coordination and extra care
- Scheduled Delivery Windows: Flexibility to choose specific delivery dates and times that work for your schedule
- Special Handling: Climate-controlled transport for temperature-sensitive items
Standard vs Threshold vs White Glove Delivery: Understanding Your Options
Understanding the differences between delivery service levels helps you choose the right option for your needs and budget.
Standard Delivery
Standard delivery is the service offered by common parcel carriers such as USPS, UPS, and FedEx. They transport your package from its origin and deliver it to the exterior of your home or business: typically your porch, driveway, or building entrance. It’s a relatively inexpensive and common courier option that usually takes 5 to 10 business days.
Standard delivery works well for:
- Small, lightweight packages
- Items you can easily carry yourself
- Non-fragile goods
- Deliveries where you’re comfortable handling unpacking
Threshold Delivery (Also Called Room of Choice Delivery)
Threshold delivery represents a middle ground between standard and white glove service. Your delivery service transports your package from origin to destination and brings it inside, but only to the first dry, safe area. This might be your entryway, garage, or building lobby.
The term “threshold” literally refers to crossing the threshold of your door. Delivery personnel will move your item inside, but won’t navigate stairs, install anything, or place it in a specific room.
Threshold delivery is becoming more prevalent. Amazon, now offering free threshold delivery to Prime members for eligible items, has helped popularize this service level. Many furniture retailers and appliance stores now offer threshold delivery as their standard “free shipping” option.
Threshold delivery suits:
- Items you can move yourself with help
- Single-level homes with clear paths
- Situations where you have assistance available
- Deliveries where professional assembly isn’t required
White Glove Delivery Service
White glove service represents the premium tier of delivery options. Every aspect of the delivery receives specialized attention, from protective packaging during transit to final installation and cleanup. You don’t have to lift a finger; the professionals handle everything.
White glove delivery is ideal for:
- Large, heavy items (furniture, appliances, exercise equipment)
- Fragile or valuable shipments
- Products requiring assembly or installation
- Multi-level homes with stairs
- Commercial and B2B deliveries
- Situations where convenience and time-savings matter
- Items where professional expertise prevents damage or improper setup
Industries and Products That Benefit from White Glove Logistics
White glove delivery services have become essential across multiple industries where product value, fragility, or complexity demands exceptional care:
Furniture and Home Goods
Furniture shipping represents one of the largest segments for white glove services. High-end sofas, dining sets, bedroom suites, and custom pieces often cost thousands of dollars and require professional assembly. White glove furniture delivery ensures these investments arrive safely and are set up correctly.
Major furniture retailers like Wayfair, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Ashley Furniture, Bob’s Discount Furniture, and Raymour & Flanigan all offer white glove delivery options. The service typically includes assembly, placement, and removal of packaging, transforming your furniture from a daunting delivery into a finished room.
Appliances and Electronics
Large appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges, and dishwashers) require careful handling and often complex installation. White glove appliance delivery includes positioning the unit, leveling, hookup to water or gas lines (where qualified), and testing to ensure proper operation.
Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, and appliance-specific retailers offer white glove services for major purchases. Some services include haul-away of your old appliance, making replacement seamless.
Electronics requiring setup (home theater systems, televisions, and smart home equipment) also benefit from white glove handling to prevent damage and ensure proper installation.
Medical Equipment and Healthcare
Hospitals, medical offices, and home healthcare providers rely on white glove services for sensitive medical equipment, diagnostic machines, and patient care devices. The precision required for medical equipment installation makes professional handling essential.
Commercial and Office Equipment
Businesses ordering copiers, servers, safes, conference room furniture, or industrial equipment need reliable white glove freight services. B2B white glove delivery often includes after-hours scheduling to minimize business disruption.
Art and Antiques
Fine art galleries, auction houses, and collectors require specialized white glove courier services for paintings, sculptures, and antiques. These shipments demand climate-controlled transport, custom crating, and expert handling.
Fitness Equipment
Treadmills, ellipticals, home gyms, and weight equipment are notoriously heavy and complex to assemble. White glove delivery for exercise equipment has become standard among manufacturers like NordicTrack, Peloton, and commercial fitness suppliers.
Mattresses and Bedding
Premium mattress companies like Casper, Purple, and Silk & Snow offer white glove delivery that includes setup, old mattress removal, and disposal, a service particularly valuable given the difficulty of maneuvering mattresses through homes and disposing of old ones properly.
E-commerce and Online Retail
As online shopping expands into furniture and large items, e-commerce fulfillment centers increasingly offer white glove delivery as a competitive differentiator. The service helps overcome the traditional barrier of buying large items sight-unseen.
When Should You Use White Glove Delivery?
Choosing white glove service makes sense in specific situations where the investment pays dividends in convenience, safety, and peace of mind:
For High-Value Items: When your purchase represents a significant investment, white glove service protects that investment. Professional handling reduces the risk of damage that could cost hundreds or thousands to repair.
For Heavy or Bulky Shipments: Items weighing over 150 pounds or with awkward dimensions benefit from trained two-man delivery teams equipped with proper tools and techniques. Attempting to move these yourself risks injury and property damage.
For Complex Assembly: Furniture with dozens of pieces, appliances requiring hookup, or equipment with technical specifications should be assembled by professionals. Incorrect assembly can void warranties, create safety hazards, or result in non-functioning products.
For Multi-Level Homes: If your delivery destination involves stairs, narrow hallways, or tight corners, professional movers know how to navigate these challenges without damaging your home or the item.
For Time Constraints: When you can’t take time off work or don’t want to spend hours assembling furniture, white glove delivery handles everything while you focus on other priorities.
For Physical Limitations: If you have mobility issues, lack assistance, or simply don’t want the physical strain, white glove service eliminates the heavy lifting.
For Business Deliveries: Commercial customers often require specific delivery windows, installation during off-hours, or coordination with IT teams or facilities management. White glove B2B services accommodate these needs.
For Special Occasions: Moving into a new home, furnishing a vacation property, or preparing for an event all benefit from the efficiency of professional delivery and setup.
When White Glove Delivery May Not Be Necessary
While white glove service offers premium benefits, it’s not always essential:
- Small, lightweight items you can easily handle yourself
- Simple products requiring no assembly
- Deliveries to ground-level, easily accessible locations where you have help available
- When budget constraints make the service cost prohibitive and you’re willing to DIY
- When you prefer to assemble items yourself as a hobby or personal preference
White Glove Delivery Cost: What to Expect
White glove delivery services fall into the premium shipping category, but they’re still competitive within the large-item delivery market. Costs vary based on several factors:
Pricing Factors
Distance and Location: Transportation costs increase with distance. Deliveries to major metropolitan areas are typically less expensive than rural or remote locations due to carrier frequency and route optimization. Urban areas like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas see more competitive pricing than smaller towns.
Item Specifications: Larger, heavier items cost more to transport and handle. A 300-pound dining table requires more resources than a 100-pound dresser. Awkward shapes, fragile materials, and items requiring special handling (climate control, orientation restrictions) also impact pricing.
Service Level: Basic white glove (inside delivery plus unpacking) costs less than full white glove (inside delivery, unpacking, assembly, installation, old item removal). Specify exactly what services you need to get accurate pricing.
Delivery Requirements: Stairs, long carries from truck to destination, narrow doorways, or difficult access points add to the cost. Some services charge per flight of stairs or per additional obstacle.
Scheduling: Standard delivery windows typically cost less than specific appointment times. Evening, weekend, or holiday deliveries command premium pricing due to labor costs.
Old Item Removal: If you need your old furniture or appliances hauled away, this service typically adds $50-$200 depending on the item size and local disposal requirements.
Typical Cost Ranges
While prices vary significantly based on the factors above, here are general ranges:
- Basic white glove furniture delivery: $100-$300 for typical items
- Large appliances with installation: $150-$400
- Complex furniture assembly: $200-$500
- Premium or oversized items: $500-$1,000+
- Commercial/B2B services: Custom quotes based on requirements
Many retailers include white glove delivery as a free or discounted option above certain purchase thresholds. For example, furniture orders over $1,500 might include complimentary white glove service.
Is White Glove Delivery Worth It?
The value of white glove delivery depends on your specific situation:
You’ll likely find it worth the cost if:
- The item cost makes damage risk unacceptable
- Your time is valuable and you’d lose income or opportunities by handling delivery yourself
- Physical limitations make DIY delivery impossible or inadvisable
- Complex assembly could result in damage or voided warranties if done incorrectly
- Peace of mind and convenience matter more than cost savings
You might skip it if:
- You’re comfortable with DIY assembly and have appropriate tools
- You have help available and accessible delivery location
- Budget constraints are significant
- The item is simple enough that professional handling isn’t necessary
White Glove Carriers and Service Providers
Various companies offer white glove delivery, each with different specializations, coverage areas, and service levels:
National Carriers with White Glove Options
FedEx Custom Critical and FedEx Freight: Offers white glove freight services for time-sensitive and high-value shipments. Their network covers the continental United States with options for specialized handling.
UPS: Provides white glove delivery services through UPS Freight and specialized divisions, particularly for commercial customers and healthcare deliveries.
XPO Logistics (now part of RXO): One of the largest LTL carriers offering comprehensive white glove services including final mile delivery, assembly, and installation.
Specialized White Glove Delivery Companies
Dedicated white glove companies focus exclusively on premium delivery services:
- J.B. Hunt Final Mile Services
- Pilot Freight Services
- Estes SureMove
- Ryder Last Mile
- Deliv (for same-day white glove)
These companies typically partner with furniture manufacturers, appliance retailers, and e-commerce platforms to provide consistent, high-quality delivery experiences.
Retailer-Provided White Glove Services
Many major retailers manage their own white glove delivery networks or partner with specialized providers:
- Wayfair: Offers white glove delivery for eligible items with clear service details during checkout
- Costco: Provides white glove delivery for furniture, mattresses, and large appliances through Costco Logistics
- Home Depot and Lowe’s: Include white glove appliance delivery with installation
- Amazon: Expanding white glove services for furniture and large items through their delivery network
- Pottery Barn, West Elm, Crate & Barrel: Premium furniture retailers with comprehensive white glove programs
Regional and Local White Glove Providers
Many cities have local white glove delivery companies specializing in their markets:
- Major Metro Areas: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, San Francisco, and Atlanta all have multiple local providers
- Regional Coverage: Companies operating in specific states or regions often provide more personalized service and better understanding of local delivery challenges
When choosing a provider, consider their coverage area, service reputation, insurance coverage, and whether they specialize in your type of shipment.
White Glove Freight and LTL (Less Than Truckload) Services
For businesses and commercial customers, white glove service often intersects with LTL freight shipping:
What is LTL White Glove Service?
LTL white glove combines the efficiency of less-than-truckload shipping (where multiple customers’ shipments share truck space) with premium final mile delivery services. This option works well for businesses shipping partial pallets or items that don’t require a full truck.
LTL white glove service typically includes:
- Liftgate service for loading/unloading without a dock
- Inside delivery to specified location
- Unpacking and assembly if needed
- Removal of packaging materials
- Flexible scheduling to minimize business disruption
Benefits for B2B Customers
Business-to-business white glove delivery offers advantages beyond residential service:
- Scheduled delivery windows that accommodate business hours and operational needs
- Coordination with facilities teams for complex installations
- Documentation and proof of delivery for accounting and inventory management
- Specialized handling for commercial equipment, office furniture, and industrial machinery
- Reduced liability as professional carriers handle items with proper insurance coverage
White Glove vs. Standard LTL Freight
Standard LTL freight delivers to your loading dock or building exterior. White glove LTL goes further:
| Standard LTL | LTL White Glove |
| Dock delivery only | Inside delivery to specific location |
| You provide unloading equipment | Liftgate service included |
| Item remains packaged | Unpacking and debris removal |
| No assembly | Assembly and installation available |
| Standard business hours | Flexible scheduling options |
White Glove Packaging and Shipping Preparation
Proper packaging is crucial for white glove shipments. Whether you’re a business shipping products or an individual relocating high-value items, specialized packaging ensures your investment arrives undamaged:
Professional Packing Services
Many white glove carriers offer packing services as part of their offering:
- Custom crating for artwork, antiques, or irregularly shaped items
- Climate-controlled packaging for temperature-sensitive products
- Foam-in-place protection that molds to item contours
- Furniture wrapping and padding to prevent scratches and damage
- Electronics packaging with anti-static materials and proper orientation indicators
Packing Best Practices
If you’re handling packing yourself:
- Use quality materials: Heavy-duty boxes, thick bubble wrap, and ample padding prevent damage
- Secure all moving parts: Drawers, doors, and loose components should be secured with tape or straps
- Protect corners and edges: These vulnerable points need extra padding
- Label clearly: Mark boxes with contents, orientation arrows, and “FRAGILE” where appropriate
- Document condition: Photograph items before packing for insurance purposes
- Include assembly instructions: Keep hardware and instructions with the item
Questions to Ask Your White Glove Delivery Service
Each delivery service has unique policies, capabilities, and pricing structures. Before committing, ask these essential questions to ensure the service meets your needs:
Service Scope Questions
- What exactly does your white glove service include? (Get specific details about what’s covered)
- Will you bring my package inside to the room of my choice?
- Do you provide assembly and installation services?
- Will you remove and dispose of packaging materials?
- Do you offer old item removal and disposal?
- What precautions do you take to protect my floors, walls, and doorways?
- Do you provide a two-man delivery team for heavy items?
Scheduling and Logistics Questions
- May I schedule a specific delivery date and time window?
- How much advance notice do you need for scheduling?
- Do you charge extra for evening or weekend deliveries?
- What happens if I need to reschedule?
- Will I receive advance notice before the delivery team arrives?
- Is someone required to be present, and do they need to be 18 or older?
Cost and Additional Fees Questions
- What is your total cost including all fees? (Ask for itemized pricing)
- Are there additional charges for stairs, long carries, or difficult access?
- Do you charge more for expedited shipping?
- What payment methods do you accept?
- What is your cancellation policy?
Insurance and Liability Questions
- What insurance coverage do you provide?
- How are damages handled if they occur during delivery?
- What is your claims process?
- Do I need to purchase additional insurance for high-value items?
Carrier-Specific Questions
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What training do your delivery teams receive?
- Can you provide references or reviews from similar deliveries?
- Do you specialize in certain types of items (furniture, appliances, medical equipment)?
- What areas do you service?
Be persistent with your questions. Even small delivery services handle hundreds of customers daily and aim for middle-ground service levels. They need to understand your specific expectations to meet them properly. Getting clarity upfront prevents disappointment and ensures smooth delivery.
Preparing Your Home for White Glove Delivery
While white glove service minimizes your involvement, some preparation helps ensure smooth, efficient delivery:
Clear a Path
Check the route from your front door (or service entrance) to the destination room:
- Remove obstacles: Throw rugs, electrical cords, plants, decorative items, and furniture that could impede movement
- Measure doorways and hallways: Confirm your item will fit through all passages. If not, you may need to remove door hinges temporarily
- Clear stairways: Ensure handrails are secure and nothing obstructs the stairs
- Check ceiling heights and corners: Measure tight spots where large items might need to be angled
Prepare the Destination Space
- Clear the area: Remove existing furniture and items from where the new delivery will be placed
- Clean the space: Vacuum and clean floors so your new item stays pristine
- Plan placement: Know exactly where you want the item positioned. If you’re uncertain, mark a few possible spots with painter’s tape
- Protect flooring: While professionals use drop cloths, you can provide additional protection for delicate hardwood or tile
Protect Your Home
If your white glove service doesn’t explicitly include floor protection:
- Use thick drop cloths: Canvas or heavy-duty tarps work better than thin plastic sheets
- Protect door frames and corners: Foam corner protectors prevent dings during tight maneuvers
- Secure pets: Keep animals in a separate room to prevent them from getting underfoot or escaping through open doors
Be Present and Available
- Stay accessible: Someone 18 or older must be present to sign for delivery and provide access
- Provide parking information: If street parking is difficult or you have a gated community, inform the delivery team in advance
- Be prepared to communicate: Have your phone handy in case the delivery team needs to contact you
- Bring questions: If you’re receiving assembled furniture or installed appliances, ask for care instructions and warranty information
Have Utilities Ready
For appliance installation:
- Electrical outlets: Ensure proper outlets are accessible and functional
- Water connections: For washers, dishwashers, ice makers, and refrigerators
- Gas lines: For ranges and dryers (confirm if delivery team is certified for gas connections)
- Proper ventilation: Especially for dryers and range hoods
Document Everything
- Inspect items immediately: Check for damage before the delivery team leaves
- Test assembled items: Ensure furniture is stable and appliances operate correctly
- Take photos: Document the condition of delivered and installed items
- Keep all documentation: Retain delivery receipts, warranty information, and assembly instructions
White Glove Delivery for Different Product Types
Different product categories have unique white glove delivery considerations:
Furniture Delivery and Assembly
White glove furniture delivery transforms the experience of buying large pieces:
- Bedroom sets: Complete setup of bed frames, dressers, nightstands, and mirrors
- Dining rooms: Table and chair assembly, placement, and leveling
- Living room furniture: Sectional sofas (requiring assembly and configuration), entertainment centers, and built-in-looking pieces
- Office furniture: Desks, filing cabinets, bookshelves, and ergonomic chairs
- Outdoor furniture: Patio sets and complex outdoor pieces
Most furniture white glove services include arranging furniture according to your preferences and making adjustments until you’re satisfied.
Appliance Delivery and Installation
Appliance white glove delivery often includes:
- Refrigerators: Removing doors if needed to fit through doorways, leveling, connecting water lines for ice makers
- Washers and dryers: Hookup to water and drain lines, dryer venting, testing complete cycles
- Dishwashers: Installation if replacing existing units (may require plumber for new installations)
- Ranges and cooktops: Positioning and leveling (gas hookup requires licensed technician)
- Old appliance haul-away: Removing and properly disposing of replaced appliances
Exercise Equipment
Fitness equipment white glove delivery is particularly valuable given the complexity:
- Treadmills: Often arrive partially assembled and require technical setup, calibration, and testing
- Ellipticals and stationary bikes: Multi-step assembly with numerous components
- Home gyms: Complex cable and pulley systems requiring precise assembly
- Weight equipment: Heavy pieces needing proper placement and safety checks
Professional assembly ensures warranty compliance and safe operation.
Mattresses and Bedding
Premium mattress white glove delivery typically includes:
- Old mattress removal: Hauling away and disposing of your old mattress and box spring
- Unpacking and setup: Removing protective packaging and placing on your bed frame or foundation
- Box spring assembly: If applicable
- Bed frame assembly: For frames purchased with the mattress
The convenience of old mattress removal alone often justifies the white glove service cost, as many municipalities no longer offer curbside mattress pickup.
Electronics and Home Theater
High-end electronics benefit from white glove delivery:
- Television mounting: Professional wall mounting with proper bracket installation and cable management
- Home theater setup: Receiver, speaker, and subwoofer installation with wire concealment
- Smart home devices: Integration and configuration of connected home systems
- Gaming setups: Multi-monitor or TV configurations with proper cable management
Professional installation prevents damage and ensures optimal performance.
White Glove Logistics: The Behind-the-Scenes Process
Understanding how white glove logistics work helps appreciate the coordination and expertise involved:
Order Processing and Coordination
When you select white glove delivery:
- Initial assessment: The carrier evaluates your shipment for size, weight, fragility, and special requirements
- Route planning: Logistics teams map efficient delivery routes considering multiple customers
- Team assignment: Delivery crews are selected based on equipment needs and item complexity
- Customer communication: You receive delivery window notifications and contact information
Transportation and Handling
Throughout transit:
- Specialized vehicles: Climate-controlled trucks, air-ride suspension, and proper cargo securing systems protect your items
- Transfer protocols: If freight changes hands between carriers, strict handling procedures maintain care standards
- Real-time tracking: GPS monitoring provides visibility into your shipment’s location
- Damage prevention: Consistent handling standards and trained personnel minimize risk
Final Mile Delivery
The “last mile” or “final mile” represents the most critical phase:
- Pre-delivery contact: Teams call 30-60 minutes before arrival to confirm you’re ready
- Site assessment: Upon arrival, crews evaluate access, identify potential obstacles, and plan their approach
- Protection setup: Drop cloths, corner protectors, and other safeguards are deployed
- Careful transport: Items move from truck to destination using proper lifting techniques and equipment
- Placement and setup: Assembly, installation, and positioning according to your specifications
- Quality check: Final inspection to ensure everything functions correctly and meets your expectations
- Cleanup: All packaging materials and debris are removed
- Documentation: You sign delivery confirmation and provide feedback
Tipping White Glove Delivery Teams
Tipping for white glove delivery is common but not mandatory. Consider these guidelines:
When to Tip
- Exceptional service: Going above and beyond expectations
- Challenging deliveries: Multiple floors, tight spaces, or complex assembly handled professionally
- Time and care: When teams take extra time to ensure perfect results
- Holiday deliveries: Acknowledging work during holidays or extreme weather
Typical Tip Amounts
- Standard good service: $20-$40 per person
- Complex or demanding deliveries: $40-$100 per person
- Exceptional circumstances: More at your discretion
Alternatives to Cash Tips
- Offer refreshments: Water, coffee, or snacks, especially for lengthy deliveries
- Positive reviews: Online feedback helps workers and companies
- Direct praise: Thank crews and mention specific individuals when providing feedback to companies
Not all companies allow tipping, and white glove services already carry premium pricing that should include fair crew compensation. Gauge the situation and tip based on service quality and your satisfaction.
The Future of White Glove Delivery
White glove delivery continues evolving with consumer expectations and technological advances:
Growing E-Commerce Demands
As more consumers purchase furniture and large items online, white glove services expand. Companies that once avoided big-ticket items due to delivery challenges now offer comprehensive white glove options to compete.
Technology Integration
- Scheduling apps: Real-time delivery windows and automated updates
- Route optimization: AI-powered logistics reduce costs and improve efficiency
- Augmented reality: Virtual placement tools help customers visualize items before delivery
- Photo documentation: Automated condition reporting protects carriers and customers
Sustainability Initiatives
White glove services increasingly emphasize:
- Eco-friendly packaging: Reusable containers and biodegradable materials
- Responsible disposal: Recycling and proper disposal of old items
- Efficient routing: Reducing fuel consumption and emissions
- Green product handling: Proper care for sustainable and organic products
Specialization and Niche Services
Expect growth in specialized white glove services:
- Medical equipment home delivery: Supporting aging-in-place initiatives
- Smart home integration: Tech-focused delivery and setup services
- Luxury and ultra-high-end: Concierge-level service for premium clientele
- Same-day white glove: Expedited premium delivery for time-sensitive needs
Common White Glove Delivery Questions Answered
Does white glove delivery include assembly?
Yes, most white glove delivery services include assembly as a standard component. However, the scope varies by provider. Some include full assembly of all components, while others may have limitations. Always confirm specific assembly details when booking, especially for complex items with multiple pieces or technical requirements.
Does white glove delivery include removal of old items?
Old item removal (also called haul-away service) is sometimes included but often costs extra. Appliance retailers typically include old appliance removal for comparable replacement items (old refrigerator when delivering new refrigerator), while furniture removal usually costs $50-$200 additional. Always ask about this service when booking if you need old items removed.
How much does white glove delivery typically cost?
White glove delivery costs range from $100-$300 for standard furniture items, $150-$400 for appliances with installation, and $500+ for complex or oversized shipments. Costs vary based on distance, item size/weight, service level, delivery difficulty (stairs, tight spaces), and scheduling preferences. Many retailers include white glove delivery free or at reduced cost above certain purchase amounts.
What’s the difference between threshold and white glove delivery?
Threshold delivery brings items inside to your entryway or first safe indoor location but doesn’t include placement, assembly, or unpacking. White glove delivery goes further with room-of-choice placement, full unpacking, assembly, installation, and removal of all packaging materials. Think of threshold as “inside the door” and white glove as “completely finished and ready to use.”
Can I schedule a specific delivery time with white glove service?
Most white glove providers offer scheduled delivery windows, typically 2-4 hours wide. Some premium services provide more precise appointment times for an additional fee. You’ll usually receive a call 30-60 minutes before arrival for final confirmation. Evening and weekend deliveries are often available but may cost more.
Is white glove delivery available in rural areas?
White glove service is available in most locations, including rural areas, but availability and pricing vary. Major metropolitan areas have the most options and competitive pricing. Rural deliveries may cost more and have longer lead times due to distance from distribution centers and less frequent service routes. Contact providers directly to confirm service to your specific location.
What major carriers offer white glove delivery?
FedEx (through Custom Critical and Freight divisions), UPS (via UPS Freight), XPO Logistics/RXO, J.B. Hunt Final Mile, Estes SureMove, and Pilot Freight Services all offer white glove options. Major retailers like Wayfair, Home Depot, Costco, and furniture chains often manage their own white glove networks or partner with specialized providers. Local and regional carriers also provide white glove services in specific markets.
Should I be present for white glove delivery?
Yes, someone 18 or older must be present to accept delivery, provide access to your home, show the delivery team where to place items, and sign delivery confirmation. Being present also allows you to inspect items for damage, ask questions about care and maintenance, and ensure everything meets your expectations before the team leaves.
What’s Next?
Now that you understand white glove delivery services, from what they include to when they’re worth the investment, you can make informed decisions for your shipping needs.
Whether you’re a homeowner purchasing new furniture, a business ordering commercial equipment, or someone relocating high-value items, white glove service provides the premium care and convenience that protects your investment and saves you time and effort.
For questions about white glove delivery options, pricing for your specific needs, or to schedule service, contact logistics experts who can provide tailored advice and accurate quotes. Your satisfaction matters, and the right white glove delivery service ensures your items arrive safely, are set up perfectly, and leave you ready to enjoy your purchase immediately.
Ready to experience the difference white glove service makes? Get started today with professional delivery that treats your shipments, and your home, with the care they deserve.