What Is White Glove Shipping?
White glove shipping (or white glove service) or white glove service, is a specialized logistics offering that goes beyond standard delivery practices. This service, often sought after for the final mile delivery, involves meticulous handling of items, ensuring they arrive at their destination in pristine condition. It’s particularly valuable for residences or medical clinics, where items require special care and attention.
The Need for White Glove
In today’s world, customers are increasingly seeking services that go the extra mile. White glove shipping fulfills this demand by offering more than just transportation. This specialized shipping service includes light installation, setup, and even cleanup, all contributing to a superior customer experience. As part of the services offered, the delivery is managed with the utmost care, from the moment the shipment is packed with proper packing materials to when it arrives at its final destination.
How It Differs from Standard Shipping
Typically, standard shipping involves drivers picking up pallets of goods from loading docks and delivering them as quickly as possible. These deliveries often lack the detailed handling required for delicate or valuable items. Standard freight companies might use pallet jacks or lift gates, but they rarely provide the special care required for fragile or high-value items. This is where white glove shipping services step in.
What White Glove Service Includes
White glove service offers an enhanced level of care that ensures the safety and proper handling of shipments. For instance, consider the transportation of a massage chair. Beyond just delivery, white glove service includes unpacking, assembling the chair, and removing debris. Other scenarios might involve placing items in a specific room, plugging in equipment, handling stairs, and even leveling appliances. The logistics company responsible for white glove shipping also schedules deliveries in advance, providing a delivery window that minimizes the risk of failed delivery attempts and additional charges when the shipment arrives.
Comprehensive Care Throughout
Some customers require a full-service approach, where white glove shipping begins with packing the item using high-quality packing materials and ends only after it has been securely placed at the destination. This comprehensive service, often conducted by a team using air-ride trucks equipped with moving pads and straps, ensures that even the most fragile or bulky items are transported with the utmost care. The integration of these services into the supply chain adds a layer of security that standard shipping cannot match.
Service Timeframes and Benefits
For some freight companies, white glove shipping can take longer than standard freight services, with delivery times ranging from one to three weeks depending on the route. At MoveIt, however, we offer faster, expedited options. This service is especially ideal for large, odd-shaped, or caster-equipped items, which benefit from the specialized handling by professional drivers.
Is White Glove Shipping Right for You?
Deciding whether white glove shipping is the right choice depends on the specific needs of your shipment. If your business requires additional services such as careful packaging, meticulous handling, and thorough customer service, this might be the ideal solution. To learn more or get a custom quote, reach out and tell us what you need.
