What is inside delivery for freight?

Inside delivery can be a great choice for businesses using a less than truckload (LTL) shipping service. 

But what does this accesorial for LTL shipping involve, and how does the service vary depending on the type used? We’ll answer both questions below and explain the key benefits you need to know.

What is inside delivery?

With an inside delivery service, carriers deliver freight past the threshold of a property. Unlike curbside or dockside delivery, which requires recipients to collect goods from a designated exterior location, it brings cargo into a specific interior area or room. 

Carriers may be instructed to drop packages in a reception area near a front entrance or even deeper inside. It’s often used when a location lacks a loading dock. 

Key elements of inside delivery 

Here are the main components of an inside delivery service for LTL shipping:

• Beyond the threshold: A crucial part is bringing cargo into a building, past the front doors, and to a specific collection point. 
• Special handling: Carriers often receive instructions to handle goods with special care. Depending on the location and size of the goods, this may demand highly experienced delivery personnel.
• Placement and positioning: Recipients may request that carriers bring freight into a specific area within a building, such as placing large equipment in a particular spot. 
• Assembly or installation: It can include assembling or installing goods. However, this may be considered an addition to the service and carry an extra charge. 

Please note: The specifics depend on the carrier and the terms agreed upon. 

Types of inside delivery

There are two main types for LTL shipping, catering to domestic and business customers. 

Inside delivery to residences

Here are the common rules:

• The driver may carry the cargo inside the front door, garage, or just past the threshold.
• Drivers won’t take items upstairs or through narrow hallways. 
• Drivers won’t set up goods as part of the service. 

However, only some carriers offer this service — some choose not to offer residential inside delivery to due to potential access issues. 

Inside delivery to businesses 

Carriers providing to business customers usually follow these rules:

• Drivers will take freight inside a building, usually just past the front entrance or to a lobby area. 
• Inside delivery to a business doesn’t usally include unpacking goods or placing them in specific rooms, unless it’s been arranged separately as an extra service. 
• Drivers need clear access and ground-level entry: they will only take freight up flights of stairs when additional arrangements have been made. 

Why should you consider inside delivery?

Here are a few key reasons to choose inside delivery when receiving freight:

• You want to reduce the risk of damage: Carriers are expected to handle items with appropriate care, reducing the potential for damage. 
• You need a convenient solution: It is more convenient for consignees because you don’t need to arrange for items to be moved inside from an exterior location.
• You’re aware of safety issues: Delivery professionals know how to lift and handle goods safely. This helps prevent untrained individuals from being injured or causing damage when trying to carry it indoors themselves.
• Your business lacks a loading dock: If your business doesn’t have a loading dock, this ensures your freight can still be dropped off in an organized and reliable way.
• You want to protect shipments from weather or theft: Depending on your business’s location and local weather conditions, this minimizes the risk of goods being stolen or damaged by the elements. 

Here are a few reasons to offer this accessorial to customers:

• Enhanced customer experience: Your customers will receive goods in the best spot for their needs. 
• Convenience for customers: Recipients won’t have to carry large, heavy items into their property. 
• Increases perceived value of the sale: Customers may feel as if they’re enjoying a higher standard of service, giving them extra reason to stay loyal. 
• Reduces the risk of post-delivery damage: Customers won’t be bringing freight indoors themselves — they can leave it to a professional who knows how to carry it safely. 

Get a custom LTL shipping quote from DTS

In LTL shipping, inside delivery is a common solution for businesses that: 

• Don’t have a loading dock
• Want to improve safety
• Need a convenient way to receive goods 

Want to try it for your business? DTS can provide a custom quote for LTL shipping, including accessorial services like inside delivery and more. Get your free quote today.