By Luis Lopez, AI transportation consultant, CEO of Go Hub.io Holdings Corp and subsidiaries, and host of the Freight Guru Podcast
A standard freight delivery ends at the back of the truck. The driver opens the doors, the receiver unloads at a dock, and the job is done. Inside delivery is different. The carrier moves the freight off the truck and past the entrance of the building. It is one of the most commonly requested accessorial services and one of the most commonly misunderstood. This guide explains what inside delivery includes, how it differs from curbside and dock delivery, and how to book it so the shipment arrives without surprises.
Dock, Curbside and Inside Delivery
It helps to start with the three basic delivery levels.
- Dock delivery. The truck backs into a loading dock, and freight moves straight from the trailer onto the dock at the same height. The receiver usually handles unloading with its own equipment. This is the default for most commercial truckload and LTL shipments.
- Curbside delivery. When there is no dock, the carrier brings the freight down to ground level, typically with a liftgate, and leaves it at the curb, driveway or parking area. Moving it into the building is the receiver’s job.
- Inside delivery. The carrier brings the freight from the truck into the building, past the exterior door, to an agreed location.
Because many inside deliveries go to locations without a dock, they are often booked together with liftgate service. The guide to non-dock LTL delivery, liftgates and residential stops covers that side in more detail.
Threshold vs Room of Choice
Inside delivery is not one service. Carriers and delivery providers define it in levels, and the definitions vary. Two common ones:
Threshold
The freight is brought just inside the first door, such as a lobby, garage or entryway. The crew does not go further into the building, up stairs or through narrow halls.
Room of choice
The freight is placed in a specific room the receiver chooses. This often involves longer carries, elevators or stairs, and more time on site. Some providers include limited stair counts or distance in the base service and charge for anything beyond that.
Because terms differ between carriers, the safest approach is to describe in writing exactly where the freight needs to end up, rather than relying on a label.
When Inside Delivery Is Needed
Inside delivery makes sense when the receiver cannot move the freight from the truck into the building on their own. Common situations include:
- Offices, schools, medical offices and retail stores without a dock or forklift.
- Restaurants and small businesses on a busy street with no place to stage freight.
- Residential deliveries of heavy or bulky items.
- Trade show, event or hospitality locations where freight must reach a specific room.
- Equipment that is too heavy for the receiver’s staff to handle.
If the receiver has a dock and a forklift, inside delivery is usually unnecessary.
Equipment: Liftgates and Pallet Jacks
Most inside deliveries rely on a few basic tools. A liftgate lowers freight from the trailer floor to the ground. A pallet jack moves palletized freight across flat surfaces. Hand trucks and dollies handle cartons and smaller pieces. The type and size of the truck matter too: a large trailer may not fit on a narrow street or in a small lot, so smaller trucks are often used for these stops.
Pallet jacks need a firm, smooth surface. Gravel, grass, steep ramps, thresholds and soft flooring can make it impossible to roll a loaded pallet. If the path from the truck to the room has any of these, say so at booking.
Stairs, Elevators and Access Restrictions
Most surprises on inside deliveries come from the building, not the freight. Before booking, gather details on:
- Stairs. How many flights or steps? Many standard inside delivery services exclude stairs or limit them.
- Elevators. Is there a freight elevator? Does it need to be reserved? Will the freight fit?
- Doorways and halls. Will a pallet or crate fit through? Some freight has to be broken down to fit, which may need a different service.
- Building rules. Delivery hours, loading zones, certificates of insurance, check-in at security, or floor protection requirements.
- Parking. Can a truck stop legally and safely near the entrance?
Passing these details along before dispatch lets the carrier send the right truck, the right crew size and the right equipment.
Requesting Inside Delivery at Booking
Inside delivery should be requested when the shipment is booked, not when the driver arrives. Carriers plan routes, crews and equipment around the services ordered. A driver scheduled for a standard curbside stop may not be able to add inside delivery on the spot, and if they can, it may be billed differently or delay other stops.
When booking, include:
- The delivery level needed, such as threshold or room of choice.
- Whether a liftgate is required.
- Stairs, elevators and distance from the truck to the drop point.
- Piece count, packaging type and handling notes.
- A contact name and phone for the receiver, and any appointment requirement.
Put the service on the bill of lading as well as in the booking, so the driver’s paperwork and the carrier’s system agree.
Accessorial Charges
Inside delivery is billed as an accessorial charge on top of the base freight rate. How it is priced depends on the carrier’s tariff or your contract. Some charge a flat fee, some charge by weight or by piece, and many add separate charges for liftgate service, stairs, extra time or residential locations. Requesting these services up front usually avoids the charges being added after the fact, which is a common source of invoice disputes. The LTL accessorial charges guide covers how these fees are typically structured and how to avoid unnecessary ones.
Documentation and Proof of Delivery
Inside delivery adds steps, so documentation matters more. At delivery, the receiver should:
- Count the pieces and inspect packaging before signing.
- Note any visible damage, shortage or problem on the delivery receipt.
- Confirm the freight was placed where it was supposed to be.
- Take photos when something looks wrong.
A clean signature with no exceptions is strong evidence the shipment arrived in good condition. Notes on the receipt carry weight if a claim is needed later. The proof of delivery guide explains what a POD should contain and why it matters.
Inside Delivery vs White-Glove Service
Inside delivery moves freight into the building. White-glove service goes further. It can include unpacking, assembly, installation, placement, debris removal and sometimes removal of old items. White-glove is usually handled by specialized delivery providers with trained crews, while inside delivery is often offered by general freight carriers as an add-on.
If the receiver expects the item to be unboxed, assembled or set up, inside delivery is not enough. Book the service that matches what the customer expects, and make sure the expectation is written down.
The Bottom Line
Inside delivery solves a real problem for receivers without docks or equipment, but it only works when the details are clear. Define the delivery level, describe the building, book it in advance, put it on the BOL, and document the delivery carefully. Do that and inside delivery becomes a routine service rather than a source of disputes.
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About the author: Luis Lopez is a Miami-based AI transportation consultant and logistics entrepreneur, the CEO of Go Hub.io Holdings Corp and subsidiaries, and host of the Freight Guru Podcast.