What is inside delivery?

When it comes to freight shipping, it’s always good to understand what your options are. Not every freight shipment will require the same process, and you may need to take advantage of special services for your business. One of those special services is inside delivery.

Inside delivery is a convenient service that many shippers offer. If a loading dock is not available at your delivery site, you can request inside delivery on most freight shipments for an additional fee. This means, the driver will carry your shipment through the threshold of the delivery location. 

However, before selecting inside delivery as a shipping option, it’s important to know what this service does and does not entail when shipping to residences and businesses. Let's take a closer look.

Inside delivery to residences

When freight is delivered to a residential address, inside delivery involves the carrier moving the pallet to the driveway, porch or garage. Drivers will not take freight inside a home. 

It is important to note that most carriers have policies prohibiting drivers from even attempting in-home pick-up or delivery. This policy is to avoid complaints that the driver tracked in mud, damaged walls or doors and the like. Additionally, there are potential freight liability issues if an accident or injury occurs inside. 

Therefore, it’s in every party’s best interest that the freight simply is delivered to a convenient outdoor location. Planning for this is imperative when your freight is delivered to a residence, or you could potentially face delays or have to make a redelivery.

Inside delivery to businesses

If delivering to a business, inside delivery generally means the shipment will be left inside the door of the business. Typically, the carrier will bring the freight a few feet inside the main entrance. If the freight needs to be delivered to the interior of the building, up a staircase or up an elevator, the delivery charge will increase.

Also, remember that most drivers will not breakdown freight to move it through doors. If your freight is larger than the entryway, a driver will not bring it inside. Drivers will also not perform “extraordinary” functions, including delivering up long or winding drives, or attempting to deliver in any area that is unsafe for their normal equipment such as a narrow hallway or steep stairs. If you don't account for these types of services ahead of time, you could be charged an added fee.

Final thoughts

Understanding inside delivery can help you make sound decisions when planning your business' next freight shipment. Inside delivery doesn’t come standard and has many requirements that carriers must adhere to in order to avoid liability issues. If you anticipate these factors ahead of time, then your small business shipping experience is likely going to be much more positive. At Freightquote by C.H. Robinson, we can answer questions or concerns you have regarding inside delivery and pair you with the right self-service technology to get the job done.

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