When you’re ordering large furniture for your office or heavy equipment for your warehouse, seeing “inside delivery” as a shipping option can be confusing. Unfortunately, many people discover too late that inside delivery doesn’t mean what they expected, leading to surprise fees, service limitations, and frustrated customers stuck with pallets in their driveway.
You’re expecting a heavy industrial printer for your warehouse. The shipping quote shows “inside delivery” for an extra fee, so you assume the driver will wheel it to your back office where it belongs.
Instead, the driver drops it just inside your front door and leaves. Now you’re stuck figuring out how to move massive equipment through narrow hallways without damaging your walls or throwing out your back.
This scenario happens constantly because “inside delivery” doesn’t mean what most people think it means.
Inside delivery gets your freight just past the threshold of your building, typically a few feet inside the main entrance. That’s it. No stairs, no specific rooms, no navigating through your facility. Understanding this limitation upfront can save you from surprise fees, service headaches, and the physical challenge of moving heavy freight yourself.
What you’ll learn
Exactly what inside delivery includes (and doesn’t include)
Cost ranges and factors that affect pricing
When to choose this service vs. alternatives
Limitations you need to know before ordering
Key differences between residential and business delivery
TL;DR:
Key takeaways
Inside delivery means just past the threshold, not throughout your home or building
Fees vary widely by carrier, typically ranging from $75 to $1,300+, depending on weight
Residential inside delivery has stricter limitations than business delivery
Drivers will not enter homes or navigate stairs in most cases
Understanding these boundaries helps set realistic expectations and avoid costly surprises
Inside delivery definition and overview
The biggest misconception about inside delivery is that it means carriers will bring freight throughout your home or deep into your building. In reality, inside delivery involves carriers delivering freight past the threshold of a property, unlike curbside or dockside delivery, which requires recipients to collect goods from exterior locations.
Inside delivery typically means the carrier will bring your shipment just inside the entrance, usually a few feet past the doorway. This threshold concept is critical to understand because it sets clear boundaries on what the delivery service includes.
PRO TIP: Inside delivery doesn’t mean “anywhere inside.” It specifically refers to delivery just past the main entrance, not to specific rooms or floors within a building.
For most residential deliveries, this means items get brought inside the front door, garage, or covered porch area. For businesses, freight typically gets moved just inside the main commercial entrance or receiving area. The inside delivery service stops there—drivers won’t navigate hallways, climb stairs, or place items in specific locations.
It’s important to note that inside delivery is always an additional fee beyond standard freight shipping costs. Unlike small package delivery, where drivers routinely bring items to your door, freight shipments require special arrangements and equipment. This extra delivery service helps bridge the gap between basic curbside delivery (where you handle everything yourself) and premium white glove services (which include placement and setup).
When shipping large or heavy freight shipments, understanding these delivery options helps you choose the right service level for your needs.
Inside delivery for residential addresses
The most common confusion occurs with residential inside delivery because many customers expect drivers to bring items throughout their homes. However, when freight is delivered to residential addresses, inside delivery involves moving pallets to the driveway, porch, or garage. Drivers will not take freight inside a home.
This limitation exists for several important reasons. Most carriers have policies prohibiting drivers from attempting in-home pickup or delivery to avoid liability issues, including property damage complaints and potential injury accidents. Insurance concerns, safety protocols, and time constraints all contribute to these restrictions.
ALERT: Drivers will not enter your home, navigate stairs, or move items to specific rooms. Inside delivery at residential addresses typically stops at the garage, covered porch, or just inside the front entrance.
For residential customers, inside delivery usually means one of these scenarios:
Placement just inside your garage, if accessible
Delivery to a covered porch or entryway
Movement to the threshold of your front door
Positioning in your driveway near the entrance
Some carriers choose not to offer residential inside delivery due to potential access issues. Those that do provide the delivery service maintain strict boundaries about where drivers will go and what they’ll do. This means planning becomes essential—you’ll need to ensure clear access to your designated delivery area and be prepared to move items from there to their final destination.
NOTE: Each freight shipment to residential addresses requires careful coordination since carriers have stricter policies for home delivery compared to business locations.
Ecommerce businesses shipping to customers need to clearly communicate these delivery limitations to avoid customer disappointment and service complaints.
Inside delivery for business addresses
Business inside delivery differs significantly from residential service because commercial properties typically have better access and more flexibility for freight handling. For business deliveries, inside delivery typically means shipments are left inside the door of the business, with carriers bringing freight a few feet inside the main entrance.
The key difference is that businesses often have loading dock access, which provides an alternative to inside delivery. When companies have functional loading docks with proper equipment, freight can be delivered directly to the dock without requiring inside delivery services. This dock-to-door delivery is often included in standard freight rates because it’s easier for drivers to manage.
NOTE: Loading dock delivery is typically included in standard freight rates, while inside delivery to businesses without dock access incurs additional fees.
However, not all businesses have loading dock access—particularly small retailers, office buildings, or ground-floor commercial spaces. For these locations, inside delivery becomes valuable because it gets freight past the commercial entrance, where business staff can handle final positioning.
If freight needs delivery to building interior, up staircases or elevators, delivery charges increase beyond standard inside delivery fees. This means that while basic inside delivery might get your shipment past the lobby or entrance area, moving items to upper floors or deep into large buildings requires additional services and higher costs.
Commercial inside delivery works well for businesses that:
Lack loading dock facilities
Have ground-level access for freight
Can handle final positioning with their own staff or equipment
Need freight moved past security barriers or entrance controls
Third-party logistics providers can help businesses evaluate their delivery needs and choose the most cost-effective shipping options for their specific facility requirements.
Inside delivery costs and fees
Inside delivery always adds significant cost to freight shipments, and these fees vary dramatically based on carrier, shipment weight, and delivery complexity. Understanding the pricing structure helps you budget appropriately and choose the right delivery service level.
FedEx Freight offers inside delivery on LTL freight shipments for a minimum of $132 and a maximum of $1,326, depending on the weight. Old Dominion Freight Line provides inside delivery for a minimum of $75 and a maximum of $660 for LTL shipping. These carrier-specific rates demonstrate the wide range of pricing across the industry.
PRO TIP: Always request inside delivery quotes upfront—these fees can significantly impact your total shipping costs and shouldn’t be treated as afterthoughts.
For residential deliveries, costs tend to be even higher due to access challenges and liability concerns. For example, NordicTrack charges $199 for residential inside delivery to the front doorway compared to $99 for curbside delivery. This nearly 100% price increase reflects the additional complexity and risk of residential inside delivery.
Several factors influence inside delivery pricing:
Weight of shipment: Heavier items require more effort and potentially special equipment
Accessibility: Narrow doorways, steps, or difficult access increase costs
Distance from truck: How far drivers must carry items from the delivery vehicle
Special handling requirements: Fragile or awkward items may incur additional charges
The shipper (sender) is typically responsible for paying inside delivery fees, though this can vary based on the shipping terms and agreements between buyer and seller. It’s important to clarify who pays these fees before placing orders to avoid billing disputes.
Remember that inside delivery costs are in addition to standard freight charges—they don’t replace base shipping fees but rather add a service layer on top of them.
For help with understanding logistics pricing, consider working with experienced fulfillment partners who can explain cost structures and help optimize your shipping strategy.
Inside delivery vs. other delivery options
Understanding how inside delivery fits within the spectrum of freight delivery options helps you choose the right service level and budget appropriately. Each delivery option offers different levels of service, convenience, and cost.
Curbside delivery represents the most basic freight service. With curbside delivery, drivers position freight at the curb or end of your driveway, and you’re responsible for moving items from there. This option offers the lowest cost but requires you to have equipment and the capability to handle heavy freight yourself.
White glove delivery sits at the opposite end of the spectrum, offering a comprehensive delivery service that can include unpacking, assembly, placement in specific rooms, and even debris removal. While inside delivery gets freight past your threshold, white glove service can deliver items exactly where you want them and handle complete setup.
PROS:
More affordable than white glove service
Gets freight past the doorway/threshold
Protects from weather damage
Improved security for valuable items
CONS:
No upstairs or interior room delivery
No unpacking or setup services
Significant extra cost over standard delivery
Limited services for residential addresses
Loading dock delivery applies primarily to commercial customers with proper dock facilities. When available, dock delivery is often included in standard freight rates because it’s efficient for carriers. Items are delivered directly to your loading dock, where your team can handle them with appropriate equipment.
Decision framework for choosing delivery options:
Consider curbside delivery when:
You have equipment to move freight (forklift, pallet jack, etc.)
Multiple people available to assist with heavy items
Cost savings are a primary concern
Choose inside delivery when:
You need freight moved past your threshold but can handle final positioning
You lack equipment for heavy freight handling
The delivery location has reasonable access
Opt for white glove delivery when:
Items need placement in specific locations
Assembly or setup is required
You’re willing to pay premium rates for full service
Choosing the right logistics partner involves understanding these service options and how they align with your operational capabilities and customer expectations.
When to choose inside delivery
Deciding whether inside delivery is worth the extra cost depends on your specific situation, capabilities, and the nature of your freight shipment. The service makes most sense when you need assistance getting heavy items past your property threshold but can handle final positioning yourself.
For residential customers, inside delivery becomes valuable when you’re dealing with items too heavy or awkward for standard handling. Examples include large furniture pieces, heavy appliances, exercise equipment, or industrial items delivered to home-based businesses. If you don’t have a forklift, pallet jack, or multiple people to assist, inside delivery can prevent injury and damage.
Ideal residential scenarios for inside delivery:
Heavy items beyond personal lifting capacity (typically over 100 pounds)
Awkward or bulky items that are difficult to maneuver
Lack of equipment for handling palletized freight
Need to get items past security gates or entrance barriers
For businesses, inside delivery makes sense primarily for companies without loading dock access. Small retailers, office buildings, ground-floor commercial spaces, and businesses in multi-tenant buildings often benefit from inside delivery service.
NOTE: Businesses with functional loading docks typically don’t need inside delivery since dock delivery is usually included in standard freight rates.
When to skip inside delivery:
You have appropriate equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, dollies)
Multiple staff members available to assist with heavy items
Loading dock access available for standard delivery
Extremely tight budget constraints, where you can manage the extra effort
Consider your shipment characteristics as well. Items that arrive on pallets, weigh over 150 pounds, or have awkward dimensions often justify inside delivery costs. Conversely, items you can easily handle or those delivered in manageable packaging might not require the service.
The decision often comes down to weighing convenience and safety against cost. Inside delivery fees of $75-$200 might be worthwhile for a 300-pound shipment you’d struggle to move, but unnecessary for lighter freight you can handle easily.
Experienced fulfillment providers can help evaluate your delivery needs and recommend appropriate service levels based on your product characteristics and facility capabilities.
Inside delivery limitations and requirements
Setting realistic expectations about inside delivery boundaries prevents disappointment and helps you prepare appropriately for freight arrivals. Understanding what drivers will and won’t do ensures smooth delivery experiences for every shipment.
Weight and size restrictions significantly impact inside delivery availability and pricing. LTL shipments typically range from 150-15,000 pounds, with inside delivery being most relevant for palletized freight in this weight range. Some LTL carriers accommodate freight up to 20,000 pounds, though the typical maximum is 10,000 pounds.
Most inside delivery services have practical weight limits based on what drivers can safely handle without special equipment. Items exceeding 500-750 pounds might require additional equipment or multiple workers, increasing costs significantly.
Safety and access limitations represent the most important boundaries for inside delivery service. Drivers will not break down freight to move it through doors and will not perform ‘extraordinary’ functions, including delivery in unsafe areas like narrow hallways or steep stairs. These restrictions exist to protect both drivers and your property from injury or damage.
ALERT: Carriers will refuse inside delivery if access is unsafe, paths are too narrow, or delivery would require extraordinary effort like climbing stairs or navigating tight spaces.
Preparation requirements ensure successful inside delivery:
Clear access paths: Remove obstacles, furniture, or debris from entrance areas
Adequate doorway width: Ensure freight can fit through entrance doors
Someone present: Most carriers require someone to be available during delivery
Appropriate surface: Ensure the delivery area can support the weight of the freight
Advance communication: Inform carriers of any access challenges or special requirements
Common delivery limitations:
No stair climbing or elevator use
No delivery through narrow doorways (typically under 36 inches)
No breakdown of palletized freight
No movement beyond the immediate entrance area
No assembly or unpacking services
No delivery to upper floors without elevators and clear access
Understanding these limitations helps you prepare adequately and consider whether additional services might be necessary. If your freight needs to go upstairs, through narrow passages, or requires breakdown for transport, you’ll likely need white glove delivery rather than standard inside delivery.
For specialized handling of oversized items, consider working with fulfillment partners who understand these limitations and can recommend appropriate delivery service levels for your specific needs.
Citations
1. DTS. “What Is Inside Delivery For Freight?” DTS, 2024. https://www.dtsone.com/inside-delivery/.
2. Freightquote by C.H. Robinson. “Inside Delivery: What it is and is not.” Freightquote, September 18, 2019. https://www.freightquote.com/blog/inside-delivery-what-it-is-and-isnt/.
3. OptimoRoute. “Grow Your Business With Inside Delivery.” OptimoRoute, 2024. https://optimoroute.com/inside-delivery/.
4. Red Stag Fulfillment. “LTL vs Parcel: Costs, Thresholds, and When To Use Each.” Red Stag Fulfillment, 2024. https://redstagfulfillment.com/ltl-vs-parcel/.
5. Freight Rate. “LTL Dimensions and Weight Restrictions.” Freight Rate, 2024. https://freightrate.com/blog/ltl-dimensions-and-weight-restrictions/.
