For shipments that require special handling, white-glove shipping is the trusted solution. Whether you're sending valuable furniture, delicate electronics or irreplaceable artwork, white-glove freight services guarantee your items receive the utmost care and arrive in flawless condition.
What is white-glove shipping?
Simply put, white-glove freight services offer much more than standard shipping. These services are made for shipments that need special attention at every stage — from packaging to delivery. Whether it's fragile, oversized or high-value freight, white-glove shipping guarantees your items get the highest level of care from start to finish.
With white-glove shipping, you can choose from a variety of service options, including:
- Precise placement: Your items will be delivered exactly where you want them, whether it's a specific room or location.
- Packing and crating: Need extra protection? White-glove carriers will assist with crating, packing and wrapping to ensure safety throughout the journey.
- Unpacking and removal: Once your items are delivered, they'll be unpacked, and the packaging materials will be taken away.
- Assembly and setup: Don't worry about bulky items — white-glove freight takes care of assembly and setup at the destination.
While white-glove freight services are more expensive than traditional less-than-truckload (LTL shipping) or full truckload (FTL shipping), they drastically reduce the risk of damage. This often leads to fewer claims, saving you time and money. Plus, opting for this premium service boosts customer satisfaction and improves your brand's reputation.
Cost Considerations for White-Glove Shipping
Yes, white-glove shipping costs more than traditional LTL freight or FTL shipping, but the added investment often pays off due to the extra handling and protection your items receive. Several factors impact the price of white-glove freight services:
- Item size and shape: Large or odd-shaped items require special handling, which increases the cost.
- Distance: The farther your freight travels, the higher the price. Deliveries to remote locations or over long distances can be more expensive.
- Delivery location: Special delivery requirements, like narrow doorways or steep stairs, can increase costs.
- Additional services: Services like packing, unpacking or assembly will add to the cost.
Before committing to white-glove freight, carefully evaluate your needs. A 3PL partner can help you choose the best white-glove service and manage the logistics.
Common Items That Require White-Glove Freight Services
Some items are particularly fragile, oversized or high value, making them perfect candidates for white-glove freight. Here are 10 common items that require extra care during shipping and what care they need:
- Fine furniture — Fine furniture, like designer sofas, is delicate and can easily get scratched or damaged. White-glove services use custom crating, soft padding and sturdy wrapping to keep your furniture protected. Carriers can also deliver furniture to specific rooms in a facility to minimize damage.
- Artwork and paintings — Paintings and artwork are often irreplaceable. White-glove services use padded frames, custom boxes and reinforced crates to protect them from damage during transport.
- Electronics (TVs, computers, audio equipment) — High-end electronics like TVs or computers need special packaging to prevent damage from shocks and vibrations. White-glove services use bubble wrap, foam inserts and sometimes climate-controlled shipping to keep electronics safe.
- Musical instruments — Instruments like pianos or violins require special care. A grand piano needs padding and crating to avoid damage, while a violin requires cushioned wrapping inside a protective case.
- Luxury cars — Shipping a luxury car, like a Ferrari, requires extra protection. White-glove services use enclosed carriers, custom ramps and protective covers to keep the car safe from weather and road debris. Carriers can also deliver these to showrooms as part of the service.
- Antiques — Antiques hold both financial and sentimental value. White-glove services use custom crating, extensive cushioning and soft materials to protect fragile items like vases or porcelain figurines.
- Designer clothing and accessories — Luxury items like designer clothing, handbags or shoes require wrinkle-free, damage-free delivery. White-glove services use garment bags, acid-free tissue paper and climate-controlled boxes for protection.
- Large appliances — Appliances like refrigerators or washers need careful handling to avoid dents or scratches. White-glove services secure these items with heavy-duty crates and protective blankets, ensuring safe delivery. Appliances can also be delivered to specific locations within a building when necessary.
- Exotic plants — Exotic plants, like orchids or bonsai trees, need extra care during transport. White-glove services use climate-controlled boxes and supports to protect delicate plants from temperature changes and rough handling.
- Tradeshow displays — Tradeshow displays often have intricate setups that need to arrive undamaged. White-glove services use custom crates, foam inserts and secure fastenings to prevent damage during shipping.
Each of these items requires expert handling to ensure they arrive at their destination safely. Whether it's a designer sofa or a luxury car, proper packaging and care are crucial for protecting high-value freight.
How To Choose the Right Carrier for White-Glove Freight
Choosing the right carrier for white-glove freight is crucial for ensuring your delicate shipments arrive safely and on time. You need a carrier with a strong reputation for precision and care.
At GlobalTranz, we partner with a network of trusted carriers who specialize in white-glove freight services. Our team actively manages the logistics, overseeing everything from pickup to final delivery. We ensure smooth coordination at every step, offering peace of mind and reliable, top-quality service for your valuable items.
Trust GlobalTranz With Your White-Glove Shipping Needs
Ensuring your valuable shipments receive the highest level of care and attention can be challenging, but with white-glove shipping, you can rest easy knowing your items are in safe hands.
By partnering with a trusted logistics provider like GlobalTranz, you'll benefit from expert guidance in creating a shipping strategy that prioritizes the security and safety of your most delicate items. Additionally, you'll have access to premium insurance coverage, as well as a dedicated team to handle any challenges or claims that may arise.
Ready to learn more about our white-glove shipping solutions? Request a free, personalized shipping consultation with a GlobalTranz expert today.