White Glove Delivery for High-Value and Hard-to-Handle Items
From furniture and antiques to fitness equipment and electronics, uShip connects you with carriers who offer secure, in-home delivery with extra care.
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White Glove: The New Standard in Shipping Valuable Items
As more people purchase furniture, artwork, fitness equipment, and other high-value goods online, demand for white glove delivery has grown. Unlike standard curbside shipping, white glove service prioritizes care, precision, and convenience, right down to room-of-choice delivery and careful handling of fragile or oversized items.
uShip makes it easy to find carriers who offer this elevated level of service. When creating your shipment listing, be sure to note any special handling or in-home delivery needs. You can also check carrier profiles to confirm which services they provide, including setup, unpacking, and more.
Whether you're shipping a delicate antique or a heavy treadmill, uShip helps you connect with professionals who specialize in secure, stress-free delivery.
What Is White Glove Shipping?
White glove shipping is a premium delivery service designed for items that need extra care, attention, and handling. It goes far beyond curbside drop-off by offering a seamless, in-home experience from pickup to placement.
White glove service may include:
Room-of-choice delivery for heavy or oversized items (standard on uShip)
Blanket wrapping for added safety (standard on uShip)
Careful loading and unloading to prevent damage (standard on uShip)
Packaging removal and cleanup after delivery and setup (available upon request)
This level of service is ideal for fragile, high-value, or difficult-to-handle shipments, making it the preferred choice for furniture, artwork, electronics, and other specialty items.
Why Choose White Glove Shipping Companies for Valuable Items
When you're shipping something fragile, expensive, or one-of-a-kind, standard delivery just isn't enough. White glove service offers the extra care and expertise these items deserve. Here’s why customers choose white glove shipping:
Superior Protection:
Fewer transfers and blanket-wrapped handling help minimize the risk of damage.
Peace of Mind:
Carriers are experienced in moving antiques, artwork, electronics, and other high-value items.
Convenience:
Items are delivered directly to the room of your choice—no lifting, no hassle.
Reduced Transit Risk:
First-to-final mile handling eliminates unnecessary stops and handoffs.
Items Best Suited for White Glove Shipping
Not every shipment requires white glove delivery, but for high-value or hard-to-handle items, the extra care is well worth it.
Common items that benefit from white glove service:
Furniture: Antiques, designer pieces, or fully assembled sets that need careful placement.
Artwork & Collectibles: Paintings, sculptures, or installations that require gentle handling and stable transport.
Fitness & Recreational Equipment: Treadmills, kayaks, pool tables, and bikes—often large, heavy, and awkward to move.
Electronics: Large-screen TVs, sound systems, and sensitive components that can’t risk impact or exposure.
How White Glove Shipping Companies Handle Valuable Items
What sets white glove shipping apart is the added care and attention built into every step of the delivery process. And while not every carrier markets their service as "white glove," many of the carriers on uShip already operate at this level by default.
- First-to-final mile service: Direct pickup and delivery without unnecessary warehouse transfers or handoffs.
- Specialized protection: Blanket wrapping and secure padding are standard practices used by most carriers on uShip. Climate control is available when needed.
- Professional handling: Experienced in managing heavy, fragile, or uniquely shaped items, carriers on uShip prioritize safety and precision.
- On-site placement: Many carriers offer room-of-choice delivery, with setup and debris removal available upon request.
These best practices are common across the uShip platform, so even if “white glove” isn’t listed, you’re still likely to receive that level of service when you match with the right carrier.
White Glove vs. LTL Freight Shipping
When planning a large-item shipment, it’s important to understand the differences between standard freight shipping and white-glove delivery, especially when the item's value, condition, or fragility is involved.
- LTL (Less-than-Truckload) Shipping" A budget-friendly option for boxed or crated items. However, it often involves multiple transfers, shared truck space, and curbside drop-off.
- White Glove Shipping: Sometimes higher in cost, but offers first-to-final mile handling, minimal transfers, and in-home placement with extra care.
Which should you choose?
- LTL is a good fit for new, boxed furniture or less fragile freight.
- White glove is ideal for antiques, assembled pieces, delicate artwork, or anything requiring hands-on care and delivery inside the home.
If protection and placement matter more than price, white glove shipping is the smarter investment.
Cost of White Glove Shipping Services
White glove delivery typically costs more than standard freight service, depending on the level of care required.
Pricing depends on a few key factors:
- Distance between pickup and delivery
- Size, weight, and fragility of the item
- Service level requested (in-room placement, debris removal, assembly)
Tipping is optional, but common, especially for exceptional service. A general guideline is $20 per carrier.
Want to get a better sense of your cost? Visit uShip’s Cost to Ship Household Goods page to get an idea of what your shipment could cost.
uShip In-Home Delivery for Businesses
For retailers, marketplaces, and individuals shipping directly to customers, uShip’s In-Home Delivery program offers a premium solution without the premium price.
This service is built for large, valuable, or delicate items that require extra care during delivery:
- Blanket-wrapped protection to prevent damage in transit
- Room-of-choice placement for a professional customer experience
- Best-In-Class Carriers for a fast, elevated delivery experience
- Industry-low damage rates compared to traditional LTL freight
- Dedicated support and proactive account monitoring
Trusted by top online sellers and high-volume shippers, uShip In-Home Delivery helps businesses reduce returns, improve customer satisfaction, and deliver a white glove experience at scale.
How to Choose the Right White Glove Shipping Company
When you’re shipping something valuable, choosing the right delivery partner matters. Here’s what to look for when evaluating white glove shipping companies:
Experience:
Look for at least 5+ years in specialized or in-home delivery services.
Proper Equipment:
Carriers should use enclosed trucks, vans, or trailers designed to protect fragile or oversized items.
Insurance Coverage:
Verify that the carrier offers cargo insurance to protect against loss or damage.
Reputation:
Read reviews and check for consistent ratings, on-time performance, and careful handling.
Preparing Valuable Items for White Glove Shipping
Even with premium service, proper prep can make a big difference. A few simple steps help protect your item and ensure a smooth delivery experience.
Take photos: Document the item’s condition from multiple angles before pickup.
Share special instructions: Let your carrier know about any handling preferences, fragile components, or setup details.
Check access points: Measure hallways, doorways, and staircases at the delivery location to avoid surprises.
Detach fragile parts: Remove or secure accessories, glass panels, or pieces that could shift or break in transit.
FAQ: White Glove Shipping Companies for Valuable Items
What makes white glove shipping better for valuable items?
White glove delivery includes professional handling, blanket-wrapped protection, and in-home placement, all of which significantly reduce the risk of damage.
How much does white glove shipping usually cost?
White glove shipping typically costs 5–20% more than standard curbside delivery, depending on distance, item size, and service level. However, many white-glove-style services, like blanket wrapping and in-home placement, are included with uShip and can be surprisingly affordable depending on your route and item.
Which items require white glove delivery?
Antiques, artwork, luxury or oversized furniture, delicate electronics, and heavy fitness equipment are all strong candidates for white glove delivery.
Do white glove shipping companies provide assembly?
Many do. Setup and packaging removal are sometimes included, but be sure to include this request in your listing and confirm with your chosen carrier before booking.
Is insurance included with white glove shipping?
Most carriers provide basic cargo insurance. Be sure to check coverage details and limits before confirming your shipment. For added peace of mind, you can also add the uShip Protection Plan at checkout.
How is white glove different from in-home delivery?
In-home delivery typically includes threshold or room-of-choice placement. White-glove service often goes further, with options such as setup, debris removal, and enhanced handling. That said, service levels can vary by carrier. Be sure to review their profile and confirm what’s included before booking.
How do I compare white glove shipping companies?
Look for experience, positive customer reviews, appropriate equipment (like enclosed trailers), and active insurance coverage.