Curbside Delivery vs Inside Delivery: Which Do Your Customers Need?

Where curbside delivery places items on the outside of a home or business, inside delivery takes the extra step to deliver items inside the door of that building. Both methods are in demand and it’s up to shippers to determine which method better suits their consumers for quality customer service and repeat business. 

Key Takeaways

• Curbside deliveries leave goods at the curb of residential or business buildings. Inside deliveries place goods a few feet inside the door of a building. There are pros and cons to each delivery method based on your clientele type.
• Once you consider your clientele type, you can choose between curbside delivery or inside delivery based on your clientele’s location and freight size, weight, and other metrics.
• Improved customer service relies on shippers catering to their consumers’ needs, including partnering with the right last mile carrier for timely transportation such as white glove deliveries.

Here at USA Last Mile Logistics, we know all about going the extra mile for excellent customer service. Let’s take a look at how to choose which delivery method works best for your business.

What’s the Difference Between Curbside and Inside Delivery?

Customers will always value convenience. When it comes to which method saves customers the most money and time, there are some notable differences between curbside delivery vs inside delivery.

Here are the upsides and downsides to both curbside and inside deliveries.

Curbside Delivery

Curbside delivery aims to save customers a trip to the postal office to pick up their packages. Shippers will work with carriers to drop off the goods right at the curb of a home or business.

Curbside deliveries may work best for B2C customers and residential locations. Business owners may prefer certain packages to be delivered through their building’s receiving area rather than left outside for pickup.

Pros of Curbside Delivery

Customers who want to minimize personal interaction and/or physical contact may prefer their packages be placed at the end of their home’s driveway or business entrance.

This method can also reduce last mile expenses for shippers, like fuel, and make for quicker deliveries.

Cons of Curbside Delivery

Packages left on the curb have a higher risk of theft, especially if the customer isn’t home. Shippers may also have to account for additional expenses like a liftgate if the building doesn’t have a loading dock.

Inside Delivery

Similar to curbside, inside delivery brings items directly to the customer, except that goods are dropped off inside the final destination. This can be at the front entrance, lobby, or receiving area of a building.

Pros of Inside Delivery

If your business mainly moves large or fragile items, inside delivery caters to customers by handling those items for them. The carriers maneuvering the items reduce the risk of the freight being damaged, too.

Cons of Inside Delivery

The shipper is responsible for the additional fee for carriers to drop off packages inside of a customer’s residence or business. 

On the flip side, customers are responsible for expenses like white glove shipping if they need the items placed in a specific room and built or installed.

Inside deliveries are a great option for B2B customers. This is because businesses are likely equipped with forklifts and loading docks to make the carrier’s job simpler.

Related: What is Inside Delivery for Freight? The Complete Guide

Which Delivery Method Is Best for Your Customers? 

Whether your customer base is B2C or B2B, the delivery method you choose can all come down to the type of freight being shipped.

For Curbside Delivery

Lightweight or standard-sized packages work best for curbside delivery. Customers without freight handling experience may be able to handle the following packages easier:

Curbside deliveries can also have flexible last mile logistics options, like urban last final delivery. Because the freight is smaller and lighter, freight carriers can drop off packages via cargo bicycles or even drones.

Related: Urban Last Mile Logistics: The Future of City Parcel Delivery

For Inside Delivery

Large, heavy, or unevenly-shaped packages are better managed by freight specialists. This freight can include:

Unless the customer also ordered white glove delivery, freight carriers won’t put the package anywhere within the building beyond the first few feet of the entrance. 

However, having the carriers handle the cargo for inside deliveries can help customers avoid property damage like scraping paint off of walls or cracking doorways.

Excellent Customer Service Begins with USA Last Mile Logistics

Still trying to choose between curbside delivery vs inside delivery? USA Last Mile Logistics simplifies the process by offering both methods when you need them. 

Our freight experts will tailor your orders to be shipped to improve customer satisfaction and scale your order fulfillment. Speak with our consultants at (866)-569-1445 or grab your quote today.