Curbside delivery leaves the item at the curb or driveway. Threshold brings it just inside the first door or garage. Room of choice carries it to the room the customer picks. White glove adds unpacking, placement and debris removal, and can include assembly.
How final mile delivery works
A large item usually travels by LTL or truckload to a delivery hub near the customer. The local delivery team then calls the customer, schedules a window, and completes the delivery at the service level that was purchased. Good providers quote the linehaul and the home delivery as one price.
How to choose
- Boxed items the customer can carry and set up: threshold is usually enough.
- Furniture, mattresses and appliances: room of choice avoids a heavy item stranded at the door.
- Premium goods, items needing assembly, or commercial installs: white glove.
- Stairs, elevators and long carries change the price, so mention them when you quote.
| Service | Where the item ends up | Unpacking | Debris removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curbside | Curb or driveway | No | No |
| Threshold | Inside the first door or garage | No | No |
| Room of choice | The room the customer picks | No | No |
| White glove | In place in the chosen room | Yes | Yes |
Common questions
Is white glove delivery worth it?
For heavy, fragile or premium products it usually is. It lowers damage and returns, and it is what customers expect when an item needs two people or assembly.
Does final mile delivery need two people?
Items that are heavy, large or going past the threshold are normally delivered by a two-person team.
Written by the MeritSpan Logistics team. Last reviewed November 9, 2026. Figures are typical values; equipment and carrier rules vary.