Inside vs White‑Glove Delivery for Med Devices
General
Key takeaways
Inside delivery and white-glove services both support last-mile logistics for medical devices.
The right choice depends on shipment complexity, location, and service level needed.
White-glove services include setup, unpacking, and debris removal.
Inside delivery is typically less expensive and more limited in scope.
Mercury provides expert guidance and reliable delivery services for medical device shipments.
Inside Delivery vs White-Glove for Medical Devices: What You Need to Know
Understanding Last-Mile Delivery for Medical Devices
Medical device shipments often include high-value, fragile, or bulky equipment. These devices require careful handling during the last-mile phase. Last-mile delivery refers to the final leg of a shipment's journey—from a distribution hub to its destination. In the healthcare and life sciences industries, this could be a hospital, laboratory, or research facility.
Choosing the right delivery service is critical. Inside delivery and white-glove delivery are two specialized options. Each offers unique benefits and is suited for different needs.
What Is Inside Delivery?
Inside delivery refers to bringing a shipment into a facility beyond the standard curbside drop-off. This often means moving the package to a building’s front entrance or just inside a lobby or receiving area. It does not include setup or debris removal.
This service is ideal for businesses without loading docks. It allows couriers to place equipment in a location that protects it from weather and theft until internal teams take over.
When to Choose Inside Delivery
Inside delivery works well for standard-sized packages or palletized items. It’s best used when the destination is accessible, such as ground-floor entries without stairs or narrow corridors.
Facilities that can unbox, move, and set up equipment themselves may not need more advanced service. This keeps costs lower and speeds up delivery coordination.
Limitations of Inside Delivery
Inside delivery has limits. It doesn’t include going up elevators, stairs, or navigating tight corners. Drivers are not responsible for setup, installation, or removing packaging materials.
For heavy, oversized, or delicate medical devices, inside delivery may not be sufficient. Equipment that requires specific placement or calibration calls for a more hands-on service.
What Is White-Glove Delivery?
White-glove delivery is a premium logistics service. It goes beyond basic drop-off to include unpacking, inspection, placement, setup, and debris removal. Trained personnel manage every detail to ensure safe handling of sensitive medical devices.
This level of service is ideal for equipment that requires careful installation or use in sterile environments. It minimizes risk, reduces downtime, and helps maintain device integrity.
When to Choose White-Glove Delivery
Use white-glove delivery when your medical device:
Requires assembly or installation
Is extremely fragile or high-value
Needs placement in a specific room or on a certain floor
Must be unpacked with care
Will be delivered to a hospital, lab, or controlled setting
This service is also beneficial when staff at the destination are unavailable to assist with setup.
White-Glove Delivery in Healthcare Settings
In healthcare environments, timing and precision matter. White-glove delivery teams coordinate with clinical staff to avoid disrupting operations. Deliveries are often scheduled outside of patient care hours or during specific facility windows.
The service includes compliance with cleanroom protocols, temperature control, and chain-of-custody documentation. This helps maintain the operational quality of diagnostic tools, imaging systems, or surgical equipment.
Key Differences: Inside Delivery vs White-Glove
Feature | Inside Delivery | White-Glove Delivery |
|---|---|---|
Basic placement | Yes | Yes |
Setup and installation | No | Yes |
Packaging removal | No | Yes |
Room-specific placement | Limited | Yes |
Requires trained personnel | No | Yes |
Higher cost | No | Yes |
Cost Considerations
Inside delivery is less expensive and faster to arrange. It’s the right choice when shipment complexity is low. White-glove delivery has a higher cost due to labor, training, and equipment needs.
However, the cost of failed delivery, device damage, or improper setup can be higher. Consider the full impact on your operations when choosing a service.
Regulatory and Safety Implications
Medical devices must often comply with FDA, ISO, or other regulatory standards. Improper handling during delivery can void warranties or trigger noncompliance.
White-glove services help ensure regulatory alignment by maintaining device condition, ensuring proper handling, and documenting every step.
Customizing the Delivery Experience
Both delivery types can be tailored. For example, inside delivery can include liftgate service, pallet jacks, or weatherproof packaging. White-glove service can be scheduled after hours, include specific tools, or coordinate with facility staff.
Customization enhances reliability and reduces delivery-related stress. The goal is to align the service with your device, location, and end-user needs.
How Mercury Helps with Medical Device Deliveries
Mercury specializes in high-value, time- and temperature-sensitive logistics. We support medical device companies with scalable solutions tailored to their products and protocols.
Expert Logistics Guidance: Our team advises on the best delivery method for each shipment. We assess access points, device specifications, and facility limitations to recommend the right solution.
Trained White-Glove Teams: We work with trained partners who understand the needs of healthcare facilities. Our white-glove service ensures safe setup and efficient delivery, even in complex environments.
Real-Time Visibility: Mercury provides real-time tracking for all shipments. Clients receive updates on temperature, location, and delivery status from pickup to final placement.
Compliance and Documentation: We ensure all shipments are handled according to healthcare and medical device regulations. Our systems track documentation, chain-of-custody, and delivery verification.
Scalable for Growth: Whether you're shipping one MRI scanner or hundreds of testing kits, Mercury scales with you. We support startups, manufacturers, and healthcare providers at every growth stage.
Conclusion
Choosing between inside delivery and white-glove service depends on the complexity, sensitivity, and final destination of your medical devices. Both have value—but selecting the right one ensures a smooth, compliant, and efficient delivery experience.
Partner with Mercury for reliable, compliant, and professional medical device deliveries. Contact us today to learn how we can support your logistics strategy with precision and care.
