Ask the Experts: Commercial receiving & delivery/ installation services

October 3, 2022

In this edition of Ask the Experts- we’ll discuss the topic of commercial warehouse receiving and final mile services for those in the design and hospitality industries.

One of the most common requests we receive are from our commercial partners is for white glove warehouse receiving and final mile services for their clients. Typically offered by freight companies and major shipping partners, there was a gap in the need for a white glove version of this logistics service.

In this edition of Ask the Experts- we’ll discuss the topic of commercial warehouse receiving and final mile services for those in the design and hospitality industries.

When looking for your white glove Commercial receiving & final mile delivery partner-there are several things to consider. Do they provide tailgate or no touch deliveries? Can they install FF&E? Do you have the skilled labor to handle what they cannot? If considering on site storage- will you contractors be willing to handle assembly and furniture placement? Will deliveries be inspected upon arrival for transit related damages? What about large volume debris removal?

- Receiving and inspecting your items is a critical part for all other warehousing activities. It’s vital to receive the items, inventory and inspect, sort and store – all in a thorough yet efficient way so you can take delivery, on your schedule, keeping your project on track and on time!

o If considering on site/ mobile storage versus a commercial warehouse option- here are some points to consider: On site storage is loaded wall to wall, roof to floor, and not necessarily in the order you will need items. So after making sure you have space for all the mobile units needed, plan for the skilled contractor labor hours needed to unload, reload, sort, etc so you aren’t stuck waiting days for needed items to be located and by the invoice for the additional labor.

- Delivery- Dock, tailgate or, installed (unloaded & placed in the desired location)? Many freight commercial storage options will offer tailgate or dock. Always consider if your on site teams are able to take this on or if you will need additional, strong hands to put everything where it goes. Commercial moving companies also offer Dock or tailgate delivery options as well as full commercial teams to deliver, unload, unpackage, install, & remove old items or debris.

o Commercial moving companies are also more likely to use wall, floor, and elevator protection than Freight delivery services, and be able to do any assembly the items may require. Debris removal is also often available thought commercial moving companies, unlike their freight carrier counterparts.

Before you start any large scale commercial renovation project or start a new build; consider the project needs in their entirety. Some of the biggest expenses come from project delays and missed timelines. Your commercial moving partner should be able to help keep your project on track and on time. From inspecting items upon receipt into the warehouse to being flexible and accommodating for those final mile delivery services; and support to get the FF&E in place as soon as you’re ready for it; Finding the right services for your evolving project needs can be as easy as finding the Stewart Moving & Storage commercial services facility nearest you. We keep you moving.