When you’re placing a bulk order for benches — say 20, 50, or even 100 units — one of the first questions that pops up is, “How are these going to get to me, and what will it cost?” The short answer is: it depends on the weight, total volume, your location, and the level of service you need. Let’s break it down so you can budget and plan like a pro.
First, the most common delivery method for bulk furniture orders is LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight. Unlike a small parcel carrier (like UPS or FedEx) that handles one or two boxes, LTL carriers specialize in palletized, heavy shipments. Your benches will be strapped onto wooden pallets and shrink-wrapped for protection. For a typical order of 20–40 benches, expect to pay between $200 and $600 for standard curbside delivery, depending on how far you are from the manufacturer’s warehouse.
If you need liftgate service — that’s where the truck has a hydraulic lift to lower the pallets to ground level because you don’t have a loading dock — expect an additional fee of $75 to $150. This is almost mandatory if you’re a school, church, or small business without commercial loading facilities.
For orders over 50 benches or very heavy commercial-grade models, full truckload (FTL) shipping might become more economical. FTL rates usually range from $1,000 to $3,000 for a standard 53-foot trailer, but this gives you exclusive use of the truck and often faster transit. Some suppliers also offer White Glove delivery, where the carrier brings the benches inside your building, assembles them, and removes packaging. This premium service typically adds $150 to $400 per pallet.
Don’t forget to ask about inside delivery (just past the doorway) versus room of choice placement, as each step adds labor costs. Also, many wholesalers offer free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount (e.g., $2,500), so always check thresholds before finalizing.
My best advice? Always request a quote with all accessorial fees upfront — liftgate, residential delivery, and inside placement. That way, you won’t get a surprise bill when the truck arrives. And remember: scheduling delivery a week out usually costs less than a rush job. Happy ordering!