Liftgate Service Explained: What You Need to Know

Liftgate service is a convenient option for receiving large or heavy shipments, especially for those with mobility issues or limited access to their homes or businesses.

Liftgate service allows a delivery truck to lower the shipment to the ground using a hydraulic liftgate, making it easier to unload.

This service is often included in the shipping cost, but it's essential to confirm with the carrier beforehand.

Some carriers may charge extra for liftgate service, so it's crucial to factor this into your shipping budget.

Liftgate service is a device used to raise and lower items from ground level to the level of a tractor trailer, which is approximately 56 inches above the ground.

It's ideal for deliveries to residential areas, as well as commercial areas that have no loading docks or fork-lifts.

The liftgate is necessary when the delivery location doesn't have a loading dock or fork-lift and the item is too heavy to remove from the trailer by hand.

In fact, freight companies deliver items on these trailers, which are designed to load and unload at a loading dock or with a fork-lift.

Liftgate delivery service is increasingly valued in the final mile delivery market, especially for goods over 150 pounds.

A properly-spec'd liftgate can help slash operator injuries and fatigue, reduce injury times, and improve productivity.

However, a wrong liftgate can cause worlds of trouble, resulting in damage to the freight or serious injuries to those moving it.

This is especially true in LTL shipping contracts, where there are likely to be several different types of goods being delivered on the same truck, all with varying liftgate requirements.

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You'll need a lift gate service whenever you're transporting freight by truck and no loading dock is available. This is a common scenario, especially when delivering to homes or offices without equipment for unloading freight.

Most homes and offices don't have the necessary equipment to unload freight, so a delivery truck with a lift gate is required. Shipments like furniture, electronics, or anything large will need a lift gate to avoid damage to cargo or injury to workers.

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You can check in advance to see if you need a lift gate. This way, you and your forwarder can plan for one and avoid the extra charge of having to get one unexpectedly.

Here are some situations where a lift gate is necessary:

If you're unsure whether you need a lift gate, it's always better to err on the side of caution and plan for one. This will ensure a smooth delivery and avoid any potential issues or extra charges.

You may be able to avoid the extra cost of liftgate delivery service if the consignee has access to a shipping dock, fork lift, or pallet jack. These options can get expensive quickly, so it's necessary to carefully chart your best course of action.

A liftgate service may be required whenever you have freight that is either too big or too heavy to lift, and there isn't a loading dock available. There are two different types of liftgate services: liftgate pickup and liftgate delivery.

You can choose from the following liftgate service options:

If you're looking to avoid the extra cost of liftgate delivery service, there are some alternatives to consider. You may be able to access a shipping dock, which can save you money on liftgate delivery costs.

Having a shipping dock, a forklift, or a pallet jack can make it possible to avoid liftgate delivery service costs, even with heavy freight. However, these options can get expensive quickly.

To determine the best course of action, it's essential to carefully chart your options with a dedicated 3PL/trucking partner.

Here are some scenarios where you may not need a liftgate delivery service:

If you're unsure whether you need a liftgate delivery service, it's always best to check in advance to avoid unexpected extra charges.

Lift gate delivery service can be an additional charge from virtually all freight carriers.

The amount charged for lift gate delivery service depends on several factors, including where the service is provided and the weight of the shipment.

You can expect to reach out to a carrier, such as On Track Freight Systems, to receive a free quote for their lift gate delivery service.

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Large residential deliveries often require liftgate services to safely unload heavy items or large volumes of goods. This is especially true for areas without shipping bays or loading docks.

If you're delivering to commercial or construction sites, a liftgate is a must-have. These sites lack loading and unloading facilities, increasing the chances of errors and accidents if freight is unloaded manually.

Furniture, electronics, and other large shipments require a delivery truck with a liftgate. Most homes and offices don't have equipment to unload freight, making a liftgate essential.

If a factory or warehouse doesn't have a loading dock, a liftgate is necessary to avoid damage to cargo or injury to workers. This is especially true if freight packages weigh more than 150 lbs (68 kg) each.

Here are some common situations where a liftgate is required:

Most homes are not equipped for the unloading of trailers or straight trucks.

Having a lift gate service can be a lifesaver for businesses that can't directly load and unload large shipments on their own.

On average, large shipments like furniture or homebuilding materials need a lift gate service to be dropped off at a residence.

This service can be the solution your clients need when other delivery services like USPS, UPS, or FedEx can't handle the delivery.

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Are there fees involved in shipping? Yes, there are fees associated with shipping, and it's essential to understand what they are and why they're charged.

One common fee is the liftgate delivery fee, which applies whenever you use liftgate services. This fee includes the use of liftgates, pallet jacks, or forklifts for loading and unloading.

Liftgate charges are considered extra freight charges, but they're often required for heavy, precious, or fragile cargo. Planning a liftgate in advance will help avoid delays and high costs.

Liftgate delivery services offer a multitude of benefits, enhancing both operational efficiency and safety. The adoption of liftgate delivery has drastically lowered the risk of accidents, protecting the goods being transported and the personnel involved.

Using lift gates significantly reduces the need for manual lifting, cutting down on the risk of injuries among delivery service staff. This makes the delivery process safer and more appealing for workers.

With the efficiency liftgate delivery services provide, there's less need for a large team to load and unload freight. This optimizes labor costs and streamlines operations, making the delivery process more efficient.

Implementing liftgate services eliminates the requirement for a forklift at the shipping dock or delivery site. This is particularly beneficial for locations that lack access to such equipment, ensuring no delivery site is off-limits.

The quick loading and unloading capabilities afforded by liftgates mean less downtime and the ability to complete more deliveries in a shorter period. This increases the overall efficiency and reliability of the delivery service.

Here are the key advantages of liftgate delivery services:

The delivery process involves a liftgate that operates through hydraulic pressure, making it easy to load and unload freight from a truck to ground level.

This system includes a platform that can be lowered to the ground or raised to the truck's tailgate height, controlled by a switch box mounted on the truck.

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The switch box allows the truck driver or party receiving the delivery to operate the liftgate efficiently, ensuring cargo can be moved without needing a forklift or pallet jack.

Ideal scenarios for using liftgate services include construction sites, home delivery, or any location lacking a loading dock.

Liftgate pickup provides an essential solution for transporting freight efficiently and safely, significantly reducing the physical effort and time needed for heavy lifting.

Lift gate service is a crucial aspect of freight delivery, and understanding its essentials is vital for businesses and individuals alike. A lift gate is a foldable metal platform mounted on the back of a commercial truck, used to raise pallets from the ground up to the bed of the truck or trailer.

In the US, the term "liftgate" and "lift gate" are used interchangeably, but in other countries, the term "tailgate" may be used instead. This platform is designed to extend out from the truck to act as an extended platform to load and unload cargo.

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Lift gates are essential for moving cargo with a pallet jack from the trailer to the ground with relative ease, especially when cargo is too heavy to lift by hand. Freight carriers can spare drivers from having to lift heavy cargo themselves, reducing the risk of injury and damage.

If you're transporting freight by truck and don't have a loading dock, you'll likely need a liftgate service. This is especially true for commercial or construction sites, homes, and offices that lack loading and unloading facilities.

Some common situations where a liftgate is necessary include:

The cost of liftgate service can vary depending on factors such as the weight of the shipment, the carrier, and the location. It's essential to check with your freight forwarder or carrier to determine if a liftgate service is required and to get a quote for the additional cost.

In general, liftgate services simplify the delivery process, ensuring safe and efficient transport of goods to their final destination without additional loading equipment like forklifts.

Liftgate service is not always available, as its availability varies by carrier and the equipment used.

Most trucks are not equipped with a liftgate, so it's essential to let the carrier know in advance if you'll need liftgate delivery.

Carriers are not obligated to perform liftgate service if they don't have suitable vehicles or operators available.

If your freight is already in transit, it may not be possible to get liftgate service, especially if it's loaded in the middle of the truck with other deliveries.

Some carriers might not have a terminal close to your destination location to drop off the freight, which can also impact liftgate service availability.

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