What is Liftgate Delivery?

Liftgate delivery is a freight service that uses a truck-mounted hydraulic platform to move heavy shipments between the trailer and the ground when no loading dock or forklift is available. It is often used for palletized freight, bulky items, and residential or limited-access deliveries. 

What is a Liftgate?

A liftgate is a hydraulic or electric platform mounted on the rear of a truck, designed to facilitate the loading and unloading of heavy or bulky cargo. 

When there’s no loading dock or forklift on-site to help unload a heavy shipment, liftgates act as portable loading docks. It takes the weight and stress out of the unloading process by making delivery smoother and safer.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a U.S. agency that regulates worker safety. OSHA requires employers to follow safe loading and unloading practices and to use appropriate equipment and procedures for the freight being handled. In some situations, a liftgate can improve safety when no dock or forklift is available.  

How Do Liftgate Services Work?

When liftgate services are needed, the carrier sends a truck with a rear-mounted hydraulic platform that moves freight between trailer height and ground level. The driver lowers the platform, puts the freight onto it, and raises or lowers it as needed for safe unloading. 

This service is typically used at locations without a loading dock or forklift, and it’s usually added when the shipment is booked. Because liftgate delivery is an accessorial charge, it usually adds an extra charge to the shipment. 

When Do You Need Liftgate Delivery?

You usually need liftgate delivery when the delivery location doesn’t have dock access. 

Here are a few common scenarios where liftgates are required:

• You don’t have a loading dock: This is the most common reason. Many retail stores and small businesses just don’t have dock-height receiving areas.
• You lack a forklift or pallet jack: If your team isn’t equipped to unload heavy or bulky pallets, a liftgate will do the heavy lifting for you.
• You’re receiving a residential delivery: Liftgates are often used for home deliveries of large items.
• The freight is large, heavy, or on a pallet: Trying to unload something like that by hand can be risky and inefficient.

If any of these apply to your business, liftgate service may be the safest and most practical way to unload freight when dock access or on-site equipment is not available.

What are the Benefits of Liftgate Delivery?

Liftgate service is often a practical unloading solution for locations that do not have a dock or forklift, especially when heavy freight must be handled safely. Here are the supply chain benefits of utilizing liftgate services.

Enhanced Accessibility

A liftgate opens up delivery access to almost any location. If your warehouse or your customer’s receiving location has limited access or no loading dock, a liftgate will help you receive freight at these locations, as well as residential areas.

Liftgates also reduce reliance on forklifts or team workers when customers don’t have access to staff or loading/unloading equipment. 

Safer for Drivers and Freight

Manually unloading heavy shipments can increase the risk of worker strain, product damage, and unloading delays. Liftgates reduce manual lifting during unloading, which can lower the risk of worker strain, handling-related injuries, and freight damage.

Versatile for Various Cargo Types

Liftgate delivery works well for all kinds of freight, especially heavy, awkwardly-shaped, or bulky freight. This can include anything from tile flooring, standard dry goods, or heavy appliances. A liftgate can come in multiple designs that allow them to handle different types of freight.

Common liftgates include:

• Tuck-Under: Tuck-under liftgates fold and store beneath the vehicle when not in use, providing unobstructed access to cargo doors and facilitating easy docking. They're ideal for operations requiring frequent dock loading without interference from the liftgate. 
• Rail Liftgate: Rail liftgates offer a large, stable platform that moves vertically along rails attached to the vehicle's rear. This design is particularly suitable for transporting substantial items like machinery or large containers.
• Cantilever: Cantilever liftgates are beneficial for loading and unloading on uneven surfaces. Their remote-controlled, expansive platforms allow loading from multiple angles, enhancing flexibility. 

These liftgates are able to hold varying weights of cargo. 

Don’t worry if you have the wrong one for your shipment. Your carrier will pair your load with the correct liftgate.

What Is the Difference Between Liftgate Delivery and Inside Delivery?

Liftgate delivery is simply used when no dock is available for unloading, while inside delivery is an additional service that’s used to bring goods beyond the threshold of a building. 

Both services are frequently combined. These services are often combined for residential and commercial deliveries when no dock is available and the shipment needs to be placed inside a home, garage, warehouse, or lobby. 

Goods often delivered using liftgate and inside delivery include large furniture, appliances, and medical equipment. 

How Much Do Liftgate Services Cost?

As an accessorial charge, you can expect to pay between $50 to $200 for liftgate services per shipment. The cost varies depending on the carrier, shipment size, and destination. 

That said, the cost is often worth it when you consider the potential savings from avoiding product damage, unloading issues, or delayed deliveries. If you’re budgeting for regular shipments, it’s a good idea to factor in the cost of liftgate service if you or your customers don’t have the right receiving infrastructure.

If you need liftgate services, USA Truckload Shipping is here to help. Get started with our freight shipping services or give our team a call at (866) 353-7178. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Liftgate Delivery

Do I need liftgate delivery for every freight shipment?
No. You typically need it only when the pickup or delivery location does not have a loading dock, forklift, or other equipment to move heavy freight safely between the truck and the ground.

Is liftgate delivery only for residential shipments?
No. It is common for residential freight, but businesses, schools, medical offices, and job sites may also need it if they cannot unload palletized or bulky items at dock height.

How much does liftgate delivery usually cost?
It is usually billed as an extra freight service charge. The exact cost depends on the carrier, shipment size, delivery location, and whether the service is needed at pickup, delivery, or both.

Sources:

Loading and Unloading, Occupational Safety and Health Administration