What is Liftgate Delivery?

Loading and unloading freight without a dock isn’t easy, and not every location has a forklift or ramp that’s available for use. Fortunately, liftgates offer a reliable solution. They make loading and unloading easier, safer, and more efficient for workers and freight. Before you decide to use one, let’s take a look at how they work. 

Key takeaways

• Liftgate delivery is ideal for locations without loading docks or forklifts, acting like a portable platform to safely lower freight from truck to ground.
• You need to request liftgate service ahead of time, since it’s considered an accessorial service and not included in standard freight delivery.
• Liftgates make deliveries safer and more efficient, reducing the risk of freight damage and injuries by minimizing manual handling.
• There are different types of liftgates for different needs, and each has its own weight capacity to handle everything from dry goods to heavy machinery.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the details of liftgate delivery.

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. If you’ve ever seen a dry van trailer with a flat, moving platform on the back—similar to a mini elevator—that's a liftgate. 

It’s especially useful when there’s no loading dock or forklift on-site to help unload a heavy shipment. Liftgates are essentially portable loading docks. It takes the weight and stress out of the unloading process by making delivery smoother and safer.

How Do Liftgate Services Work?

When you schedule a delivery that includes liftgate service, the carrier sends a truck equipped with a one to the destination. Once the truck arrives, the driver positions the liftgate and lowers it to the ground. They move the freight onto the platform and raise the liftgate back up to the trailer. From there, the pallet is placed in its appropriate spot inside the trailer.

When your freight arrives at the final destination, it will be moved onto the platform and lowered to the ground. The driver will then position the cargo based on your customer’s specifications. 

Liftgate delivery is considered an accessorial service, which means it’s an add-on to a standard freight delivery. You typically need to request it when booking to ensure a liftgate-enabled trailer is used to transport your freight.

When Should You Use Liftgate Services?

Liftgate services are perfect in situations where you don’t have the infrastructure to receive freight the traditional way. Here are a few common scenarios where liftgates really shine:

• 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, then liftgate service is something you’ll want to consider.

What Are the Benefits of Liftgate Delivery?

Adding liftgate services to your freight delivery can offer a variety of advantages. Here’s why many of our clients choose to use it regularly.

Enhanced Accessibility

A liftgate opens up delivery access to almost any location. As we mentioned, you’re running a small business, you might not have a loading dock at your store or warehouse. Similarly, your customer might not have access to the same infrastructure either if you happen to work with large deliveries. A liftgate will help you receive freight at these locations, as well as residential areas.

This equipment also reduces reliance on forklifts or team workers. This can be especially beneficial for customers that don’t have access to staff or equipment that can help them with unloading.  

Safer for Drivers and Freight

Manually unloading heavy shipments isn’t just tough—it’s risky. Liftgates provide a solution that will prevent the chances of freight sustaining damage and workers from being hurt. 

As a protective measure, it helps in: 

• Minimizing freight handling
• Providing a stable platform
• Enhancing efficiency

By utilizing a hydraulic platform, liftgates reduce the need for manual lifting of heavy or bulky items. This mechanical assistance decreases the physical strain on workers (including the driver) and lowers the risk of injuries associated with handling freight. 

Liftgates offer a secure and level platform for loading and unloading cargo. This stability allows drivers to transfer freight to and from the trailer without the worry of sustaining an injury. It also gives freight a safe place to rest during loading and unloading.

Incorporating liftgates into delivery operations streamlines the process of moving heavy items. They protect the integrity of freight, and   contribute to overall operational safety and productivity.

Related: How To Reduce Transit Damage

Versatile for Various Cargo Types

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

Common liftgates include:

• Tuck-under 
• Rail Liftgate
• Cantilever 

These liftgates are able to hold varying weights of cargo. We’ve provided a table to show you their carrying capacity. 

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 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 liftgates are beneficial for loading and unloading on uneven surfaces. Their expansive platforms allow loading from multiple angles, enhancing flexibility.

How Much Do Liftgate Services Cost?

As an add-on, you can expect to pay anywhere from $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, injury, 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.

Related: How To Calculate Shipping Costs

Use Liftgate Delivery with USA Truckload Shipping

At USA Truckload Shipping, we understand that every delivery matters—especially when you're working without a dock or handling sensitive freight. Our liftgate services are just one way we help you simplify logistics and keep your business moving forward.

In addition to liftgate delivery, we offer a range of services designed to meet your shipping needs from end to end:

• Standard Truckload Shipping – We move your freight efficiently across the country with reliable capacity and a strong carrier network you can count on.
• Expedited Shipping – When time is critical, our expedited services help you meet tight deadlines without sacrificing security or service.
• Freight & Logistics Consulting – Our team of experts helps you identify smarter, more cost-effective ways to manage your shipping strategy.
  

Ready to get started? Fill out a Request for Proposal (RFP) today and let us show you how we can deliver more value to your business. Give us a call at (866) 353-7178 or head to our contact page to connect with our team if you have any questions about our services.