What is liftgate delivery?

For many businesses, receiving freight can be a complicated and challenging process. You may not have a loading dock, equipment, or the staff required to handle bulk deliveries of large, heavy goods. 

This can make receiving freight time-consuming, exhausting, and potentially unsafe (depending on the size and weight of items delivered). 

But a liftgate delivery service can make all the difference. This is a popular solution for businesses across the US and beyond, allowing carriers to load and unload heavy-duty cargo with ease. 

What does it involve, how does it work, and what benefits does it offer? In this post, you’ll learn all you need to know about liftgate freight services. 

What is a lift gate?

A lift gate is a hydraulic platform attached to the back of a truck. This raises and lowers freight from the back of a truck to the ground (and vice versa). Once goods have been loaded or unloaded, the lift gate folds back into place. 

Freight lift gates are invaluable when moving heavy, bulky, or awkwardly shaped items that can’t easily be moved manually. A lift gate may need to be used multiple times during large deliveries, as they can only accommodate so much weight at once (though capacities can vary significantly).

What is liftgate delivery in shipping?

For a liftgate delivery service, trucks are equipped with a lift gate to assist with loading and unloading freight. This is commonly used at locations with no loading dock or forklift. 

Here are some of the benefits of using a freight liftgate delivery service:

• Improved safety: A liftgate helps move cargo from the truck to the ground safely, without requiring physical handling from drivers or consignees. 
• Preventing damage: Using a liftgate ensures that items are moved in a controlled, stable way without the need for manual handling. This reduces the risk of goods being damaged when loading and unloading them. 
• Saving time: Liftgates will generally move heavy freight between a truck and the ground more efficiently than people can. This means carriers can deliver cargo and move on to their next job in less time.
• Flexibility for different locations: Drivers equipped with liftgates can deliver to various locations without loading docks. This allows delivery to a broader range of clients with a more versatile, flexible service. 
• No need for extra staff: With a liftgate to handle heavy goods, fewer staff are required for loading and unloading freight. This leaves employees with more time and energy to focus on their core duties. As a result, liftgate delivery is especially beneficial for businesses with small teams. 

What does liftgate freight service include?

A liftgate delivery service usually includes the following:

Lift gate operation for moving shipments

The key part of this service is the lift gate attached to a truck. This can carefully and safely lower and raise shipments between the truck and the ground. Special training is required to use the lift gate properly, but it can make for more efficient, safer deliveries. 

Curbside and dockside delivery

A liftgate service includes curbside or dockside delivery, depending on the location and the recipient’s needs. However, it never involves inside delivery: drivers will remove goods from the truck with the lift gate, but they won’t carry them inside. Consignees must arrange that themselves. 

Basic handling 

Liftgate delivery can involve basic handling, but no unpacking or moving goods inside. However, this may be available as an extra service at an additional cost. 

Does my business need a liftgate delivery service?

Your business may require a liftgate freight service if:

• Your location lacks a loading dock or forklift
• You expect to receive large, heavy, or palletized items
• You don’t have enough staff or equipment to unload freight manually

However, you may not need a liftgate service if:

• Your facility has a loading dock at truck height
• You have the necessary equipment to unload shipments, such as a forklift
• You regularly receive freight and have a warehouse set up for handling it 

DTS can help you choose the right shipping methods for your business

A liftgate service can revolutionize your approach to receiving deliveries. You won’t need to deal with the potential safety issues of unloading goods from a truck upon arrival. Instead, a trained professional will use a lift gate to move cargo between the truck and the ground, with no manual lifting required. 

If you’re uncertain whether your business needs a liftgate service, DTS can help. Our professional team will help you choose the right shipping methods and extra services you should be using for a more straightforward and cost-effective shipping process. 

To learn how we can help your business with all things shipping, get in touch with our dedicated team today.