The movement of large, heavy goods is a complex logistical challenge, particularly when the freight must be moved between a delivery truck and the ground. Commercial freight delivery, especially Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping, relies on infrastructure like specialized loading docks for efficient transfer. When this infrastructure is absent, offloading heavy freight from a truck’s cargo bay becomes a significant obstacle for both the carrier and the recipient. A specific solution was developed to overcome this common hurdle in the final stage of delivery.
Defining the Liftgate Service
A liftgate service refers to the use of a hydraulic or electric mechanism permanently attached to the rear of a delivery truck. This apparatus consists of a metal platform that functions as a freight elevator, safely raising and lowering cargo between the truck bed and the street level. Its primary function is to provide stability and control during the process of loading and unloading items.
The liftgate is an integral tool for LTL carriers, who consolidate multiple shipments on a single truck. By utilizing the liftgate, the driver can mechanically handle palletized freight and bulky items that would otherwise require multiple people or specialized machinery at the delivery site. This mechanism mitigates the risks of product damage and workplace injury associated with manual lifting of heavy cargo.
When Is a Liftgate Service Necessary?
The service is required whenever a location lacks the traditional means to handle heavy freight, such as a raised loading dock or a functional forklift. This scenario most commonly occurs with deliveries to residential addresses, as homes are rarely equipped to receive commercial freight from a standard semi-trailer.
Commercial locations also frequently require a liftgate if they are small businesses, schools, churches, or construction sites without a permanent receiving bay. A general rule of thumb used by carriers is that if individual pieces of freight exceed 150 pounds, a liftgate or a forklift is necessary to protect personnel and prevent product damage. Most standard LTL liftgates handle shipments weighing between 1,500 and 2,500 pounds, with anything heavier potentially requiring a more specialized service.
How the Liftgate Delivery Process Works
The process begins when the truck is positioned close to the final drop-off point at the receiving location. The driver opens the truck’s rear doors and extends the liftgate platform from its stowed position. Using a pallet jack or a hand truck, the driver maneuvers the freight, which is typically secured on a pallet, onto the hydraulic platform.
Once the cargo is centered and secured, the driver uses simple controls to smoothly lower the entire gate to the ground level. After the platform reaches the ground, the driver moves the freight off the gate and onto the curb or driveway. This is considered a curbside delivery, meaning the driver’s responsibility concludes when the freight is at ground level, and they are not required to move the shipment inside the building.
Understanding the Accessorial Fee
The liftgate service is classified as an “accessorial charge,” meaning it is an extra fee applied to the base transportation rate. Carriers impose this surcharge because a liftgate-equipped truck represents a greater financial investment. This is due to the cost of the equipment, its routine maintenance, and the added weight that slightly reduces fuel efficiency. The operation of the liftgate also increases the overall time required for a delivery stop, which impacts the driver’s schedule.
The fee is generally fixed per shipment and is not calculated based on the freight’s weight or the time spent operating the gate. Failing to request this service when booking the shipment can lead to issues, as not all trucks are equipped with a liftgate. If a truck arrives without a liftgate when one is required, the carrier may refuse the delivery or charge a re-delivery fee to return with the properly equipped vehicle.
Alternatives to Using a Liftgate
Shippers and recipients have several options to avoid the liftgate accessorial fee or to handle shipments that exceed the standard weight capacity. The most direct alternative is for the receiving location to have its own dedicated equipment, such as a forklift, to safely remove the freight from the truck. This method is efficient, provided there is enough space for the forklift to maneuver effectively.
Another strategy is a terminal pickup, where the recipient collects the freight directly from the carrier’s local service center. The terminal facilities are fully equipped with loading docks and heavy machinery, making the transfer a standard operation. For extremely heavy items that exceed the liftgate’s capacity, a specialized delivery service utilizing a flatbed truck with a crane or a vehicle with a ramp can be arranged.