Liftgate Service

What is a Liftgate?

A liftgate is a mechanical device attached to the back of a truck or trailer that helps in loading and unloading heavy or bulky items. It acts as a small elevator, allowing goods to be raised or lowered between the ground and the truck bed.

Why Liftgates are used in LTL Shipping?

These allow for deliveries where the shipper or receiver do not have access to equipment like a forklift that is typically used to load/unload freight.

When is a Liftgate Used?

- Residential Deliveries: When delivering to homes that lack loading docks or equipment.

- Heavy or Bulky Items: For items that are too heavy or awkward to lift manually.

- Limited Access Locations: In areas where traditional loading methods are not feasible.

- They may also be used as a back up unloading method should equipment not be functioning at the time of pick up or delivery too.

Things to consider when selecting Liftgate service for your shipment:

Adding a liftgate or any service in general can add days to your estimated transit time. It's always up to equipment availability once your shipment gets into the destination terminal. Typically you see these types of delays when your shipment is picking up or delivering to rural areas or limited access locations.

Potential Issue: 

If you item is over 80" in length, it is up to the terminal performing the service to determine if their equipment and drivers will be able to safely pick up or deliver the goods.

The Honest Freight Solution: 

When you send over your quotes to us and the length is over 80", you'll get options for shipping with and without a liftgate. From there if you would like to proceed with a liftgate, we'll call over to the carriers of your choice's terminals to confirm they will be able to help out. If none of the available carriers are able to assist, the alternative options would be either having the receiver rent equipment and have personnel to unload/load or we can always set up a WILL CALL to either have the freight dropped off or picked up from the nearest LTL Carrier's Terminal.

Potential Issue:

If the piece of freight is over 2500lbs it is also up to the terminal performing the service to determine if their equipment and drivers will be able to safely pick up or deliver the goods.

The Honest Freight Solution:

When you send over your quotes to us and the weight is over 2500lbs, you'll get options for shipping with and without a liftgate. From there if you would like to proceed with a liftgate, we'll call over to the carriers of your choice's terminals to confirm they will be able to help out. If none of the available carriers are able to assist, the alternative options would be either having the receiver rent equipment and have personnel to unload/load or we can always set up a WILL CALL to either have the freight dropped off or picked up from the nearest LTL Carrier's Terminal.

Potential Issue:

If you item is over 85" in height, it is up to the terminal performing the service to determine if their equipment and drivers will be able to safely pick up or deliver the goods.

The Honest Freight Solution:

When you send over your quotes to us and the height is over 85", you'll get options for shipping with and without a liftgate. From there if you would like to proceed with a liftgate, we'll call over to the carriers of your choice's terminals to confirm they will be able to help out. If none of the available carriers are able to assist, the alternative options would be either having the receiver rent equipment and have personnel to unload/load or we can always set up a WILL CALL to either have the freight dropped off or picked up from the nearest LTL Carrier's Terminal.