Liftgate Service
Liftgate service is an accessorial service in which the carrier uses a truck-mounted hydraulic platform to lower freight from the trailer to the ground at a location without a loading dock.
Why it matters for ecommerce brands
Liftgate needs are predictable, so booking them up front avoids surprise fees and failed deliveries. Many small warehouses, retail stores, and offices have no dock, so LTL deliveries there need a liftgate. If it is not on the bill of lading, the carrier adds the fee afterward or the delivery fails and must be rescheduled. For example, a $75 liftgate fee quoted at booking can turn into $75 plus a $150 redelivery charge if the first truck arrived without one. Check the carrier's per-pallet weight limit for liftgates too.
Common questions
- When do I need to request liftgate service for an LTL shipment?
- Request it whenever the pickup or delivery site has no loading dock or forklift and the pallet must come down to ground level. Add it when you book and on the bill of lading so it is quoted up front rather than billed later.
- How much does liftgate service cost?
- It is a flat accessorial set in each carrier's tariff and varies by carrier. Request it at booking so the fee appears in your quote instead of on the invoice.
- Does residential delivery require a liftgate?
- Usually, since homes rarely have loading docks, and carriers often charge both a residential fee and a liftgate fee. Bringing freight inside the home is a separate inside delivery service.