Liftgate
A liftgate is a powered platform mounted on the rear of a trailer that can be raised and lowered to transfer freight between ground level and trailer deck height. Liftgate service is required for deliveries where no loading dock is available.
In Depth
Liftgates are standard on many cargo vans and box trucks used for residential and small business deliveries. For standard semi-trailers, a liftgate is an add-on accessorial service that not all trucks carry.
Liftgate delivery fees typically run $50–$150 as an accessorial charge because not all carriers have the equipment and the service adds time to delivery. This is especially common for residential deliveries where homes and small businesses lack truck-height loading docks.
Liftgate capacity typically ranges from 1,500–4,000 lbs. When booking freight that requires liftgate delivery, confirm both that the carrier has liftgate capability and that the liftgate rating can handle the freight weight.
Usage Example
Example: 'The delivery was to a residential address with no loading dock. The broker added a $75 liftgate fee to the invoice.'
Related Calculators
Related Terms
Accessorial Charges
Accessorial charges are fees added to a freight invoice beyond the base rate for additional services or circumstances outside of standard pickup and delivery, including detention, fuel surcharge, liftgate, inside delivery, and residential delivery.
Pallet Jack
A pallet jack (also called a pallet truck) is a manual or powered tool used to move palletized freight on smooth surfaces. Manual pallet jacks are standard tools many drivers carry; electric powered pallet jacks are typically found in warehouse operations.
Dock Plate
A dock plate (or dock leveler) is a bridge that spans the gap between a truck trailer deck and a loading dock platform, allowing forklifts and pallet jacks to move freight smoothly between the two surfaces.
Rate Confirmation
A rate confirmation (rate con) is a document issued by a broker to a carrier that outlines the terms of a load: pickup and delivery locations, freight description, rate, accessorial rates (detention, TONU), and payment terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does liftgate delivery cost?
Liftgate accessorial fees are typically $50–$150 per shipment, added to the base freight rate.