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.
In Depth
Many experienced drivers, particularly those doing local and regional routes, carry a manual pallet jack to assist with unloading where lumpers or dock equipment may not be available. A quality manual pallet jack costs $200–$500 and can handle 5,500 lbs capacity.
Carrying a pallet jack shifts some responsibility from the receiver to the driver. Understand what you're agreeing to when accepting loads that include driver unload expectations — not every driver is required to unload, and this is often a negotiated term in the rate confirmation.
Electric pallet jacks are more efficient but add significant weight (800–1,500 lbs) to the truck's tare weight, reducing payload capacity.
Usage Example
Example: 'The receiver had no dock equipment. I used my manual pallet jack to unload 12 pallets onto their loading bay floor.'
Related Calculators
Related Terms
Lumper
A lumper is a third-party labor worker hired to unload freight at a distribution center or warehouse. Lumper fees are typically $50–$200 and are often paid by the carrier and then billed back to the shipper or broker.
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.
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.
Live Load/Unload
A live load or live unload is a freight appointment where the driver must wait on-site while the freight is loaded or unloaded, as opposed to a drop and hook arrangement. Wait times of 1–4 hours are common at busy distribution centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should truck drivers carry a pallet jack?
It depends on your freight type and routes. Local and regional drivers delivering to locations without dock equipment benefit from carrying one.