What Is A Lift Gate?

When the shipping or receiving address does not have a loading dock, manual loading and unloading is necessary. A lift gate is a platform at the back of certain trucks that can raise and lower a shipment by using a hydraulic system. The shipment can then move from the ground to the truck and vice versa. Lift gate service is typically used on freight exceeding 150 lbs in weight if a loading dock is not available at pick up or delivery.

The average cost of a lift-gate is $65. The price of needing a lift gate, however, can range from $30 to $120 depending on the carrier. Shipping Discounts has negotiated rates with several different carriers. Rates depend on the pick-up location, delivery location, and the delivery services requested. The best way to find your actual lift gate cost is to use the Transportation Management System provided to you through our website to quote your shipping costs with and without a lift gate.

When transporting large items, tailgate lifts enable you to keep the items level while being loaded and unloaded – working like an elevator. By eliminating the necessity for ramps, there’s a lot less risk of damage to the items being shipped. Lift gates were created for moving large and heavy items.

Lift gates create a huge increase in productivity when a loading dock is not present. Additionally, it eliminates the necessity of a forklift to assist in unloading heavy items. Essentially, lift gates were designed to reduce the requirement for physical manpower. Some larger objects carry substantial weight, and using a lift gate addresses numerous issues. These problems embrace the necessity for additional personnel, the danger of damaging things being loaded, and the risk of injury to one or many of your workers. The added efficiency and productivity justifies the cost added to the cost of shipping.

Contact us today about rates with and without lift gates.