Liftgate service is an additional freight service that uses a hydraulic or electric platform attached to the back of a delivery truck. The platform raises freight from ground level into the truck or lowers freight from the truck to the ground.

Standard less-than-truckload (LTL) freight deliveries are often designed for locations with loading docks, forklifts, or other equipment to handle heavy cargo. When these resources are unavailable, a liftgate provides a practical alternative.

For example, if you order a pallet of tools, commercial equipment, furniture, or wholesale merchandise for delivery to a business without a loading dock, a liftgate-equipped truck can lower the pallet to ground level.

Liftgate service can be requested for:

• Liftgate pickup: The carrier uses a liftgate to load freight onto the truck at the pickup location.

• Liftgate delivery: The carrier uses a liftgate to unload freight from the truck at the destination.

• Liftgate at both ends: Both pickup and delivery locations require liftgate equipment.

The service must generally be requested when arranging the shipment so the carrier can assign an appropriately equipped vehicle.

Liftgate service is usually an additional charge on top of your standard freight shipping rate. The exact price depends on the carrier, shipment weight, service location, and whether the equipment is needed at pickup, delivery, or both.

As a general budgeting guide, liftgate service may cost approximately $75–$150 or more per service location. Some carriers or shipments may fall outside this range, so the final amount should be confirmed with your freight quote. Published carrier tariffs can use different pricing methods, including minimum charges and weight-based rates. See an overview of liftgate charges.

Several factors can influence your liftgate fee:

• Carrier pricing: Every freight carrier has its own rates and tariff rules.

• Shipment weight and dimensions: Heavy or oversized freight may require equipment with specific capacity limits.

• Pickup versus delivery: Each end may incur a separate charge.

• Residential delivery: A residential delivery fee may apply in addition to the liftgate fee.

• Other accessorial services: Limited-access locations, appointment scheduling, or inside delivery may create additional charges.

Liftgate service is generally needed when freight must be moved between the truck and ground level and the pickup or delivery location lacks a suitable loading dock, forklift, or other safe unloading method.

You may need liftgate service in the following situations.

1. Residential freight deliveries

Most homes do not have commercial loading docks or forklifts. If you are receiving a pallet of tools, appliances, furniture, building materials, or other heavy goods, a liftgate may be necessary to unload the shipment safely.

Keep in mind that residential delivery and liftgate delivery are separate services. A residential delivery can require both.

2. Businesses without loading docks

Small retail stores, offices, workshops, and other businesses may receive freight but lack a raised loading dock or forklift.

A liftgate can help lower palletized shipments to ground level so the receiver can handle them with appropriate equipment.

3. Warehouses without accessible docks

Even if a facility has a loading dock, it may not be usable for a particular shipment. For example, a large truck might not be able to access the dock because of limited space, restricted vehicle access, or site conditions.

A liftgate-equipped truck may be an alternative, provided the carrier can safely access the location and the freight fits the equipment.

4. Construction sites and job locations

Construction sites often have changing access conditions and may not have permanent loading docks. Liftgate service can be useful when delivering packaged equipment, supplies, and palletized materials to an accessible ground-level drop-off point.

The site must still provide adequate space and a suitable surface for safe unloading.

5. Heavy or palletized shipments

Large shipments are not always safe or practical to unload manually. If the freight is too heavy to handle safely and no suitable equipment is available, a liftgate can help move it from the truck to ground level.

The carrier must confirm that the shipment’s weight and dimensions are within the assigned liftgate’s capacity.

Not necessarily. If you have a suitable forklift and a loading dock that the carrier can access, liftgate service may not be needed.

However, having a forklift does not automatically eliminate the need for a liftgate. Your dock may be inaccessible to the assigned truck, the forklift may not be rated for the shipment’s weight, or site restrictions may prevent normal loading or unloading.

Before booking, confirm your equipment, dock access, and the type of truck the carrier will send.

Liftgate service and inside delivery are two different freight services.

Liftgate service moves freight between the truck and ground level. It does not normally include carrying the shipment inside a building.

Inside delivery involves moving freight beyond the standard delivery point, such as through a doorway or into a designated area inside a business or residence. This may require an additional fee and must be arranged with the carrier.

For example, if a carrier delivers a pallet of merchandise to your storefront, liftgate service may lower it to the pavement. If you need the pallet moved inside your store, you should ask whether inside delivery is available.

If a carrier arrives and discovers that the shipment cannot be safely loaded or unloaded with the equipment available, the pickup or delivery may be delayed or unsuccessful.

Depending on the carrier’s rules, you could face:

• Additional service charges.

• Rescheduling or a second delivery attempt.

• Changes to the shipment arrangements.

• Delays while the carrier determines how to complete the delivery.

Requesting the correct service in advance helps the carrier plan for the location and reduces the risk of unexpected costs. Old Dominion Freight Line’s accessorial service guide also explains why accurate shipment details and early communication matter.

Before scheduling your shipment, follow these steps:

1. Confirm loading dock availability. Determine whether the pickup and delivery locations have accessible docks.

2. Check for a forklift or suitable handling equipment. Verify that it can safely handle the shipment.

3. Measure and weigh your freight. Provide the packaged dimensions and weight, including each pallet or handling unit.

4. Confirm site access. Ensure the truck has enough room to position itself and operate the liftgate safely.

5. Request the service in advance. Specify whether liftgate pickup, liftgate delivery, or both are needed.

6. Review your final quote. Confirm whether residential delivery, inside delivery, or other accessorial charges apply.

Liftgate platforms and weight capacities vary by truck and carrier. Confirm compatibility before shipping unusually large or heavy freight.

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