Liftgate

A liftgate is a hydraulic or electric platform installed at the rear of a truck or trailer that allows freight to be raised from ground level to the trailer floor height, or lowered from the trailer to the ground. Liftgates are essential for deliveries to locations that do not have a loading dock, such as restaurants, small grocery stores, convenience stores, and residential addresses.

In cold chain logistics, liftgate deliveries are common for last-mile distribution of refrigerated and frozen products to foodservice establishments, small retail locations, and direct-to-consumer operations. The liftgate allows a driver to unload pallets or cases of temperature-sensitive product without a dock, using a pallet jack to roll freight onto the platform and then lowering it to ground level.

Liftgate Specifications and Costs

Standard liftgate platforms can handle loads ranging from 2,000 to 5,500 pounds depending on the model. The liftgate adds approximately 500 to 800 pounds to the truck's tare weight, which reduces available payload capacity. Liftgate service is typically billed as an accessorial charge, ranging from $50 to $150 per delivery depending on the carrier and market. This charge covers the additional time required for ground-level unloading, which takes longer than a standard dock delivery.

For temperature-sensitive shipments, liftgate deliveries present an additional challenge because the trailer doors must remain open longer during the unloading process, exposing the cargo to ambient temperatures. Drivers delivering refrigerated liftgate freight should work quickly and limit door-open time to preserve the cold chain integrity of the remaining cargo in the trailer.