Lift Gate Service: When You Need It for LTL Shipping

Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is an essential component of the logistics market, and working with a transportation management partner can help optimize these shipments. It is what enables carriers to bring shipments the last mile from the transport hub to the final destination. Oftentimes, that final destination is a home, apartment, hotel, hospital, or construction site that does not have full-service facilities like a loading dock or a forklift. In these situations, lift gate service is not only invaluable but often necessary.

In this blog post, we'll explain what lift gate service is, who needs it, how it works, and how to use it effectively.

So what is a lift gate?

A lift gate is a hydraulic platform that is attached to the back of a truck. It allows goods to be raised or lowered from ground level to or from the truck without the use of manpower or a forklift. Lift gate service is generally a service all its own so it usually incurs an accessorial fee, priced depending on local supply and demand for the service.

Who Needs Lift Gate Service?

You'll find that lift gates can come in quite handy for many different kinds of shipments.

However, lift gate service is especially useful for less than truckload shipments. Since some LTL shipments are more likely to go to locations without a loading dock or forklift available, lift gates become an invaluable asset. Lift gates are also very helpful for deliveries to construction sites, where large or heavy shipments must be delivered directly to the site that does not have an official loading dock. While smaller packages can be unloaded by hand, a lift gate is crucial for large and heavy items and oddly shaped goods not loaded onto standard LTL pallets.

Lift gate service is often offered as an addition to last mile delivery or white glove services as well.

Having said that, lift gate service is not only beneficial to customers and the carrier's bottom-line. By equipping drivers with this one tool, carriers help reduce strain and potential injuries to their workers.

How Does a Lift Gate Work?

Manufacturers provide lift gates for all sizes of vehicles, even as small as pickups, vans, and light utility trucks. The size of the lift gate must match the vehicle. Key specifications include:

Lift Gate Dimensions:

Width: typically ranging from 80 to 89 inches
Depth: typically ranging from 30 to 70 inches
Small trucks (96 inches wide) use 80-83 inch lift gates
Full size, 53 foot van trailers (102 inches wide) can handle 89 inch width lift gates

For LTL shipping, you should install a lift gate large enough to load and unload a full 40 x 48 inch pallet.

Weight Capacity:

Lift gates typically have a weight capacity from 1500 to 3500 lbs
Larger capacity lift gates are installed on larger trucks
Smaller capacity gates are installed on smaller vehicles
For LTL deliveries, a 2500 lb. capacity lift gate is the best bet, matching the capacity of pallets which are also built to handle between 2000 and 2500 lbs

Installation and Use

When installing a lift gate, follow these steps:

Remove the bumper, hitch, and tailgate hardware
Fix mounting brackets to the truck in order to add the lift gate
Wire the lift gate to the truck's battery for power
Check hydraulic fluid levels
Test the lift gate to ensure everything is working properly and according to specifications

When using a lift gate, follow these operational steps:

Ensure the truck engine is on and set in park
Turn on the lift gate power switch (often installed in the cab)
Check that the area behind the truck is clear and remove the safety chain
Release the latch holding the lift gate in place using the lever
Stand to the side of the platform and lower the lift gate to the ground with the control switch before opening the platform (do not unfold the platform while operating the control switch)
Once the lift gate is on the ground, unfold the platform so that the entire gate is now open and resting on the ground
When unloading, raise the gate back up, open the truck door, and move goods to the lift gate
Lower the lift gate back down to the ground for unloading

A pallet jack is a useful addition to lift gate service. Just remember that the pallet jack itself can weigh up to 300 pounds, so take this into account when loading or unloading heavy goods so as not to put too much strain on the lift gate hydraulics.

Final Thoughts

Lift gate service is an essential tool for LTL shipping, especially when delivering to locations without loading docks or forklifts. Understanding how lift gates work, their specifications, and proper installation and usage procedures can help you optimize your shipping operations while keeping your workers safe.

The Redwood team can help you navigate your lift gate service needs for LTL or any mode. Connect with our transportation management team today.

FAQs

What is lift gate service in LTL shipping?

Lift gate service is a delivery add-on that uses a hydraulic platform on the back of a truck to raise or lower freight between ground level and the trailer. It is especially useful in less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping when the destination does not have a loading dock or forklift. Because it is a separate service, it usually comes with an accessorial fee.

When do you need a lift gate for a delivery?

You typically need lift gate service when freight is being delivered to a location without a loading dock or forklift, such as a home, apartment, hotel, hospital, or construction site. It is especially helpful for LTL shipments, large or heavy items, and oddly shaped goods that are not on standard pallets. The service can also support last-mile and white glove deliveries.

How does a lift gate work on a truck?

A lift gate is mounted to the back of a truck and powered hydraulically. The driver lowers the platform to the ground, loads or unloads the freight, and then raises it back to truck level. Safe operation includes parking the truck, turning on the power switch, clearing the area behind the truck, and lowering the gate before unfolding the platform.

How much weight can a lift gate handle?

Lift gates typically have a weight capacity between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds, depending on the vehicle size and gate configuration. For LTL deliveries, a 2,500-pound capacity lift gate is often the best fit because it aligns well with pallet freight that usually handles about 2,000 to 2,500 pounds. Matching capacity to the load is important for safe use.

What size lift gate do you need for LTL freight?

For LTL freight, the lift gate should be large enough to handle a standard 40 x 48 inch pallet. Lift gates generally range from 80 to 89 inches wide and 30 to 70 inches deep, with the exact size matched to the vehicle. Small trucks may use 80-83 inch gates, while 53-foot van trailers can handle 89-inch gates.

Does lift gate service cost extra?

Yes, lift gate service usually costs extra because it is treated as an accessorial service rather than part of standard freight movement. Pricing often depends on local supply and demand for the service. Shippers should expect the lift gate charge to be separate from the base transportation rate, especially for LTL shipments.

Can a pallet jack be used with lift gate service?

Yes, a pallet jack can be used with lift gate service, but its weight should be considered during loading or unloading. A pallet jack can weigh up to 300 pounds, which adds to the load on the lift gate hydraulics. That makes it important to account for the jack’s weight when moving heavy freight to avoid overstraining the equipment.