Understanding Freight Shipping: The Low-Down on Liftgate Service
Have you ever found yourself scratching your head over your final bill, wondering why you were charged that pesky liftgate delivery fee? We’re here to give you the 411 on liftgates — what they are and when you need one.
Many freight shipments are delivered from one loading dock to another, and the freight is offloaded directly from the truck with a pallet jack. Alternately, freight can be moved on and off the truck using a forklift. But for pick-up or delivery locations that do not have access to a dock or forklift — that’s where a liftgate comes in.
What is liftgate service?
A liftgate is a device that lifts or lowers your heavy pallets from ground level to the back of the truck. If the freight carrier picks up or delivers shipments that are too heavy to be loaded or unloaded by hand to a location without access to a shipping dock or forklift, such as a residential address, you should expect that a liftgate is required for the shipment. The service is called liftgate pickup or liftgate delivery depending on where the service will be provided.
How much does liftgate service cost?
Liftgate service fees can range from fifty to several hundred dollars. The cost of a liftgate service will vary based on the freight carrier, how much a shipment weighs, and the location of the service. The best way to get a liftgate service cost is to get a freight quote from Unishippers with your delivery specifics.
Is liftgate service always available?
It’s essential to let the carrier know in advance if a liftgate is needed since not all trucks come prepared with the proper equipment. If a truck arrives for pick-up or delivery and a liftgate was required but not specified, it could result in freight accessorial charges and delays. Be sure to plan ahead and indicate on your bill of lading if you require a liftgate for your freight shipping.
Contact Unishippers for liftgate delivery assistance
Contact Unishippers’ dedicated team of shipping experts is standing by to answer all of your freight shipping questions — from scheduling liftgates, to understanding your invoices, and everything in between.
