Liftgate delivery uses a hydraulic platform mounted on the back of a truck to raise and lower heavy or palletized freight between the truck bed and ground level, so cargo can be delivered where there is no loading dock or forklift. If your delivery location is a storefront, residence, or job site without dock-height access, you almost certainly need a liftgate.
When do you need a liftgate?
Request liftgate service whenever the pickup or delivery point lacks a dock or forklift and the shipment is too heavy to handle by hand. Typical situations include residential deliveries, small retail stores, restaurants, construction sites, and businesses in older buildings without dock doors. If a single item or pallet weighs more than a person can safely lift—generally anything palletized or over about 100 pounds—and there is no equipment on site, the liftgate does the lifting.
How liftgate delivery works
The driver positions freight on the liftgate platform at truck-bed height, then the hydraulic gate lowers it to the ground. From there the driver typically moves the pallet with a manual pallet jack to a curb, garage, or threshold. Standard liftgate service is generally curbside—the driver brings the freight to ground level and to the nearest accessible point, but does not carry it inside or upstairs unless you add inside-delivery or white-glove service.
Liftgate and the last mile
Liftgate is a core piece of last-mile delivery, especially for freight headed to locations without industrial infrastructure. Coordinating the right equipment for each stop—knowing in advance which deliveries need a liftgate, which need inside service, and which have a dock—keeps drivers from arriving unequipped and prevents failed deliveries. Routing that flags site requirements ahead of time turns a common source of redelivery fees into a smooth single-visit drop.
What liftgate service costs
Liftgate is an accessorial charge added on top of the base freight rate. For LTL shipments it commonly runs from roughly $30 to $150 per shipment depending on the carrier, location, and whether it is needed at pickup, delivery, or both. Because it is an add-on, always declare liftgate needs when you book—discovering the requirement at the door usually triggers a higher fee and can mean a missed delivery and a return trip.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my delivery address needs a liftgate?
If there is no raised loading dock and no forklift on site, you need one. Residences, small shops, and many commercial storefronts qualify.
Will the driver bring the freight inside?
Standard liftgate service is curbside only. Bringing items indoors, upstairs, or to a specific room requires inside delivery or white-glove service, which is a separate add-on.
What’s the difference between a liftgate and a dock?
A dock is a fixed, raised platform at a warehouse that matches truck-bed height so freight rolls straight off. A liftgate is portable equipment on the truck itself, used precisely when no dock exists.
Get the right equipment at every stop
Avoid failed deliveries and surprise fees with last-mile service planned around each site. Request a quote or call Go Freight at (786) 445-0150 for liftgate and last-mile delivery across South Florida.