What is a Liftgate Fee?

A liftgate fee is an extra charge added to a freight shipment when a liftgate is required for pickup or delivery. A liftgate is a hydraulic platform attached to the back of a truck that raises and lowers cargo between the truck bed and ground level, allowing delivery to locations without a loading dock or forklift.

Liftgate service is common in residential deliveries, retail locations, or small businesses without loading equipment.

When is a Liftgate Fee Charged?

You may be charged a liftgate fee when:

• The pickup or delivery location lacks a dock
• The shipment is too heavy to unload by hand
• The carrier is not informed in advance and must dispatch a truck with liftgate capability

Typical Fee Range

• $75 to $150 per shipment (may vary by carrier and region)

Example in Practice

A retailer receives a 1,000-pound pallet of equipment at a store without a dock. The delivery truck uses a liftgate to lower the pallet to the ground. The carrier charges a $95 liftgate fee for the extra service.

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