Cargo shipping is a crucial part of the logistics industry and over the years, reputable heavy truck companies have continued to provide efficient services such as liftgates. These services help transportation and logistics experts streamline operations and other essential functions.
In almost all shipping projects, cargo must be moved by truck, especially from a supplier or destination point to a warehouse. This process can involve a lot of lifting that could be risky if not done by an expert.
In these cases, some destinations and buildings may have loading docks that facilitate the process. Where these facilities are missing, you will have to use liftgate services.
So what exactly is a liftgate?
Before evaluating when to use a liftgate, it is vital to understand what it is. A liftgate is a mechanical device attached or attached to the rear of a vehicle to raise and lower loads from its bed. This equipment makes lifting and lowering loads safe and efficient.
Liftgate services prevent injury and other cargo and operator risks. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics states that three out of four people suffer back injuries from operations that require lifting and lowering loads.
Reputable shipping experts understand these statistics and offer appropriate lifting techniques such as liftgate solutions. This equipment consists of a hydraulic and sometimes electrical system that allows the operator to lift loads from the ground to the vehicle’s tailgate and vice versa.
Importance of using liftgates
Although you can manually load and unload light goods, loading goods is usually heavy and requires specialized or professional operating tools for safety and efficiency. Manual loading or unloading of heavy cargo can cause injury, cargo damage, and legal consequences should accidents occur at the point of operation.
That’s why you need liftgate services to protect your workers and your customers’ cargo. They generally have a unique significance, such as:
- Improved loading and unloading efficiency
- Improved accessibility in places without loading docks
- versatility
- Reduction of load damage and user accidents
- Compliance with regulations
When to use a liftgate for the transport of goods
Do you need liftgate services when shipping goods? A simple answer is yes! In addition to helping to load and unload goods, the liftgate also helps to protect the safety and efficiency of workers. But when is the lift gate necessary? Here’s when a liftgate should be used for transporting goods:
Downloading construction materials
Liftgates are common devices on construction sites to help unload construction materials from trailers and containers loaded onto the ground. Most construction sites do not have loading docks to receive or load construction materials. As such, liftgates help workers and other on-site personnel unload goods more quickly and safely. In addition, liftgates are useful when unloading hazardous chemicals that require careful handling and transportation.
There is no loading dock or shipping dock
A liftgate can be a valuable asset when there is no access to a loading dock. Some facilities do not have shipping reception areas, making loading and unloading cargo time-consuming and physically demanding.
Thanks to a liftgate, you can speed up the process of loading cargo onto a truck or unloading it from a truck. One of the advantages of using a liftgate over a forklift is that it can fit into tight areas and maneuver around fragile goods without causing damage.
Loading and unloading of commercial goods
In commercial shipping jobs where loading docks may be inaccessible, liftgates are a versatile solution for loading and unloading cargo. Whether you’re delivering goods to small businesses or building materials to a construction site, the convenience and flexibility of liftgates allow for efficient load management without the need for other external equipment.
During residential shipping activities
Liftgates are indispensable when delivering goods to residential locations such as apartments and houses without reception areas. Large shipments such as furniture and home building materials are common residential deliveries that require a liftgate to load and unload. Using a liftgate, the driver can safely unload heavy or oversized goods and lower them to ground level without the need for additional equipment or assistance from the owner. This simplifies the delivery process and mitigates the cost of hiring additional labor.
How much does it cost to deliver the liftgate?
The delivery cost of the liftgate varies depending on some factors, such as:
- Load dimensions
- weight
- Delivery distance
- Load type
On average, liftgate delivery can cost anywhere from tens to hundreds of dollars. Be sure to contact your preferred carrier for a quote.
The liftgate offering of efficiency and safety cannot be overlooked in the transport and logistics industry. Your shipping needs will be safe and efficient with a detailed understanding of this service. When you choose a reliable transportation company like Heavy Haulers, check out their reputable liftgate services and get the convenience of cargo delivery.
