No loading dock? Then your freight needs a liftgate. Liftgate delivery means the truck has a powered platform on the back that lowers pallets and heavy items from the truck floor to the ground. With LTL carriers it's an extra charge. In 2026, published liftgate minimums run from about $75 to $275 per stop, and pickup and delivery are billed separately.
This guide explains what liftgate delivery is, when you need it, what each major LTL carrier charges, and how to avoid surprise fees. Need a liftgate truck in Dallas–Fort Worth? Every Mr. Whiz box truck has one. Call (214) 217-6302 or request a free quote.
What Is Liftgate Delivery?
A liftgate is a hydraulic platform mounted on the back of a box truck or trailer. The floor of a delivery truck sits about 48 inches off the ground, according to FreightRate. Without a dock or forklift, there's no safe way to get a heavy pallet down. The driver rolls the pallet onto the liftgate with a pallet jack, lowers it to street level, and moves it to the curb, driveway or doorway.
Liftgates have weight limits. Penske, for example, lists its 22–26 ft box trucks with liftgates rated up to 3,000 lbs (Penske). Heavier single pieces, like machinery, need a forklift, a crane or a flatbed.
When Do You Need a Liftgate?
Ask for liftgate service at pickup, delivery or both when:
There's no loading dock, such as at a home, storefront, small office or construction site.
There's no forklift on site to unload the truck.
Pallets weigh more than about 150 lbs. Most drivers won't hand-unload items over about 75 lbs.
The freight is fragile and can't be tipped or walked down a ramp.
If you're not sure, ask the person receiving the freight whether they have a dock and a forklift before you book. Guessing wrong costs more than booking a liftgate you didn't need.
Liftgate Fees by LTL Carrier (2026)
LTL carriers publish liftgate charges in their rules tariffs, usually per 100 lbs (cwt) with a minimum and maximum. Here are list charges compiled by GetLTLRates from tariffs published as of September 2026:
Carrier | Per 100 lbs | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
Estes Express Lines | $4.95 | $75 | $350 |
Southeastern Freight Lines | $7.25 | $89 | $225 |
AAA Cooper | $6.00 | $97.50 | $358.30 |
Old Dominion | $4.40 | $105 | $330 |
Saia | $12.12 | $164.50 | $382.50 |
Central Transport | $9.35 | $183.75 | $337 |
TForce Freight | $13.00 | $200 | $615 |
FedEx Freight | $13.96 | $207 | $681 |
R+L Carriers | $16.00 | $225 | $820 |
ABF Freight | $12.50 | $235 | $650 |
XPO | $14.20 | $274 | $682 |
How it works: a 1,000 lb pallet shipped with a carrier charging $4.95 per 100 lbs comes to $49.50, so the $75 minimum applies instead. These are list prices. Contract and broker rates can be lower, so always check your own quote.
Residential Liftgate Delivery Costs More
Deliveries to homes usually carry a residential charge on top of the liftgate fee. GetLTLRates' 2026 survey of residential delivery fees shows minimums from $75 to $225 at most carriers, and FedEx Freight charges a flat $243.
Standard liftgate delivery is curbside. The driver lowers the freight to the ground at the curb or the end of the driveway. Bringing it inside is a separate inside-delivery service, typically $75–$200 more, according to FreightPlus.
Liftgate vs. Loading Dock vs. Forklift
Delivery site has | What to book |
|---|---|
A loading dock | Standard dock delivery, no liftgate needed |
No dock, but a forklift | Usually no liftgate; the forklift unloads from the side or rear |
No dock and no forklift | Liftgate delivery |
A single very heavy piece | Flatbed or hot shot with crane or forklift unloading |
How to Avoid Surprise Liftgate Charges
Put it on the bill of lading. Declare liftgate at pickup and delivery when you book. Adding it later can bring a reconsignment fee of about $85–$160 on top of the liftgate charge.
Confirm the delivery site. Ask about docks, forklifts, gates and parking for a box truck.
List accurate weights. Fees billed per 100 lbs grow with weight, and wrong weights trigger reweigh charges.
Consider terminal pickup. Most LTL carriers let you pick up at their terminal, if you have a truck and trailer that can carry the freight.
Book a dedicated liftgate truck. For local and in-state runs, a box truck with its own liftgate avoids per-stop LTL fees and terminal handling.
Liftgate Delivery in Dallas–Fort Worth With Mr. Whiz Logistics
Every Mr. Whiz box truck has a hydraulic liftgate, so we can deliver without a dock. Pricing is set upfront with no hidden fees. Choose:
16 ft box truck for local DFW deliveries of up to about 8 pallets
26 ft box truck for larger loads of up to about 12 pallets, multi-stop routes and runs across Texas
Sprinter van with lift for parts, boxes and a few pallets
We deliver to warehouses, stores, offices and job sites across Dallas–Fort Worth, with same-day, next-day and recurring routes. Dispatch runs 24/7. Call (214) 217-6302 or get a free quote. Comparing options? Read our guide to pallet shipping costs in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does liftgate delivery mean?
Liftgate delivery means the truck has a hydraulic platform that lowers freight from the truck floor to the ground. It's used when the delivery site has no loading dock or forklift.
How much is a liftgate delivery fee?
Published LTL liftgate minimums in 2026 run from about $75 to $275 per stop, depending on the carrier, with per-100-lb charges on heavier shipments. Pickup and delivery are charged separately.
Do I need a liftgate for residential delivery?
Almost always. Homes don't have loading docks, so any palletized freight over about 150 lbs needs a liftgate. Expect a residential delivery charge on top of the liftgate fee with most LTL carriers.
Will the driver bring my delivery inside?
Not with standard liftgate service, which is curbside. Inside delivery is a separate service that typically costs about $75–$200 more on LTL.
How much weight can a liftgate lift?
It depends on the truck. Many 22–26 ft box truck liftgates are rated up to about 3,000 lbs. Heavier single pieces need a forklift, a crane or a flatbed.
Can I add a liftgate after my shipment is picked up?
Usually yes, but it can cost a reconsignment fee of about $85–$160 on top of the liftgate charge. It's cheaper to request it when you book.
Is liftgate service included with a dedicated box truck?
With trucks that have their own liftgate, it's usually part of the run price. Every Mr. Whiz box truck has a hydraulic liftgate, and the price is set upfront.
