Liftgate service

Liftgate service is an LTL carrier using a powered platform at the back of the truck to lower freight to the ground, or raise it, where there is no loading dock. It is an accessorial charge on top of the freight rate: in five 2026 US tariffs it runs from USD 4.40 to USD 13.96 per 100 lb, with minimums.

When you need it

Whenever freight has to go between the truck bed and the ground without a dock or a forklift — a shop, a building site, a home office. TForce Freight's tariff describes the service as using mechanical loading or unloading devices, hydraulic or electric, to accomplish pickup or delivery, and charges it separately at each end.

2026 charges

Worked example: 1,500 lb at delivery

Who pays

FedEx Freight bills the party that requested the service, guaranteed by the shipper; Old Dominion bills the payer of the freight charges. Either way the charge lands on the freight bill, so check it against what was ordered.

The mistake people make

Not asking in writing. Estes requires liftgate requests in writing and stated on the bill of lading; if the shipper leaves it off, the consignee has to request it on the delivery receipt and sign for the charge at the door.