sniper1stdiv
Expert Expediter
hello my truck has a lift gate and its really in the way and don't think it would be used very much.i am thinking of taking it off but would appreciate some input from anyone.
thanks,
don
thanks,
don
are liftgates useful or extra weight
- Thread starter sniper1stdiv
- Start date
Unless you are doing alot of local or courier type deliveries, I personally think they are a waste of money for someone new. If you are doing FedEx white glove they can help you get some of those types of loads. We had 5 units with these and they were more hassle and expense then they were worth. You will gain some loads with them, but you lose just as many because many plants will not accept a truck that can't lock unto their dock. They are prohibited from being loaded by many unions. Safety and maintenance is another issue with these.
Of course these are my experiences with having them. And you are right, you are hauling extra weight around for a large percentage of time that you aren't getting paid for.
Davekc
owner
20 years
Of course these are my experiences with having them. And you are right, you are hauling extra weight around for a large percentage of time that you aren't getting paid for.
Davekc
owner
20 years
does company you are working for know that you have a lift gate
if it is not in your profile , that may be the reason you are not getting lift gate loads
so before i take it off try it for one or two months and than maybe sale it on eo
if it is not in your profile , that may be the reason you are not getting lift gate loads
so before i take it off try it for one or two months and than maybe sale it on eo
Hello 
I certainly cannot speak for everyone because I am sure it will vary from company to company. However, I can give you some of our experiences. My wife and I drive a D unit for Landstar and our truck has a liftgate. It was on the truck when we bought it. While we have not used it a great deal, it has given us a few extra loads. We have moved hospital beds and other medical equipment. Not long ago we moved an ultra-sound machine a distance of 84 miles which paid 622.00 to the truck.
Our company does not do nearly as much automotive freight as many others and we have never been turned away from any dock in the fourteen months we have been with this company. I think generally it is at those types of facilities where they most often will "lock you in" to the loading dock.
Knock on wood, we have not had any maintenance issues with the liftgate yet.
Hope this helps.
I certainly cannot speak for everyone because I am sure it will vary from company to company. However, I can give you some of our experiences. My wife and I drive a D unit for Landstar and our truck has a liftgate. It was on the truck when we bought it. While we have not used it a great deal, it has given us a few extra loads. We have moved hospital beds and other medical equipment. Not long ago we moved an ultra-sound machine a distance of 84 miles which paid 622.00 to the truck.
Our company does not do nearly as much automotive freight as many others and we have never been turned away from any dock in the fourteen months we have been with this company. I think generally it is at those types of facilities where they most often will "lock you in" to the loading dock.
Knock on wood, we have not had any maintenance issues with the liftgate yet.
Hope this helps.