We take your freight to new heights.
Need a lift? Get your freight off the ground!
Liftgate service makes freight transportation more efficient, secure and accessible for our customers achieving success. A liftgate is a hydraulic platform attached to the back of trucks and trailers that makes loading and unloading heavy freight safer and easier.
But when were liftgates created and more importantly: when are liftgates the right solution for your shipment? We’ve created a two-page brochure that highlights everything you need to know about MX Logistics’ liftgate services; showcasing how they work and when they’re essential for your freight. You can download the brochure using the button below.
A Brief History of Liftgates
Liftgates have become a vital tool in the freight and logistics industry but their creation goes back over a century ago. The idea began when William C. Anthony designed an innovative dumping mechanism for the Ford Model T in 1918. After saving enough funds and gaining experience in the automotive industry, Anthony left to form his own company but he continued to work with Ford until a disagreement led him to distribute the product independently.
A liftgate is designed to raise and lower freight between the ground and the bed of a truck or trailer. It’s useful at delivery locations that don’t have a loading dock or forklift.
His invention evolved and by 1941, the term “liftgate” was officially coined when Anthony’s company introduced a universal, rear-mounted loading platform that could attach itself to trucks. As development and demand grew, different styles emerged including tuck-under liftgates and railgate designs. Later models focused on improving safety, convenience and weight capacity.
Today, liftgates are an essential feature capable of handling loads from 1,000 to 5,000 lbs (depending on the model and vehicle), helping to safely load freight without a dock or forklift. Options vary but advances in technology have led to newer models becoming lighter, more fuel-efficient and easier to store. Tuck-away liftgates continue to improve, reducing downtime and cargo access. We believe they will become even more integral to freight delivery in the coming years.
This is one of the earliest versions of the liftgate from Anthony Liftgates known as the ‘End Gate Loaders’, mounted to the rear end of a Ford truck. Circa 1920.
Raising the bar while lifting expectations
Liftgates are hydraulically or electrically powered platforms installed on the rear of a truck or trailer. With the push of a button, the liftgate raises or lowers to the appropriate height, ground level or truck bed, making it easier to load or unload freight directly. Some liftgates fold under the truck bed when not in use, while others lay flat against the back door. Common operating features include toggle switches or handheld controls, safety features like automatic stops or ramps and manual overrides in case of a power failure.
With the push of a magic button, the liftgate raises and lowers. ⬆️⬇️
At MX Logistics, all of our trailers come equipped with liftgate capabilities, allowing us to ensure smooth and efficient freight deliveries when the destination has no loading dock. You’ll most commonly find liftgates installed on box trucks, straight trucks, dry vans and refrigerated trailers (also known as reefer trucks). Learn more about what is the best way to transport freight.
When should you request liftgate service?
If your delivery location doesn’t have a loading dock or where equipment is limited, a liftgate is essential. It’s also recommended when your freight is over 150 pounds, not palletized or if there’s no forklift or unloading crew available at the drop-off point. In these cases, a liftgate can prevent damage, delays and unnecessary physical harm.
Liftgate service comes with an additional fee. This is because not all freight requires a liftgate and using one involves extra equipment, time and increased operational costs. That said, we offer clear and transparent pricing, so you’ll always know upfront whether your shipment requires liftgate assistance and what it will cost.
There are two main types of liftgates: rail-style liftgates, which are mounted directly to the rear of the truck, and tuck-under liftgates, which fold and store beneath the truck when not in use.
This is what a liftgate looks like when it’s fully deployed. This model is a tuck-under liftgate.
We operate a 50,000 sq. ft. warehouse with 16 docks ready to load freight for both our fleet and yours!
See a liftgate in action, watch our 1 minute video to learn how it works!
Don’t get left on the ground
Liftgates are an essential part of MX Logistics. Whether you’re moving delicate medical equipment, bulky construction materials or high-value freight, our liftgate equipped trailers ensure your cargo gets where it needs to go safely and efficiently. Need help determining if you need liftgate service for your next shipment? Contact us to request a free quote.
Whether you’re moving sensitive medical equipment, staging a live event or managing recurring freight transportation, we’re the logistics partner that brings certainty to every shipment. Tell us about your upcoming project and we’ll find a way to make it happen seamlessly. Every journey starts with one mile. Let’s move your ideas forward. Click here to request a quote.
✉️ Email: info@mxlogistics.com
📞 Office: (732) 346-6666
