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Need a lift? Get your freight off the ground!
A liftgate is a hydraulic platform attached to the back of trucks or trailers that makes loading and unloading freight safer and easier. Liftgate service makes freight delivery more efficient, secure and accessible.
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.
Raising the bar while lifting expectations
Liftgates are hydraulically 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.
At MX Logistics, most of our trailers come equipped with liftgate capabilities, allowing us to ensure smooth and efficient freight deliveries when the origin or 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 trailer to transport freight.
With the push of a magic button, the liftgate raises and lowers. ⬆️⬇️
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. A liftgate can reduce risk of damage, delays and unnecessary physical harm.
There are three important things to look at when it comes to liftgate service:
Larger platforms: More space means it’s easier to move big freight.
High weight capacity: MX liftgates can handle up to 4,400 lbs, which covers everything from small deliveries to heavy pallets.
Solar-powered battery systems: These keep the liftgates running without needing to rely on the truck engine. Less downtime and it’s better for the environment too.
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!
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.
Need a lift? Don’t get left on the ground!
Our liftgates ensures your freight is handled with care from the point of origin to its destination, no loading dock required! Whether you’re shipping to a busy city location or a remote site, knowing how and when to use a liftgate can make your delivery faster, safer and more efficient.
🚚 When to Use Liftgate Service: Learn the situations where a liftgate is the perfect solution for getting your freight delivered without hassle!
📝 Step-by-Step Blog Article: Our latest post shows how liftgates work with a brief history of their invention.
⬇️ Downloadable Guide: Keep the information at your fingertips with our free quick-reference PDF that you can save or print.
Smoothly load or unload freight while protecting cargo and your back. Whether you’re moving medical equipment, staging an event or transporting heavy freight, our liftgate-equipped trailers ensure safe, seamless deliveries when equipment or dock access is limited.
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
