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Question About Liftgate Service
- Thread starter ddickey
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- Feb 1, 2015
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I believe that most define lift gate service as lowering the freight to the deck, ground, or floor. For the few times that I had that service, it meant leaving the machine on the driveway.
Some drivers are willing to assist but they are not required to.
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- Mar 21, 2013
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Every delivery I have had that required a lift gate ( 5 to date) had a pallet jack on the trailer so the driver could maneuver the load onto the lift gate. I then asked if I could 'borrow' the pallet jack to get the crate up the driveway and into my garage. Every time, the driver helped by steering the crate, and I (and sometimes my friends) pushed it up the driveway and into the garage. I then tipped the driver $40 for his 60 seconds of time. 
The one exception was when when my 1340 was delivered: The driver had a electric pallet jack, and he just motored the crate up the driveway with that while me and my friends just watched. Still tipped him though.
I've never been turned down when I ask, but like stated, they are not required to.
The one exception was when when my 1340 was delivered: The driver had a electric pallet jack, and he just motored the crate up the driveway with that while me and my friends just watched. Still tipped him though.
I've never been turned down when I ask, but like stated, they are not required to.
I'm a bit concerned as I have no pallet jack or any other way to get into my garage. Sounds like a pretty good bet though that the driver would help.
Also, what about time of delivery, do you have any say about a day and time. I work a six week rotating schedule so would have to be delivered on my days off.
Also, what about time of delivery, do you have any say about a day and time. I work a six week rotating schedule so would have to be delivered on my days off.
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2013
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- 3,638
i have had all kinds of stuff delivered by truck, both to my home and business.
some of the guys are just a pleasure to have come by and drop stuff, the other group of guys need a little persuasion.
you'd be surprised what a 12 pack will get you, especially if they are green bottles
if i know i am going to have a hard time moving an object,
i'll prepare simple moving dollies manufactured from 2x4's, or 4x4's and install casters or make simple frames for use with pipe rollers or other solid rods.
sometimes i'll even add a sleever bar, come-along and/or block and tackle to make the job easier.
the machine set on a thin steel plate will glide across a concrete garage floor with the addition of a thin film of water between the floor and the steel plate.
it still can be dragged fairly easily without the water too. a come-along would greatly aid that process.
i wish the best of luck!
some of the guys are just a pleasure to have come by and drop stuff, the other group of guys need a little persuasion.
you'd be surprised what a 12 pack will get you, especially if they are green bottles
if i know i am going to have a hard time moving an object,
i'll prepare simple moving dollies manufactured from 2x4's, or 4x4's and install casters or make simple frames for use with pipe rollers or other solid rods.
sometimes i'll even add a sleever bar, come-along and/or block and tackle to make the job easier.
the machine set on a thin steel plate will glide across a concrete garage floor with the addition of a thin film of water between the floor and the steel plate.
it still can be dragged fairly easily without the water too. a come-along would greatly aid that process.
i wish the best of luck!
Your dilemma is not unusual. Those are details that should be worked out with the transporter. In my case, the driver was alone and was kind enough to run the 1200 lb. lathe across the flat paved driveway into the garage. I had a plan B however because there was no obligation for him to do more than deposit the crate safely on the driveway.
Why do you say that you have no way to move the lathe into the garage yourself? If you can provide more details and pics maybe we can make suggestions.
Obviously, someone should be present when the crate is delivered. You really should be working this out with the transporter.
Last edited:
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- Sep 19, 2012
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Your carrier should call you and set up a delivery window.
I am a freight truck driver. Most liftgate deliveries are curbside only. If you have a smooth driveway that is accesable by a semi, you may be able to talk the driver into dropping in the shop.
Ulma suggested beer, I for one don't drink. You could conveniently be grilling hamburgers when he shows up though, as all drivers like to eat!
I am a freight truck driver. Most liftgate deliveries are curbside only. If you have a smooth driveway that is accesable by a semi, you may be able to talk the driver into dropping in the shop.
Ulma suggested beer, I for one don't drink. You could conveniently be grilling hamburgers when he shows up though, as all drivers like to eat!
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2016
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- 1,953
My 4003G was delivered just outside my garage. I then made a setup that secured between the bumper of my truck, and the bottom of the crate, so I could use the truck to push the crate in place.
When I moved, I took the lathe apart, and secured the lathe to 2 4x4's, and used a winch to drag it up on my trailer. Then used the winch and a few snatch blocks to drag it off.
The bare wood dragging across will not hurt anything.
When I moved, I took the lathe apart, and secured the lathe to 2 4x4's, and used a winch to drag it up on my trailer. Then used the winch and a few snatch blocks to drag it off.
The bare wood dragging across will not hurt anything.
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Prior to fork lift purchase, I would schedule a lift gate delivery for large heavy items. The service usually ran an extra $120. One thing I can say is for sure, all deliveries whether lift gate or not, the freight drivers always have a pallet jack as they need to move the items to the rear of the rig for off loading. Most all drivers are accommodating and if they stay longer than usual (one always knows) helping out, you give them a nice tip and thank them.
Most deliveries I get now, the drivers pretty much stand clear as I unload or load the truck without delay or drama. Very helpful and curious.
In short, if you have the room, buy a HF pallet jack on sale. Its my best friend next to the fork lift and I use it for all sorts of stuff.
I have moved all machines on 1" pipe when I worked out of my old shop with 7' headers. You can effectively move machines this way without damage/injury. Go slow and use common sense.
Best of luck and preserve your fingers.
Most deliveries I get now, the drivers pretty much stand clear as I unload or load the truck without delay or drama. Very helpful and curious.
In short, if you have the room, buy a HF pallet jack on sale. Its my best friend next to the fork lift and I use it for all sorts of stuff.
I have moved all machines on 1" pipe when I worked out of my old shop with 7' headers. You can effectively move machines this way without damage/injury. Go slow and use common sense.
Best of luck and preserve your fingers.