Liftgates have revolutionized the way our drivers are delivering. Throughout the past 100 years, we have seen many changes to the look and style of trailers but loading and unloading hasn’t changed much – until the liftgate. This piece of equipment has made deliveries faster, easier and safer for truck drivers across the world.
1. Faster & Easier Deliveries
In the past, there were just 2 main ways to load and unload your product – using a forklift when backed up to a dock or using side bays. Each of these methods have an appropriate function for certain types of deliveries, but what about drop-offs that don’t have a dock? Sure, side bay deliveries can get the job done, but it takes much longer and exerts more energy from the driver.
Side bays require for the delivery to be manually loaded onto a cart or dolly. This forces your driver to take more time for each delivery to ensure that each order is correct. With liftgates, each load can be pre-sorted and loaded onto carts or pallets at the warehouse and then loaded directly on the trailer for much faster deliveries and less chance of delivering the wrong products to a customer. Pre-picked pallets or carts reduce your cost per case by reducing delivery time and also reducing workman’s comp claims.
2. Safer Deliveries
Drivers and driver safety should always be of utmost concern. Utilizing ways to keep our drivers safer should be a standard practice. Although liftgates are heavy duty pieces of equipment and do require additional training and safety practices, the benefits outweigh the risks when used properly.
According to the Federal Occupational Health Department, back injuries account for 20% of all injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Many of these back injuries can be traced back to lifting a heavy item without proper training or stance.
According to the Federal Occupational Health Department, back injuries account for 20% of all injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Many of these back injuries can be traced back to lifting a heavy item without proper training or stance.
Most liftgates have several additional safety options:
Retention Ramp – Prevents the driver or the product from accidentally slipping off the back of the liftgate
Anti-slip Knurled Platform – Reduces the chance for slips and falls with a textured coating on the floor of the liftgate
Extra-large Platforms – More space to move your delivery load and operate the liftgate safely
There are several great liftgate brand options out there, it just depends on what you are looking for in a gate. Maxon, Waltco, Palfinger, Tommy Gate, Anthony Liftgates, and Theiman Liftgates are all great options. Craftsmen is one of the few trailer dealers inthe country to keep a variety of liftgates IN STOCK – eliminating the need to wait for production and delivery.
