liftgate
- Thread starter maica
- Start date
Broompilot
Veteran Expediter
Yes they are expensive and just as costly to repair. Some docks you cannot unload at because they can not lock your truck into the dock.
Some people on this site swear by them, I am not an advocate of them. If the customer cannot supply me with a dock than I really do not want it on my truck, fast load, fast unload get ready for the next load offer ASAP.
Others will argue that they get more freight because of it but I doubt it. I have nothing to prove them or myself right or wrong. I do no this they are expensive, and the extra revenue that may or may not be there is going to be hard justify the extra expense.
Example look at the difference between what a D-E truck brings in, now calculate the difference between what the two generate in a year, divide that by the amount of what each unit costs now you get an idea of what Extra Services on a truck should net you, a liftgate will not in my opion make up that difference.
Ask people out there when you see them at the docks or truck stops, I have talked to some people who agree with me and others who love them. Those that do not like them though out number those that do primarly because of the E-Xtra work they are required to do with the low pay (we are expected to do everything for oh lets say nothing or close to it).
Some people on this site swear by them, I am not an advocate of them. If the customer cannot supply me with a dock than I really do not want it on my truck, fast load, fast unload get ready for the next load offer ASAP.
Others will argue that they get more freight because of it but I doubt it. I have nothing to prove them or myself right or wrong. I do no this they are expensive, and the extra revenue that may or may not be there is going to be hard justify the extra expense.
Example look at the difference between what a D-E truck brings in, now calculate the difference between what the two generate in a year, divide that by the amount of what each unit costs now you get an idea of what Extra Services on a truck should net you, a liftgate will not in my opion make up that difference.
Ask people out there when you see them at the docks or truck stops, I have talked to some people who agree with me and others who love them. Those that do not like them though out number those that do primarly because of the E-Xtra work they are required to do with the low pay (we are expected to do everything for oh lets say nothing or close to it).
First ask yourself do you like to handle freight by hand [fingerprint], or would you rather back up to the dock and have the forklift load and unload you. Do you want the extra weight of the liftgate always reducing your fuel mileage,and the added expense of maintenance. Will you or your carrier utilize it enough to justify the the expense.
My feelings are I do not want to handle the freight any more than I need to, or take risks that are greater than the rewards.
Try expediting for a while to see if you like it, and do what Broompilot did and talk to drivers who have liftgates, and after a year you may want to add one, or continue without.
My feelings are I do not want to handle the freight any more than I need to, or take risks that are greater than the rewards.
Try expediting for a while to see if you like it, and do what Broompilot did and talk to drivers who have liftgates, and after a year you may want to add one, or continue without.
