Your Semi-Trailer Training Hub.
By Tim Ifland, VP of Specialty Equipment
It doesn’t matter how well your trailer performs on the road if you can’t get cargo unloaded once you arrive at your destination.
Often forgotten, liftgates are an essential component to an effective cargo transportation operation. They are crucial for loading and unloading cargo when there is no loading dock available and ground deliveries are your only option. Liftgates also help ensure that your employees or contractors can perform their job without injury.
In this post we will cover:
There are various types of liftgates, but there are just a few that are commonly found in our industry:
Column or Rail: These heavy-duty lift gates provide optimal stability for bulky or heavy cargo that needs to be unloaded in a variety of circumstances, offering the highest capacity and often the largest platforms to accommodate a wide variety of loads. Premier Trailer Leasing utilizes this type of liftgate on many of its dry vans and refrigerated trailers.
Tuk-A-Way or Slider: This type of gate folds up under the rear of a trailer. This style of gate is conveniently stored out of the way for loading dock access and can easily accommodate swing door applications.
Frequently the first time an operator realizes there is a problem it is when one of the following symptoms presents itself, which often happens while a driver is out making deliveries.
Avoiding the frustration of your crew arriving at their destination only to be unable to unload cargo requires maintaining your liftgates. Although they may not require as much maintenance as other aspects of your fleet, incorporating a regular program will ensure that they are there when they are needed.
Like many things in the supply chain, minor problems with equipment can quickly escalate to major ones. We hope by utilizing these steps, your fleet can avoid some major issues out on the road.
Contact us for more information - Premier offers 36 locations and more than 50,000 trailers to meet your fleet leasing needs. We'd love to be a resource for you and your team as well!
Tim Ifland is Vice President Specialty Equipment for Premier Trailer Leasing and an industry veteran. His 35 years of trailer industry experience includes branch operations, sales management, procurement, product SME/sales training, account management and branch equipment services including warranty, quality control, breakdown services, tires, maintenance and safety.
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