When freight is heavy, time is tight, and there’s no room for error, you need tools that work as hard as you do. That’s where liftgates come in. They take the weight off, literally, making it easier to load and unload cargo, safer for your crew, and faster to navigate tight spaces. From dry vans at auto dealerships to reefers making ground deliveries to retail storefronts, a liftgate can make all the difference.

Let’s take a closer look at how to get the most from your liftgate. Here are five simple steps to follow: safety, daily checks, operations, loading (and unloading) practices, and stowing.

Safety First: Protecting Your Team & Cargo

Running a liftgate safely goes beyond just checking a box, it’s about keeping your team protected and your freight intact. It starts with knowing your liftgate’s weight capacity, typically between 3,500 and 6,600 pounds, and avoiding any moving parts during operation. Awareness matters, too. Always keep an eye on your surroundings, especially in busy dock areas and ground deliveries. And if you’re working with a reefer, keeping the doors closed as much as possible helps prevent temperature loss and protect the load. Safety isn’t a suggestion, it’s the standard.

Pre-Trip Check: Ensuring Liftgate Readiness

Taking a few minutes for a pre-trip check can save you from hours of downtime later. Make sure that an auxiliary stinger cord is connected from the truck to the trailer and the battery is fully charged and all connections are secure. Inspect the hydraulics for any leaks and test the controls to be sure that everything is responding as expected. Inspect the columns, platform and safety chains for signs of wear and damage. If you're using a reefer liftgate, verify that the top kit isn’t damaged so it can snug against a dock pad to minimize temperature loss during door openings. A quick inspection now keeps your day running smoother down the road.

Getting That Liftgate Moving: Step-by-Step Operation

Safe and efficient loading begins with proper liftgate operation, step by step. Make sure your trailer is parked securely and the surrounding area is clear. Operate the liftgate through one cycle without a load on the platform. Listen for unusual noises and look for any jerking motion or uneven movement. Use the exterior column switch to lower and unfold the platform. Once it’s fully horizontal and at a safe height for the operator, unfold the retention ramp to either an open position to load freight onto the platform, or a vertical position to prevent the cargo from rolling off the platform.

Loading & Unloading: Do It Right

Loading and unloading the right way is key to keeping cargo secure and operations safe. Always load the heaviest cargo closest to the trailer to maintain stability and balance. Stick to these steps, and you’ll keep things moving smoothly from start to finish. When using a pallet jack, dolly or cart to roll freight onto the platform, always utilize the retention ramp to keep your cargo secure on the platform. We cannot stress this enough: for reefers, limit door openings to help maintain temperature control and turn off the reefer unit if the dock is not at your desired set point. Raise the platform to trailer height using the internal column switch, then safely move the cargo inside. When it’s time to unload, lower the platform completely using the internal column switch. Upon reaching ground level, carefully lower the retention ramp. Maintaining stability and security protects both your team and the freight. For dock loading, lower the platform just below dock height and use a dock plate to span the gap, never rest it directly on the liftgate.

Stowing the Liftgate: Secure Before You Go

Before you pull away, ensure your trailer doors are closed and the liftgate is fully stowed and securely locked. Raise the platform until it lines up with the column indicator, fold it, and secure it in the upper stowed position. Don’t skip the final check. An unsecured liftgate isn’t just a risk; it’s a liability. Proper stowing isn’t optional. It’s what keeps your trailer safe, your team protected, and your next job on track for success.

Ready to Upgrade Your Fleet with Reliable Liftgates?

At Premier, we outfit our dry van and reefer trailers with fully galvanized, severe duty Maxon-brand 5,500 lbs. capacity liftgates built for serious work featuring, large galvanized platforms capable of handling dual-pallets, a 16” aluminum retention ramp to keep your load secured on the platform, and a Direct Max combo nose box to identify any potential battery issues prior to leaving the yard. When used properly and maintained regularly, they help you avoid delays, reduce cargo damage, and protect your team on every stop.

If you’re considering leasing, renting or purchasing trailers equipped with liftgates, our team is here to help. Reach out to a member of our team in your area to learn how our Maxon brand liftgate-equipped trailers can help your business move those heavy loads more smoothly and safely. Let’s elevate your fleet together.

Tim Ifland is our Vice President, Specialty Equipment, and a true industry veteran. His 36 years of trailer industry experience include everything from branch operations, sales management, procurement, product SME/sales training, warranty, quality control, breakdown services, tires, maintenance and safety.
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