If you are receiving a pallet or heavy freight and there is no forklift or loading dock, you will need a tailgate delivery. Here is what that means and how to book it.
What is a tailgate?
A tailgate, or tail lift, is a hydraulic platform at the back of a truck. The driver rolls the freight onto the platform with a pallet jack, lowers it to the ground, and moves it off. No forklift is needed at the delivery address.
When you need a tailgate delivery
- There is no forklift on site.
- There is no loading dock at truck height.
- You are delivering to a home, a small shop or an office.
- You are delivering to a building site without lifting equipment.
- The freight is too heavy to lift by hand safely.
Pickups work the same way. If there is no forklift where the freight is collected, book a tailgate pickup too.
What a tailgate can and cannot do
- The pallet is lowered to the ground at the back of the truck. Moving it further, inside or upstairs, is not usually included.
- The ground needs to be firm, level and hard, such as concrete or bitumen. A pallet jack cannot move a heavy pallet over grass, gravel or a steep driveway.
- Every tailgate has a lifting limit. Tell us the weight of each pallet when you book, so we send the right truck.
How to book a tailgate
- Ask for a tailgate when you request your quote. It is easiest to add at the start.
- Tell us whether it is needed at the pickup, the delivery, or both.
- Give us the weight and size of each pallet, and describe the ground and access at the address.
- Make sure someone is there to receive the freight and show the driver where it goes.
Tailgate deliveries usually carry an extra charge, because they need a specially equipped truck and more time at the address. If a tailgate turns out to be needed but was not booked, the delivery may have to be rebooked, so it pays to ask up front.
Get a quote with a tailgate, or read about business and residential deliveries.
Published by All Freight Carrying, Yandina, Sunshine Coast · 21 October 2026 · Last updated 25 October 2026
