Need a Lift? A Simple Guide to Tail-Lift Deliveries

Booking a pallet delivery is not just about choosing where your goods are going. You also need to think about how the pallet will be loaded and unloaded safely.

If there is no forklift available at collection or delivery, you may need to book a tail-lift delivery. This helps make sure the driver has the right equipment to move your pallet from the vehicle to ground level.

In this guide, we explain what a tail-lift is, when you need one, and what to check before booking your pallet delivery.

What is a tail-lift delivery?

A tail-lift is a platform fitted to the back of a delivery vehicle. It lowers goods from the vehicle down to ground level, helping the driver move the pallet safely without a forklift.

When you book a tail-lift service with us, a pallet truck is included at no extra cost. This allows the driver to move the pallet once it has been lowered from the vehicle. You can read more about this in our guide to collections with pallet trucks and tail-lifts.

A tail-lift can be a useful option if you are sending or receiving a pallet from somewhere without loading equipment, such as:

• A residential address 
• A small business premises 
• A garage or workshop 
• A farm or rural site 
• A storage unit 
• A customer address without a forklift 

Think of a tail-lift as the helpful friend at the back of the lorry who does not skip leg day. It brings the pallet safely down to earth, minus the drama.

When do you need a tail-lift?

You usually need to book a tail-lift if your pallet weighs up to 750kg and there is no forklift available at collection or delivery.

This applies if:

• The collection address does not have a forklift
• The delivery address does not have a forklift 
• The pallet needs to be lowered from the vehicle to ground level 
• The pallet can be moved safely with a pallet truck 
• The ground is suitable for using a tail-lift and pallet truck 

It is important to check both ends of the delivery before booking. Even if you have a forklift at the collection point, the delivery address may not have one.

If a tail-lift is needed at either end, make sure you select the right option when booking.

The key number to remember is 750kg. If your pallet is up to this weight and there is no forklift, a tail-lift is usually the option to look at first.

Do drivers bring pallet trucks automatically?

No, drivers do not always bring pallet trucks automatically.

If you need a pallet truck, you should book a tail-lift service. When you choose a tail-lift, the driver will have the correct equipment to move the pallet safely on suitable ground. For more detail, take a look at our guide to using pallet trucks.

This is why it is important to tell us what equipment is available at collection and delivery before the job goes ahead.

If you need a pallet truck, do not leave it to chance. Book the tail-lift service so the right equipment is planned before the driver arrives.

Tail-lift, lift assist or forklift: which do you need?

The right option depends on the weight of your pallet and what equipment is available at each address.

If your pallet weighs more than 750kg, a standard tail-lift may not be suitable. For pallets between 751kg and 1,000kg, you should add lift assist at checkout.

For pallets over 1,000kg, you will need to make sure a forklift is available at both collection and delivery.

If your pallet is just over the standard tail-lift weight, do not round it down and hope for the best. Accurate weights help us match your delivery with the right service.

What surface do you need for a tail-lift?

A tail-lift and pallet truck need a suitable surface to work safely.

The best surfaces are hard, flat and level, such as:

• Concrete 
• Tarmac 
• Smooth warehouse flooring 
• Level loading areas

Tail-lifts and pallet trucks are not suitable for every surface. They should not be used on:

• Gravel
• Grass 
• Mud 
• Uneven ground 
• Steep slopes 
• Soft or unstable surfaces 

This is because pallet trucks are designed to move heavy goods on firm, level ground. If the surface is unsuitable, the driver may not be able to move the pallet safely.

Before booking, check the ground at both the collection and delivery address. This can help prevent delays, failed collections or failed deliveries.

Sadly, pallet trucks do not enjoy gravel, grass or mud. They are less “rugged explorer” and more “smooth-floor specialist”.

Are tail-lifts always available?

Tail-lifts are available for many pallet collections and deliveries, but there can be exceptions.

Some locations may have access restrictions that affect the type of vehicle we can send. For example, there may be:

• Narrow roads 
• Tight turns 
• Low bridges 
• Restricted parking 
• Limited turning space 
• Weight restrictions 
• Time restrictions for loading or unloading

If a smaller vehicle is needed because of access restrictions, a tail-lift may not always be available in the same way. In these cases, you may need to load or unload the goods manually, or arrange your own forklift.

If you know there are access issues at either address, tell us before booking so we can help you choose the most suitable option.

What happens if you forget to book a tail-lift?

If you forget to book a tail-lift, contact us as soon as possible.

The more notice we have, the easier it is to arrange the correct vehicle and equipment. If you wait until the day of collection or delivery, it may be too late to make changes.

Forgetting to book a tail-lift can cause delays because the driver may arrive without the equipment needed to move your pallet safely.

To avoid this, always check:

• Whether the collection address has a forklift 
• Whether the delivery address has a forklift 
• The weight of your pallet 
• Whether the ground is suitable for a pallet truck 
• Whether there are access restrictions at either address

Common tail-lift booking mistakes to avoid

Choosing the right lifting option can help your pallet delivery run smoothly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Assuming a tail-lift is included automatically

A tail-lift needs to be selected when required. Do not assume the driver will arrive with one unless it has been booked.

Forgetting to check the delivery address

It is easy to focus on the collection point, but the delivery address matters just as much. If the recipient does not have a forklift, you may need a tail-lift at delivery.

Choosing a tail-lift for a pallet that is too heavy

A tail-lift is usually suitable for pallets up to 750kg. If your pallet is heavier, you may need lift assist or a forklift.

Not checking the ground conditions

Even if a tail-lift is booked, the pallet still needs to be moved safely once it is on the ground. If the surface is gravel, grass or uneven, the driver may not be able to use the pallet truck.

Leaving it until the last minute

If you need to change your booking, contact us as early as possible. The more notice we have, the better chance we have of arranging the right equipment.

Why booking the right lifting option matters

Booking the correct lifting option helps keep your pallet delivery safe, efficient and on schedule.

It can also help avoid:

• Failed collections 
• Failed deliveries 
• Extra delays 
• Last-minute booking changes 
• Safety issues for the driver 
• Problems at the delivery address 

If there is no forklift available, choosing the right service is one of the most important things you can do before booking.

Ready to book your pallet delivery?

If your pallet is up to 750kg and there is no forklift available at collection or delivery, a tail-lift is usually the right option.

For pallets between 751kg and 1,000kg, choose lift assist. For anything over 1,000kg, make sure a forklift is available at both collection and delivery.

Not sure which option you need? Get a quote online or contact our team on LiveChat before booking. We will help you choose the right service for your pallet delivery.