HeavyLift Direct ships car lifts, tire changers, wheel balancers, and automotive shop equipment throughout the United States. Because many vehicle lifts are too large or heavy for standard parcel delivery, they are typically shipped by freight truck.
Delivery requirements depend on the product. Some equipment can be delivered using a lift gate, while most Single Post, 2 Post, and 4 Post Car Lifts require a forklift or similar equipment to unload.
Do I Need a Forklift to Receive a Car Lift?
Yes, most Single Post, 2 Post, and 4 Post Car Lifts require a forklift or similar equipment to unload them from the freight truck.
Because car lifts are large and heavy shipments, standard lift gate delivery is generally not available for these products.
Exception: The Triumph X1 4 Post Lift can be delivered using lift gate service.
Which Products Can Be Delivered With a Lift Gate?
Tire changers, wheel balancers, and many smaller pieces of automotive equipment can typically be delivered using lift gate service.
A lift gate lowers your shipment from the freight truck to street level so a forklift is not required to remove the equipment from the truck.
When lift gate service is available, HeavyLift Direct provides it at no additional charge.
How Do I Know if My Order Requires a Forklift?
The unloading requirements for each product are shown in the delivery options displayed when placing your order.
If the product requires a forklift, that requirement will be shown before you complete your purchase. If you are unsure, contact HeavyLift Direct and we can confirm the delivery requirements for your specific product.
What if I Don't Have a Forklift?
This is a common situation. If your lift requires a forklift and you do not have one at your delivery location, you still have several options:
- Ship to a local freight terminal. We can help locate a freight terminal near you. Most terminals are approximately 30–60 minutes away, depending on your location. The freight terminal can load the equipment onto your trailer.
- Ship to another location with a forklift. You can have your order delivered to your workplace, a friend's business, or another location where a forklift is available.
- Pick up from a warehouse. Warehouse pickup is available for most brands we sell. Available warehouse locations are shown on each product page.
- Rent a forklift. This is generally the least convenient option, but it may be necessary in some situations. Freight deliveries are scheduled ahead of time, which can help minimize the amount of time you need the rental.
Can I Hand-Unload a Car Lift From the Freight Truck?
No. Car lifts that require forklift unloading cannot be hand-unloaded from the freight truck.
Freight carriers generally do not allow hand unloading because of safety, liability, and the amount of time required for the driver to remain at the delivery location. Even if you have several people available to help, you should plan to have the required unloading equipment ready.
Does HeavyLift Direct Deliver Car Lifts to Residential Addresses?
Yes, HeavyLift Direct delivers car lifts and automotive equipment to residential addresses.
Residential delivery does not eliminate forklift requirements. If your product requires a forklift, you will still need appropriate unloading equipment available when the freight truck arrives.
If you do not have a forklift at your residence, freight terminal pickup may be a better option.
Will the Freight Company Contact Me Before Delivery?
Yes. The freight carrier will contact you ahead of time to schedule your delivery.
This allows you to make sure someone is available to receive the shipment and that any required unloading equipment is ready.
Can HeavyLift Direct Ship My Car Lift to a Freight Terminal?
Yes. If you do not have a forklift, HeavyLift Direct can usually arrange delivery to a nearby freight terminal.
Most freight terminals are approximately 30–60 minutes from the customer's location, although the exact distance depends on where you live.
When you arrive at the terminal with an appropriate trailer, the freight terminal can typically load the equipment onto your trailer.
Contact HeavyLift Direct and we can help locate a freight terminal in your area.
Are There Any Orders That Cannot Ship to a Freight Terminal?
Yes. Some very large orders ship individually on a dedicated flatbed truck.
In these cases, delivery to a freight terminal may not be available. Any special delivery requirements will be noted on the applicable product page.
Can I Pick Up My Car Lift From a Warehouse?
Yes. Warehouse pickup is available for almost all of the brands sold by HeavyLift Direct.
Available warehouse locations are listed on each product page. When placing your order, select Pickup and choose the warehouse where you would like to retrieve your equipment.
After your order is processed, HeavyLift Direct will email you the required pickup information or pickup number.
Is There a Freight Charge for Warehouse Pickup?
No freight shipping charge applies when you pick up your equipment directly from the selected warehouse.
You are responsible for transporting the equipment from the warehouse and should arrive with a suitable truck or trailer.
Where Are HeavyLift Direct Warehouse Locations?
Warehouse locations vary by brand and product.
The available pickup warehouses for each piece of equipment are displayed directly on the product page, allowing you to determine whether warehouse pickup is practical before placing your order.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Lift?
Many HeavyLift Direct products have a flat-rate freight shipping charge displayed on the product page.
For some products and destinations, we may be able to obtain a lower freight rate.
If you see a message that says "Contact us to see if we can ship for less", contact HeavyLift Direct and we can provide a freight quote based on your delivery location.
Can HeavyLift Direct Provide a Custom Freight Quote?
Yes. Certain products and delivery locations qualify for individually quoted freight rates.
Send us the product you are considering and your delivery ZIP code, and we can determine whether a lower freight rate is available.
What Should I Have Ready Before My Car Lift Is Delivered?
Before your delivery, make sure you know whether your shipment requires a forklift or qualifies for lift gate service.
If a forklift is required, make sure it is available during the scheduled delivery appointment. You should also make sure the freight truck has adequate access to your location and that someone is available to receive the shipment.
Should I Inspect My Freight Shipment When It Arrives?
Yes. You should inspect your shipment for visible damage before accepting the delivery.
Look over the packaging, equipment, crates, and pallets for obvious signs of freight damage. If damage is visible, make sure it is documented with the freight carrier before the driver leaves.
What Size Trailer Do I Need for Warehouse or Freight Terminal Pickup?
Trailer requirements vary depending on the product you are purchasing. Car lifts can be long, heavy shipments, so you should confirm the packaged dimensions and weight before arriving for pickup.
If you are unsure what trailer you need, contact HeavyLift Direct before heading to the warehouse or freight terminal.
Have Questions About Car Lift Shipping or Delivery?
HeavyLift Direct can help determine whether your equipment requires a forklift, whether lift gate service is available, locate a nearby freight terminal, identify warehouse pickup options, or provide a freight shipping quote.
Contact HeavyLift Direct before ordering if you have any questions about freight delivery or unloading requirements.
