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# How Liftgate at Checkout Works

A liftgate is needed when the delivery location can't get freight off the truck on its own (no loading dock or forklift). Shipduo handles liftgate **automatically at checkout** based on the delivery address — so customers are quoted accurately and you avoid surprise carrier charges after delivery.


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/8/1/5/f8152ba4a1e1a800/screenshot-0629-074612-pm_1oygo74.jpg)

## How Shipduo Decides
Shipduo automatically checks whether the delivery address is **residential or commercial** using address validation. What happens at checkout depends on the result.
### Commercial addresses
Customers see **two options** at checkout:
* **No Liftgate**
* **Liftgate Needed**
They choose based on whether the destination can unload the freight itself.
### Residential addresses
Shipduo automatically includes **both the residential delivery fee and the liftgate fee** in the rate. Customers are **not** given the option to remove liftgate — because selecting the cheaper non-liftgate option can result in **additional carrier charges after delivery**.

## Optional: Always Include Liftgate
If **liftgate is enabled in your checkout settings**, Shipduo will include liftgate on **every** checkout rate — regardless of whether the address is residential or commercial.

## Why It Works This Way
* **Accurate quotes:** the rate reflects what the delivery actually requires.
* **No surprise re-bills:** residential deliveries almost always need a liftgate, so including it up front prevents the carrier from charging extra later.
* **Flexibility for commercial:** commercial locations often have a dock or forklift, so customers get to choose.
> 💡 **Tip:** This works hand in hand with residential detection. For more on how Shipduo identifies residential addresses, see *How Residential Address Detection Works*.

## Troubleshooting
* **A commercial address was treated as residential (or vice versa)?** Liftgate is driven by address validation. If a destination is misclassified, double-check the address details.
* **Want liftgate on every order?** Enable liftgate in your checkout settings, and it will be added to all rates.
* **Need help?** Chat with us or contact Shipduo Support.