Backhaul Logistics

GATEWAY DISTRIBUTION -Since 1989

BACKHAUL EFFICIENCY

Cut your truckload costs by riding our return trips to Ohio.

Tired of paying full one-way truckload rates? Put your load on a truck that's already heading back to Ohio.

Our trucks deliver across the country and head back to Ohio every week. Instead of running empty, we carry your full truckload on the return trip, so you pay backhaul rates instead of full one-way truckload pricing. You get the same professional handling and security standards across all 48 states we serve.

We leverage our extensive network and 75+ truck fleet to match your freight with trucks already returning to Ohio on lanes that fit your timing.

Full truckloads carried on our return trips to Ohio
Lower cost than a one-way truckload
No payment for empty trailer returns
Loads matched to our established Ohio return lanes
Same professional handling standards maintained

Why You Can Trust Us

Founded in 1989

98.8% CLAIM FREE SERVICE

DOT's highest rating

FMCSA classified as one of the safest carriers on the road

American Trucking Association member

Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber member

CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) member

75+ truck fleet

140,000 square foot facilities

ROUTE OPTIMIZATION

Pay only for miles we're already driving and save on full truckloads to Ohio.

Tired of paying full one-way rates? Move your truckload on a truck already headed back to Ohio.

Our fleet delivers light poles and specialty cargo across 48 states, then returns to our Ohio, New York, or Virginia bases. Instead of running empty on the return trip, we carry full truckloads for manufacturers and shippers whose freight fits our established return lanes. You get professional transportation at a fraction of a one-way truckload price.

When your full truckload matches one of our return lanes, you ride on a truck that's already making the journey, at backhaul rates instead of full one-way pricing.

No deadhead charges or empty trailer fees
Professional handling with our 75+ truck fleet
Established routes across the continental United States
Full truckloads on our established return lanes
Same security standards as our outbound deliveries

Why Choose Us

Own fleet already running regular routes to Ohio
No deadhead charges since trucks are returning anyway
Direct transport without warehouse stops
Freight moves on established return lanes

Backhaul freight moves on trucks that are already making the return trip. Your full truckload catches a ride on a truck that would otherwise run empty after delivering outbound loads like light poles, steel poles, or oversized equipment. The trucks are heading back to Ohio anyway, so you ride on miles we're already driving.

A standard one-way truckload prices in the empty return trip, so you pay for miles the carrier runs deadhead. LTL networks move your freight through multiple terminals, adding days to delivery times. Your shipment sits in warehouses waiting for enough freight to fill trucks going your direction. Meanwhile, customers are calling asking where their orders are.

Gateway Distribution loads your freight onto trucks returning from deliveries across the country. Your shipment moves directly on our established return lanes to Ohio without warehouse transfers or consolidation delays. We move full truckloads that match our return-lane timing. The pricing reflects backhaul capacity, not full one-way truckload rates.

Your freight arrives on schedule without paying for the empty return leg. You get reliable transport at backhaul rates because the truck was making the trip anyway. Your customers receive their shipments faster than LTL networks, and your shipping costs stay within budget margins.

Our process

1
Route matching
Gateway Distribution matches your freight destination with our trucks already returning to Ohio from long-haul deliveries.
2
Load coordination
Your full truckload rides on a truck that's already making the trip back to Ohio.
3
Direct transport
Your freight moves directly on our return lanes without multiple stops or warehouse transfers.
4
Delivery confirmation
Gateway Distribution delivers your shipment and provides tracking confirmation once it reaches the destination.

Our Work

CED 0970

Backhaul and Reverse LogisticsWyoming, WYKEYSTONE/GW

Reverse-logistics return from CED 0970, WY.

Handled reverse logistics, pulling returns from CED 0970 in Wyoming back for Keystone.

HYDROBLEND INC

Backhaul and Reverse LogisticsTennessee, TNTHE WESTERN SUGAR COOP

Reverse-logistics return from , TN.

Handled reverse logistics, pulling returns from in Tennessee back for The Western Sugar Coop.

MYTEX POLYMERS

Backhaul and Reverse LogisticsIndiana, INSPRINGFIELD CARTAGE

Reverse-logistics return from , IN.

Ran a backhaul and reverse-logistics route returning freight from in Indiana for Springfield Cartage.

SONEPAR - STUART C IRBY CO

Backhaul and Reverse LogisticsMississippi, MSCONNECTOR MANUFACTURING

Reverse-logistics return from , MS.

Handled reverse logistics, pulling returns from in Mississippi back for Connector Manufacturing.

JUSTIN HANSEN

Backhaul and Reverse LogisticsIdaho, IDCONCORD INDUSTRIES *NORTH MN PLANT/GW

Reverse-logistics return from Justin Hansen, ID.

Recovered freight on a backhaul lane from Justin Hansen in Idaho for Concord Industries.

MOUNTAINVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH

Backhaul and Reverse LogisticsUtah, UTENERGY LIGHT/GW

Reverse-logistics return from , UT.

Ran a backhaul and reverse-logistics route returning freight from in Utah for Energy Light.

Trusted Partners

American Trucking Association

Association

Industry association dedicated to serving and representing the interests of the trucking industry with one united voice.

Better Business Bureau

Association

Membership organization that lets customers know the business is worthy of their trust.

Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber

Association

The nation's fifth largest chamber providing economic development, government advocacy, and business growth support.

CVSA

Association

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance promotes commercial motor vehicle safety and security.

Common questions

Why is freight shipping so expensive right now

Your shipping costs doubled in the past year. You're not sure if this is permanent or temporary. You need to know if you should lock in rates or wait it out.

Fuel costs, driver shortages, and equipment availability drive freight pricing. Rates fluctuate seasonally and with demand. Get quotes from multiple carriers and consider longer-term contracts for rate stability during volatile periods.

How long does freight shipping take

You need to plan production around when your materials arrive. The shipping company gave you a vague window. You need to know actual transit times to schedule your crew.

LTL typically takes 2-5 business days depending on distance. Full truckload is usually 1-3 days. Expedited can be next day. Weather, holidays, and freight class affect timing. Get a transit time estimate in writing before you book.

Should I use backhaul shipping or dedicated trucks

You have regular shipments but you're not sure if you should book dedicated trucks or use backhaul service. You want to save money but you need reliable pickup times.

Backhaul works when you have flexibility on pickup times and want the lowest cost. Dedicated trucks cost more but give you guaranteed capacity and schedules. If your shipments are time-sensitive or high-volume, dedicated is worth the extra cost.

Should I handle shipping myself or hire a freight company

You're shipping enough that the costs are adding up. You're wondering if you should buy your own truck or keep using freight companies. The math isn't clear.

Own trucks make sense if you ship the same route 3+ times per week consistently. Factor in driver wages, insurance, maintenance, and downtime. Most businesses save money with freight companies until they hit 50+ shipments per month.