Less Than Truckload (LTL)

GATEWAY DISTRIBUTION -Since 1989

LTL SHIPPING

Pay only for space you use with shared freight that saves money.

Tired of overpaying for shipping small loads? Share trailer space and cut costs without sacrificing professional handling.

Our LTL service combines your freight with other compatible shipments, letting you access professional trucking without paying for an entire trailer. We handle everything from standard pallets to specialty cargo like aluminum poles and steel poles, ensuring your shipment gets the same careful attention whether it fills 10% or 90% of the truck.

With our 75+ truck fleet, we coordinate efficient routes across the continental United States while maintaining our 0% claim free service record.

Share trailer space with compatible shipments only
Professional handling for specialty cargo including poles
Continental US coverage with efficient routing
Pay only for the space your freight uses
Same careful attention as full truckload shipments

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

Why Choose Us

Specialized equipment for poles and oversized freight
Direct pickup from manufacturers and construction sites
Real-time tracking through the entire network
Same competitive rates for specialty cargo as standard freight

LTL makes sense when your shipment is bigger than a parcel but smaller than a full trailer load. Most loads run between 150 and 10,000 pounds and take up one to six pallets of space. You'll see this shipping method used for steel poles, aluminum lighting equipment, machinery parts, and construction materials that don't fill an entire truck.

Paying for a full truck when you only need part of the space doubles or triples your shipping cost. Your delivery sits in a warehouse waiting for enough cargo to make the trip profitable. Small manufacturers and construction companies get pushed to the back of the line because their shipments don't generate enough revenue per mile.

Gateway Distribution loads your freight with other shipments heading the same direction. Your aluminum poles ride alongside someone else's steel beams and machinery parts. The truck stays full and the costs get split between all the customers. Gateway Distribution handles the specialty securing and blocking that poles and oversized freight require during transport.

Your freight arrives on schedule at the quoted price. You pay only for the space your shipment actually uses on the trailer. The delivery shows up at your job site or receiving dock ready to unload.

Our process

1
Pick up your freight
Gateway Distribution collects your shipment from your loading dock or facility.
2
Consolidate with other loads
Your cargo rides with other shipments heading the same direction.
3
Track through the network
The freight moves through terminals until it reaches your destination city.
4
Deliver to final address
Gateway Distribution delivers your shipment to the receiving dock or job site.

Our Work

CROSSLAND HEAVY CONTRACT

Less Than Truckload (LTL)Arkansas, AREDER FLAG/GW

LTL freight from Eder Flag to Crossland Heavy Contract, AR.

Handled an LTL freight move from Eder Flag out to Crossland Heavy Contract in Arkansas.

DURABLE FLAGS

Less Than Truckload (LTL)Nebraska, NECONCORD INDUSTRIES *NORTH MN PLANT/GW

LTL freight from Concord Industries to , NE.

Carried a partial LTL load from Concord Industries to in Nebraska on a shared regional lane.

TREYS LAWN & LANDSCAPING

Less Than Truckload (LTL)Missouri, MOCONCORD INDUSTRIES *NORTH MN PLANT/GW

LTL freight from Concord Industries to Treys Lawn & Landscaping, MO.

Carried a partial LTL load from Concord Industries to Treys Lawn & Landscaping in Missouri on a shared regional lane.

BILLY WALKER

Less Than Truckload (LTL)Washington, WACONCORD INDUSTRIES *NORTH MN PLANT/GW

LTL freight from Concord Industries to , WA.

Consolidated a less-than-truckload shipment from Concord Industries into in Washington, sharing trailer space to keep the move cost-efficient.

BROWN ELECTRIC

Less Than Truckload (LTL)Vermont, VTENERGY LIGHT/GW

LTL freight from Energy Light to , VT.

Carried a partial LTL load from Energy Light to in Vermont on a shared regional lane.

NETRUSH

Less Than Truckload (LTL)Kentucky, KYARNET PHARMACUETICAL

LTL freight from Arnet Pharmacuetical to , KY.

Consolidated a less-than-truckload shipment from Arnet Pharmacuetical into in Kentucky, sharing trailer space to keep the move cost-efficient.

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

LTL vs full truckload which should I choose

You're not sure if you should book a full truck or share space with other shipments. You want the cheapest option but don't know which one that is for your freight.

Use LTL for shipments under 10,000 pounds or less than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes sense for 15+ pallets or when you need faster transit. LTL costs less for small shipments but takes longer due to multiple stops.

How much does LTL shipping actually cost

You need to ship a pallet or two but don't need a whole truck. The pricing seems confusing. You're getting wildly different quotes from different companies.

LTL pricing depends on weight, distance, freight class, and pickup/delivery type. Residential delivery costs more than commercial. Get quotes with the exact weight, dimensions, and ZIP codes. Expect $200-800 for most LTL shipments under 5,000 pounds.

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.

My shipment needs to be there tomorrow

You have urgent freight that has to arrive fast. Production is stopped without this part. Regular shipping takes too long and you're losing money every day.

Expedited freight gets priority handling and faster transit times. It costs 50-100% more than standard shipping but can turn a 5-day shipment into next-day delivery. Gateway Distribution offers expedited services for time-critical freight.

How to choose a good freight company

You've been burned by trucking companies before. Late deliveries, damaged freight, poor communication. You need someone reliable but don't know what to look for.

Check their DOT safety rating and insurance coverage first. Ask for references from similar businesses. Look for real-time tracking and dedicated customer service. Make sure they handle your type of freight regularly, not as a one-off.

When should I book freight shipping

You're not sure how far ahead to book trucks. Sometimes you can't get capacity when you need it. Other times you book too early and your freight isn't ready.

Book LTL 1-2 days ahead for standard service. Full truckload needs 2-5 days notice depending on season. Peak seasons (harvest, back-to-school, holidays) require more lead time. Expedited services can often pick up same day.

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.