American Trucking Association
AssociationIndustry association dedicated to serving and representing the interests of the trucking industry with one united voice.
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
- Enclosed trailers for all oversized and fragile shipments
- Custom securement plan for each load's specific dimensions
- Climate-controlled environment during transport
- Same crew handles loading and unloading when possible
Oversized freight includes anything longer than 8 feet, wider than standard pallet dimensions, or oddly shaped machinery that won't fit standard truck configurations. Fragile freight covers high-value equipment with glass components, precision instruments, electronics, or delicate assemblies that crack under vibration. This cargo typically ships from manufacturing facilities to construction sites, research labs, or industrial installations where damage means project delays.
Standard flatbed shipping exposes your equipment to weather damage, road salt, and flying debris during transport. Insurance claims take weeks to process while your project sits idle. Other contractors won't touch damaged equipment for liability reasons, and replacement parts often have longer lead times than the original order. You end up paying twice for freight and losing money on delayed project completion.
Gateway Distribution loads your freight into enclosed trailers with custom blocking designed for the specific dimensions and weight distribution. The crew maps securement points before loading and uses multiple tie-down methods to prevent shifting during transport. Climate control maintains stable temperature and humidity levels throughout the haul. Delivery includes removal of all securement materials and placement using the same lifting equipment used for loading.
Your equipment arrives in factory condition without weather damage or impact marks. You can begin installation immediately without waiting for insurance adjusters or replacement parts. Your project stays on schedule and your contractors can proceed with normal assembly work.
Our process
- 1Load Assessment and PlanningGateway Distribution measures your freight and maps the securement points before loading begins.
- 2Enclosed Trailer LoadingYour cargo goes into a fully enclosed trailer with custom blocking and bracing for the specific dimensions.
- 3Multi-Point SecurementGateway Distribution uses straps, blocks, and padding at multiple contact points to prevent shifting during transport.
- 4Protected TransitThe enclosed trailer shields your freight from weather, road debris, and visibility while maintaining climate control.
- 5Careful UnloadingGateway Distribution removes all securement materials and unloads using the same equipment that loaded your freight.
Trusted Partners
Better Business Bureau
AssociationMembership organization that lets customers know the business is worthy of their trust.
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
AssociationThe nation's fifth largest chamber providing economic development, government advocacy, and business growth support.
CVSA
AssociationCommercial Vehicle Safety Alliance promotes commercial motor vehicle safety and security.
Common questions
My fragile equipment keeps getting damaged in shippingYour expensive equipment arrives cracked, dented, or broken. The freight company says it's not their fault. You're tired of filing insurance claims and dealing with angry customers.Standard freight trucks don't protect fragile cargo from road vibration and handling damage. Use enclosed trailers with custom securement instead of open flatbeds. The extra cost is less than one damaged shipment claim.
How much does enclosed trailer shipping cost vs flatbedYou need to ship delicate machinery. Flatbed quotes are cheaper but you're worried about damage. Enclosed trailer quotes seem expensive and you're not sure if it's worth the extra cost.Enclosed shipping typically costs 20-40% more than flatbed but eliminates weather and road debris damage. Calculate the cost of one damaged shipment versus the enclosed premium. For high-value or fragile items, enclosed usually pays for itself.
Can I ship fragile equipment on a regular truck or do I need special handlingYou have expensive, delicate equipment to ship. Regular LTL is cheap but you're scared it will get thrown around. You don't know if you actually need special freight service or if you're overthinking it.If your equipment can't handle bouncing, shifting, or getting stacked under other freight, regular LTL will likely damage it. Fragile items over 500 pounds or worth more than $10,000 usually need enclosed trailers with custom securement.
My oddly shaped equipment won't fit in a standard truckYour equipment is too long, too tall, or shaped weird. Standard trucks can't handle it and flatbeds leave it exposed to weather and road debris. You need it protected but don't know what options exist.Enclosed trailers can handle odd shapes that standard trucks can't fit. Custom securement prevents shifting during transport. Measure your equipment's longest dimension and highest point before getting quotes. Some enclosed trailers have removable sides for loading awkward shapes.
Oversized & Fragile Freight by area
The specific situations we handle in each area.
Arizona, AZ
Arkansas, AR
California, CA
Cincinnati, OH
Colorado, CO
Connecticut, CT
Delaware, DE
District of Columbia, DC
Wytheville, VA