Fort Knox Contractor Freight Shipping: DoD Compliance, CAGE Coordination, and On-Base Delivery

Freight shipping for DoD contractors at Fort Knox runs on the same major LTL and parcel carriers as standard commercial freight, but with three additional documentation and access requirements: CAGE code coordination, contract-number BOL references, and gate access for the delivery driver. Horizon Pack and Ship at 734 Knox Blvd in Radcliff is located one mile from Fort Knox Gate 6 and brokers contractor freight daily for installation-adjacent businesses, off-base contractor facilities, and recurring DoD logistics.

What's different about DoD contractor freight

For commercial freight to a Fort Knox-area address (off-installation contractor facility, leased warehouse, business in Radcliff or Vine Grove), the shipment is normal LTL or parcel. No special documentation. Standard BOL, standard carrier pickup, standard delivery.

For freight under a DoD contract that delivers on-installation or that the contractor needs to reference on contract paperwork, three additional pieces apply:

• CAGE code on the BOL. The Commercial and Government Entity code identifies the consignee for DoD systems.
• Contract number reference. Links the shipment to the underlying contract for invoicing and audit.
• Gate access for the driver. Most LTL carriers serving the Hardin County corridor already have cleared drivers; specific access depends on the destination building.

For larger contracts or government-funded shipments, additional documentation may apply:

• Military Shipment Number (MSN) assigned by the requisitioner.
• Transportation Control Number (TCN) assigned when the government pays the freight directly.
• Requisition number tying the shipment to the originating MILSTRIP request.

CAGE code coordination

The Defense Logistics Agency maintains the CAGE program. Every active DoD contractor has a CAGE code. For freight under contract:

• Your CAGE code goes on the BOL as part of the consignee identification.
• If you ship to a different contractor or government entity, the destination's CAGE code goes in the consignee block.
• The receiving installation may use the CAGE code to validate inbound shipments against expected deliveries.

For commercial freight not under contract, CAGE codes are not required. Standard LTL paperwork applies.

Gate access and on-base delivery

Fort Knox has multiple gates with different access rules. Gate 6 (the closest to our Radcliff counter) is the primary commercial-vehicle access point. Most major LTL carriers operate cleared driver pools that handle on-installation deliveries to contractor facilities and DoD direct receipts.

Three practical considerations:

• Confirm driver clearance at booking. If your shipment delivers on-installation, ask the carrier whether their driver pool has Gate 6 (or relevant gate) clearance. Most do; some do not.
• Building-specific addressing. On-installation deliveries need building number, room or dock identifier, and contact name. "Fort Knox, KY" alone is not enough.
• Delivery hours. On-installation receiving hours are typically tighter than civilian commercial hours. Coordinate with the receiving unit on acceptable delivery windows.

If on-installation delivery is not feasible (driver access issues, time constraints), an off-installation hold-and-deliver workflow can work: shipment delivers to our Radcliff counter, the contractor picks up and walks it through the gate.

Common Fort Knox contractor freight scenarios

• Parts and supplies for installation maintenance contractors. Standard LTL or expedited parcel from supplier to contractor warehouse or directly on-installation.
• Equipment rotation. Contractor-owned equipment moving between Fort Knox and other installations. Often FTL or specialized heavy-haul; see heavy equipment shipping.
• Office and IT equipment. Standard parcel or LTL for desks, computers, networking gear. Often coordinated through the contractor's IT logistics.
• Returns and warranty. Pre-labeled return shipments to vendors. Standard parcel through UPS or FedEx; drop off at our Radcliff counter for daily pickup.
• Personnel PCS shipments. Contractor personnel rotating between installations. Often handled separately from commercial freight under the contractor's relocation benefits.

What about classified or controlled shipments

Classified materiel does not move on standard commercial freight. DoD has separate programs for classified and sensitive transportation:

• Transportation Protective Services (TPS) carriers under specific contracts for classified shipments.
• SDDC-approved carriers for sensitive arms, ammunition, and explosives (AA&E).
• Constant Surveillance Service (CSS) for items requiring continuous custody.

If the shipment is classified, sensitive, AA&E, or controlled, work through your contracting officer for transportation authorization. Standard LTL and parcel carriers (including Horizon's brokerage) do not handle these categories.

How Horizon supports Fort Knox contractor freight

• LTL and parcel brokerage with major carriers (XPO, Old Dominion, FedEx Freight, UPS Freight, Estes, Saia, UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL).
• BOL preparation with CAGE code, contract number, and DoD reference fields when applicable.
• Carrier coordination for drivers with Gate 6 and other Fort Knox gate clearance.
• Hold-and-pickup workflow for shipments that need to bypass on-installation delivery complications.
• Recurring-pickup arrangements for contractors with ongoing parts and supply logistics.

Walk into our Radcliff counter with your shipment details, contract reference, and any CAGE coordination needs. We'll quote, prepare the BOL, and schedule the carrier pickup or on-counter drop-off.

Get a freight quote for your next shipment. Submit your origin, destination, and pallet specs at freight.horizonpacknship.com for live carrier rates and a same-day quote.

For the broader Kentucky freight context, see the Kentucky Freight Hub pillar guide. For pallet shipping mechanics, see Pallet shipping from Radcliff. For heavy equipment moves, see Heavy equipment shipping from Kentucky.