After evaluating eight drayage companies in Iowa, based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, Crst The Transportation Solution, Inc. is our choice for the most reliable port-to-warehouse service.
Drayage Shipping Services & Transport in Iowa
Why Trust FreightWaves Ratings?
There’s a reason we’re one of the world’s leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.
We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best trucking companies in Iowa. Every Iowa trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies’ safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.
From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies in Iowa for your commercial shipping needs.
Crst The Transportation Solution, Inc.
3930 16th Ave Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Container
- Power only
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
Crst The Transportation Solution, Inc. (DOT: 53773) has operated since 1955, and offers a wide range of services throughout the transportation/trucking/railroad industry. Based in Iowa, CRST handles various types of freight, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, and refrigerated foods. They are noted for their team driving opportunities, regional, local, and dedicated routes, and strong support for owner-operators.
CRST provides extensive commercial shipment services, such as cross-docking, intermodal containers, and heavy haul transport. Businesses benefit from specialized driver services, expedited drivers, and comprehensive support like roadside assistance programs and truck lease purchase options. Additionally, with safety ratings like ‘Satisfactory’, CRST demonstrates a commitment to reliable and secure transport solutions. Their total fleet size includes a substantial 4,608 trucks, catering to diverse shipping needs with flexible options like dry van and container services.
Safety
- Crashes: 388
- Unsafe driving: 1.09
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.22
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.91
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 3
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5463
- Revenue: $42,100,000
- Miles driven: 441,000,000
Green Products
16902 290th St, Conrad, IA, 50621- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
Green Products (DOT: 171388) is a distinguished trucking company founded in 1947, primarily serving the agricultural processing and transportation industry in Iowa. The company provides a range of specialized freight services, including reefer, dry bulk commodities, general freight, and refrigerated foods. With a fleet of 58 trucks and 135 trailers, Green Products handles various cargo types such as agricultural supplies, beverages, fresh produce, grain feed hay, meat, and paper products.
Green Products offers notable commercial shipment support, including dedicated routes, team driver services, and a robust managed transportation system. Emphasizing employee satisfaction, they provide comprehensive benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as retirement plans. Their commitment to safety is evident with ongoing training programs and satisfactory safety ratings. Green Products ensures client satisfaction through flexibility, reliable freight handling, and efficient logistics solutions for both interstate and local deliveries.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 2.18
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.18
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.07
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 58
- Revenue: $94,318,000
- Miles driven: 4,618,458
Hydro Klean
333 Nw 49th Place, Des Moines, IA, 50313- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Trash
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Hydro Klean (DOT: 2190489) is a specialized trucking company based in Iowa, primarily focusing on environmental services. They offer a diverse range of transportation capabilities, including full truckload (FTL) services, dry van, and flatbed options. Hydro Klean is well-equipped to handle various types of cargo, notably chemicals, garbage/refuse, and liquids/gases, making them a reliable partner for businesses involved in these sectors.
The company also provides robust support for hazardous materials transport, ensuring safety and compliance in handling such sensitive shipments. Hydro Klean stands out with its benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, along with a retirement plan and guaranteed home time for drivers. Despite having some crash incidents, their focus on driver safety and maintaining a relatively young fleet underscores their commitment to providing dependable and secure logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.73
- Driver fitness: 0.6
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.4
- Controlled substances: 0.11
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 103
- Revenue: $6,676,000
- Miles driven: 1,800,000
Jacobson Transportation Company, Inc.
1275 128th St, Clive, IA, 50325- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Oversized
- Power only
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Jacobson Transportation Company, Inc. (DOT: 241594) is a reputable trucking company operating since 2018, known for its robust services in Iowa. The company is equipped with a fleet of 339 trucks and offers a wide range of transportation options, including flatbed and refrigerated (reefer) services. They specialize in transporting various types of cargo such as beverages, building materials, chemicals, machinery, large objects, and refrigerated food. Jacobson leverages a combination of power-only and hot shot services to cater to different shipping needs efficiently.
Jacobson Transportation stands out by providing special support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials and cross-border transportation. They offer attractive benefits to their drivers, such as sign-on bonuses, guaranteed home time, health insurance, and retirement plans. The company’s commitment to safety is evident in their satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training development programs. With a strong focus on customer support, Jacobson ensures flexible scheduling and personalized service to meet the unique needs of business owners.
Safety
- Crashes: 22
- Unsafe driving: 2.07
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.27
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.53
- Controlled substances: 0.04
- Hazardous materials violations: 4
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 325
- Revenue: $1,374,000
- Miles driven: 25,500,000
DON Hummer Trucking Corporation
505 33rd Avenue Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Oversized
- Power only
- Drayage
DON Hummer Trucking Corporation (DOT: 307512) is a reputable trucking company based in Iowa, established in 1982. Specializing in handling a range of cargo, they focus on Beverages, Building Materials, Fresh Produce, General Freight, Meat, Paper Products, and Refrigerated Food. Operating with a fleet of 640 vehicles, they provide services like flatbed and dry van shipping, tailored to meet various business needs, and cater to both regional and interstate operations.
DON Hummer Trucking emphasizes driver support, offering benefits such as health and dental insurance, sign-on bonuses, and ongoing training programs. They also prioritize specialized services, supporting owner-operators, team drivers, and dedicated routes to ensure efficient and reliable transportation solutions. With a satisfactory safety rating and guaranteed home time for drivers, they are committed to offering flexible and dependable transport options for their clients.
Safety
- Crashes: 25
- Unsafe driving: 1.62
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.61
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 334
- Revenue: $78,400
- Miles driven: 36,500,000
Tucker Freight Lines, Inc.
1080 East 12th Street, Dubuque, IA, 52001- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Tucker Freight Lines, Inc. (DOT: 1674) is a well-regarded trucking company operating since 1956 in Iowa. With a fleet of over 290 trucks, they specialize in efficiently transporting various cargo types, including building materials, construction supplies, paper products, metal sheets, and oilfield equipment. Their fleet includes diverse equipment such as flatbeds, step decks, and dump trailers, catering to the varied needs of their clients.
Tucker Freight Lines offers specialized services like cross-docking and hazardous materials handling, emphasizing safety with a “Satisfactory” rating. They support commercial shipments with options for regional and dedicated routes, ensuring timely deliveries. Offering incentives like sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and a truck lease-purchase program, they also provide comprehensive benefits, fostering a positive employment environment. With consistent safety measures and reliable service, Tucker Freight Lines stands out as a dependable choice for businesses needing commercial freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 19
- Unsafe driving: 1.34
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.24
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 290
- Revenue: $18,529,000
- Miles driven: 26,000,000
BAD Weather Trucking Co, Inc.
100 Power Dr, Councle Bluffs, IA, 51501- Fleet age: 3 years
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Oversized
- Tanker
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
BAD Weather Trucking Co, Inc. (DOT: 292080) is an Iowa-based freight carrier offering a range of specialized services since its establishment. The company excels in transporting refrigerated goods, fresh produce, and general freight with a modern fleet averaging three years in age. With 57 total trucks and a team of 52 drivers dedicated to both interstate and cross-border operations, they provide reliable hauling for US Mail, paper products, beverages, and meat, ensuring timely and effective distribution across regions.
Renowned for their commitment to driver welfare, BAD Weather Trucking offers a variety of incentives, including sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and safety bonuses. They also support flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and provide comprehensive health and dental insurance. The company emphasizes safety with no recorded crash injuries or fatalities, showcasing their focus on secure shipment operations. Their emphasis on specialized support makes them a preferred choice for businesses seeking efficient and dependable transport solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 57
- Revenue: $395
- Miles driven: 1,409,779
Seegers Truck Line, Inc.
727 S State St, Denver, IA, 50622- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Seegers Truck Line, Inc. (DOT: 1783) is an active trucking company operating out of Iowa. With a satisfactory safety rating, they maintain a modest fleet of 16 trucks, specializing in hauling general freight, agricultural supplies, building materials, grain, feed, hay, and machinery. This diverse cargo portfolio illustrates their capability in managing various types of shipments tailored to business needs.
Notably, Seegers Truck Line offers specialized services such as hazardous material transport and containerized freight solutions. They support commercial shipments with dedicated routes and offer perks like guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling. Employee benefits include health, vision, dental insurance, and retirement plans, showcasing a commitment to driver welfare. With a focus on professional development, the company ensures ongoing training programs and new driver programs to maintain high operational standards.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.17
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.92
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 16
- Revenue: $2,141
- Miles driven: 1,126,078
How Safety Ratings Work in Iowa
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Compliance, Safety & Accountability (CSA) program evaluates trucking companies using BASICS (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories)
Here’s a look at what each of the BASICS cover:
- Crashes: Trucking companies are required to report any accidents that result in injury or death. The FMSCA uses these state-reported crashes to determine any patterns of crash involvement and potential behaviors contributing to that pattern.
- Unsafe driving: This CSA category covers behaviors like texting and speeding that can lead to accidents
- Driver fitness: The FMCSA requires trucking companies to keep up-to-date records on their drivers. That includes identification and paperwork like CDLs, annual driving reviews, and any relevant medical certifications or documentation. Violations of this category will result in lower overall safety scores.
- Hours-of-service compliance: The FMCSA cites truckers and trucking companies that do not follow or enforce hours-of-service regulations that limit how much time a large commercial vehicle operator can be on the road without rest.
- Vehicle maintenance: Truckers are responsible for completing inspections before hitting the road on a route. They must also log any issues and have repairs to those identified problems completed before operating the truck.
- Controlled substances: As with all vehicle operators, truckers must be sober behind the wheel. This category accounts for violations issued to a trucking company’s driver(s) for being under the influence of or in possession of alcohol and street drugs or prescriptionor over-the-counter medicines that could impair judgement.
- Hazardous materials violations: Trucking companies and their drivers must exhibit proper loading and handling of hazardous materials, including labeling these items correctly, ensuring packaging meets regulations, and follows all restrictions and rules for the vehicle type.
Companies scoring a zero for any or all of the above categories did not receive any citations or other violations within a given month. Essentially, any trucking company that has multiple zeroes in these categories can likely be considered a safe freight shipper in compliance with all FMCSA standards and regulatory requirement.
Choosing the Right Drayage Transport Company for Your Shipments in Iowa
Here’s how to find dependable Drayage services for short-haul moves:
- Proximity to ports and rail yards: Select a Drayage provider close to key terminals in Iowa to minimize transit times and costs.
- Importing/exporting experience: Iowa carriers that specialize in Drayage understand how to navigate port processes and reduce potential delays.
- Fleet capacity and availability: A carrier with a sufficient fleet of well-maintained trucks will be better-eqipped to handle fluctuating shipment volumes.
- Real-time tracking: Opt for Iowa Drayage companies with GPS and tracking tools for better visibility into shipment locations and statuses.
- Compliance and safety standards: Ensure the company meets all FMCSA safety and regulatory requirements for port-related trucking.
- Efficient communication: Reliable customer service is key, particularly for urgent deliveries or high-volume Drayage needs.
FAQs
What role does Drayage play in the shipping process for Iowa businesses?
Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For Iowa businesses, it acts as a vital link between large-scale transportation and local warehousing or distribution.
How does Drayage help streamline intermodal shipping?
Drayage is essential in intermodal shipping because it facilitates the transfer of goods between various transportation modes, such as rail to truck. It minimizes handling times, which in turn improves delivery efficiency and reduces overall shipping costs.
What types of goods are typically handled in Drayage shipping?
Drayage shipping typically handles containerized goods, including consumer products, machinery, electronics, and imported materials. These goods are transported from ports or rail hubs to warehouses or distribution points for further processing or delivery.
Other Types of Transport Options for Your Shipments
Depending on the types of products your business retails or manufactures, you may have several shipping options to choose from.
- Hopper Bottom Shipping Services
- Beverage Shipping Services
- Box Truck Shipping Services
- Dry Bulk Shipping Services
- Dry Van Shipping Services
- Flatbed Shipping Services
- Hot Shot Shipping Services
- Intermodal Shipping Services
- LTL Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
