If you call the Hawkeye State home and are considering enrolling in truck driver training, it is vital that you carefully research prospective employers before taking the plunge. With dozens of trucking companies in Iowa, it can be tough to know where to start the search.
The FreightWaves Ratings team has done all the legwork for you by compiling this list of the best Iowa trucking businesses. Here are the companies that made our top 10.
Quicklook: Best Iowa trucking companies
- Best for overnight LTL: Sutton Transport -Match Now
- Best for refrigerated trucking: Schuster -Match Now
- Best for flatbed shipping: TMC Transportation -Match Now
- Best for reliability: Heartland Express, Inc. -Match Now
- Best for providing order tracking: Crawford Trucking -Match Now
- Best for efficiency: Keane Thummel Trucking -Match Now
- Best for versatility: Decker Truck Line -Match Now
- Best for providing great equipment: Gray Transportation -Match Now
- Best for experienced drivers: Simon’s Trucking -Match Now
- Best for road safety: Dickey Transport -Match Now
10 best Iowa trucking companies
The following represent the 10 best Iowa trucking companies in operation today.
Sutton Transport, Inc.
Sutton Transport specializes in providing overnight LTL services to businesses throughout Iowa. The company is a valuable asset to local businesses and distribution centers located in the state. While it does not have hubs in Iowa, it does have multiple terminals nearby, including several in Missouri and Wisconsin.
Best for: Overnight LTL
Established: 1979
Location: Weston, Wisconsin
Employees: 700
Carrier Type: LTL
Services Provided: LTL, hazmat shipping
Revenue: $43.6 million
Google Rating: 3.8/5 on 34 reviews
Schuster Co.
Schuster Co., formerly known as Schuster Grain, has established itself as a premier choice for individuals seeking a rewarding career in the trucking industry. Specializing in refrigerated trucking and product shipment, Schuster Co. has evolved into a highly regarded and widely recognized company in Iowa. With a considerably expanded fleet, working at Schuster Co. guarantees access to a wealth of opportunities and a strong reputation for excellence. Joining their team means becoming part of a legacy built on expertise, reliability, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service.
Best for: Refrigerated trucking
Established: 1956
Location: Le Mars, Iowa
Employees: 325
Carrier Type:
- Refrigerated
- Dry van
Services Provided: Specializing in refrigerated shipments
Revenue: $68.9 million
Google Rating: 4.0/5 on 201 reviews
TMC Transportation
TMC Transportation, headquartered in Des Moines, stands as an outstanding choice for individuals seeking employment in the trucking industry. With a specialization in flatbed shipping, what truly distinguishes TMC Transportation is its unwavering dedication to its drivers. The company boasts its own training facilities, catering not only to new drivers but also offering supplemental training to seasoned professionals, highlighting their commitment to ongoing growth and development. As a subsidiary of Annet Holdings, Inc., TMC Transportation provides a supportive and enriching work environment that values its drivers’ success and well-being. Joining the TMC Transportation team guarantees access to exceptional training resources and a rewarding career that goes beyond expectations.
Best for: Flatbed shipping
Established: 1972
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Employees: 3,500
Carrier Type: Flatbed
Services Provided: Though known for its flatbed services, TMC also provides training opportunities to prospective drivers.
Revenue: $939.7 million
Google Rating: 3.5/5 on 460 reviews
Heartland Express, Inc.
Heartland Express, a pinnacle of excellence in the trucking industry, offers several compelling reasons to join their team. With a focus on dedicated shipping and value-adding services tailored to meet customer demands, Heartland Express has solidified its reputation as one of the most dependable trucking companies in Iowa. Leveraging the latest innovations, they ensure on-time and secure shipments, delivering unparalleled service and peace of mind. Choosing to work at Heartland Express guarantees a rewarding career where professionalism, efficiency, and customer satisfaction take center stage.
Best for: Reliability
Established: 1978
Location: North Liberty, Iowa
Employees: 4,050
Carrier Type: Truckload
Services Provided: Heartland Express provides truckload services and dedicated shipping.
Revenue: $596 million
Google Rating: 3.7/5 on 129 reviews
Crawford Trucking, Inc.
Crawford Trucking, headquartered in Des Moines, presents an enticing opportunity for individuals seeking employment in the trucking industry. With a commitment to innovation, Crawford Trucking provides cutting-edge tracking solutions that empower customers to track their deliveries with precision and accuracy, ensuring seamless logistics and precise delivery times. Renowned for its sound business practices, Crawford Trucking has emerged as a true leader among Iowa trucking companies, offering a supportive and progressive work environment where excellence and customer satisfaction are at the forefront. Choosing to work at Crawford Trucking guarantees a fulfilling career marked by innovation, professionalism, and the opportunity to contribute to the company’s continued success.
Best for: Providing order tracking
Established: 1990
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Employees: 87
Carrier Type: Truckload
Services Provided: In addition to dedicated shipping, Crawford offers on-time deliveries and real-time satellite tracking.
Revenue: $25.9 million
Google Rating: 4.0/5 on 31 reviews
Keane Thummel Trucking
Keane Thummel, a family-owned trucking company, stands as an exceptional choice for individuals seeking employment in the trucking industry. With a strong commitment to delivering products to businesses throughout Iowa, Keane Thummel offers an opportunity to be part of a family-oriented team dedicated to excellence. The company’s investment in top-of-the-line equipment and cutting-edge technology guarantees unmatched efficiency and reliability, providing employees with the tools they need to thrive. Joining Keane Thummel ensures a fulfilling career marked by a supportive work environment, a focus on customer satisfaction, and the chance to contribute to the company’s continued success.
Best for: Efficiency
Established: 1980
Location: New Market, Iowa
Employees: 152
Carrier Type:
- Truckload
- Dry van
- Step deck
Services Provided: Keane Thummel specializes in on-time truckload deliveries.
Revenue: $31 million
Google Rating: 4.6/5 on 29 reviews
Decker Truck Line
Decker Truck Line, a revered name with a rich history as one of the oldest trucking companies in Iowa, offers an extraordinary opportunity for individuals seeking a rewarding career in the industry. Renowned for its exceptional service and unwavering commitment to innovation, Decker Truck Line has established itself as a leader in transporting construction materials, food products, iron, and steel. Choosing to work at Decker means joining a team with a proven track record of excellence, where professionalism, reliability, and a supportive work environment come together to create a fulfilling and successful career journey.
Best for: Versatility
Established: 1931
Location: Fort Dodge, Iowa
Employees: 1,050
Carrier Type:
- Flatbed
- Truckload
- Refrigerated
- Dry van
Services Provided: Decker transports a variety of construction materials, as well as consumer goods and food products.
Revenue: $166 million
Google Rating: 4.0/5 on 262 reviews
Gray Transportation
Gray Transportation, headquartered in Waterloo, emerges as an exceptional choice for individuals seeking a rewarding career in the trucking industry. With a widespread reach, offering shipping services to the 48 contiguous states, Gray Transportation provides ample opportunities for diverse experiences and growth. The company’s reliance on state-of-the-art tracking technology ensures precision and efficiency in operations, while their steadfast commitment to ongoing driver training demonstrates their dedication to fostering professional development and success. Joining the team at Gray Transportation guarantees access to a supportive work environment, cutting-edge technology, and the chance to be part of one of the best trucking companies in Iowa.
Best for: Providing great equipment
Established: 1984
Location: Waterloo, Iowa
Employees: 160
Carrier Type:
- Flatbed
- Truckload
- Refrigerated
- Dry van
Services Provided: Gray Transportation specializes in the latest technology, offering clients real-time tracking and data.
Revenue: $30.6 million
Google Rating: 3.6/5 on 56 reviews
Simon’s Trucking, Inc.
Simon’s Trucking, a standout in the trucking industry, presents an irresistible opportunity for individuals seeking a rewarding career. With a wide range of shipping solutions and specialized services in warehousing and cross-docking, Simon’s Trucking offers a diverse and exciting work environment. What truly sets them apart is their dedicated team, comprised of highly experienced drivers with a minimum of 10 years of truck driving expertise. This impressive level of experience solidifies Simon’s Trucking as one of the most reliable and dependable trucking companies in Iowa. Joining the team at Simon’s Trucking guarantees access to a supportive and experienced workforce, fostering professional growth and ensuring a fulfilling career in the transportation industry.
Best for: Experienced drivers
Established: 1946
Location: Farley, Iowa
Employees: 148
Carrier Type:
- Truckload
- Refrigerated
- Dry van
- Hoppers
- Belt trailers
- Tankers
Services Provided: Simon’s provides a wide range of trucking services, as well as warehousing solutions and cross-docking services.
Revenue: $27.9 million
Google Rating: 3.9/5 on 41 reviews
Dickey Transport
Dickey Transport, a seasoned player in the transportation industry for over 60 years, presents an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking employment. With a longstanding reputation for excellence, Dickey Transport has consistently delivered to the Central and Midwestern United States, earning numerous accolades for its dedication to road safety and expertise in food handling and delivery. Choosing to work at Dickey Transport guarantees a rewarding career marked by a commitment to professionalism, safety, and unparalleled expertise, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a fulfilling and secure job in the transportation field.
Best for: Road safety
Established: 1959
Location: Packwood, Iowa
Employees: 114
Carrier Type:
- Truckload
- Refrigerated
Services Provided: Dickey specializes in consumer goods, delivering primarily to the Midwest.
Revenue: $23 million
Google Rating: 4.7/5 on 19 reviews
Start exploring Iowa trucking jobs
By using this list of the best trucking companies in Iowa, you can jumpstart your job search efforts as you enter the trucking profession. However, this is by no means an exhaustive list. There are plenty of other great companies out there, including national organizations that pay for driver training.
Regardless of which companies you decide to apply to, make sure to ask plenty of questions and carefully weigh your options. By doing so, you can land a great job, start building relevant experience and set the stage for a long, rewarding career in the trucking industry.
FAQ
Zip Recruiter reports that Iowa CDL drivers can make an average of $50,537 per year, which translates into roughly $24 per hour.
The Iowa Motor Truck Association reports that there are 11,420 interstate trucking companies operating in Iowa.
Starting a trucking company requires a CDL, for which you must be at least 18. You’ll also need to register your company name and obtain an EIN.
You’ll have to register any equipment with your county, depending on the type of truck you’re using, and you’ll also need liability insurance on all commercial vehicles.
Many drivers may wish to gain experience at an established company prior to venturing out on their own.
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