After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked West Side Transport, Inc. as the best Iowa trucking company for commerce shipments.
Depending on the size of your business and specific shipping needs, you may want to consider West Side Transport, Inc. or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in Iowa
Why Trust FreightWaves?
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.
West Side Transport, Inc.
11801 6 Th St Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
West Side Transport, Inc. (DOT: 165881) is a prominent trucking company based in Iowa, recognized for its extensive fleet and robust service offerings. Operating over 515 trucks and 1030 trailers, West Side Transport specializes in the transportation of building materials, general freight, household goods, and paper products. They offer dedicated routes, team driving opportunities, and a variety of cargo services, including less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) shipments, making them a versatile choice for transporting diverse types of goods.
In addition to their comprehensive shipping services, West Side Transport provides significant support for commercial shipments, such as guaranteed home time and pay advances, enhancing driver satisfaction and reliability. They also offer various employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan (401k), and safety bonuses, ensuring a well-maintained and motivated workforce. With favorable safety ratings and ongoing training programs, they maintain a strong emphasis on operational excellence.
Safety
- Crashes: 43
- Unsafe driving: 1.33
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.54
- Controlled substances: 0.02
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 567
- Revenue: $107,398,000
- Miles driven: 47,300,000
J D Double M Trucking, Inc.
1125 Lew Ross Rd, Council Bluffs, IA, 51501- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
J D Double M Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 544027) is a reputable trucking company based in Iowa, offering reliable freight services with an active DOT status. The company, known for handling a variety of cargo such as beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, paper products, meat, and refrigerated foods, operates a fleet that includes flatbed and dry van trailers with a total of 24 trucks and the same number of drivers operating interstate.
J D Double M Trucking, Inc. emphasizes full truckload (FTL) services and offers less-than-truckload (LTL) options. Local routes are supported by their team of drivers, ensuring efficient deliveries. Notably, the company provides health and dental insurance, paid time off (PTO), direct deposit, and competitive salaries ranging from $50,000 to $60,000. Their commendable Google and Yelp ratings reflect a strong customer satisfaction focus. Despite a few reported crashes, the company’s extensive industry experience and comprehensive service offerings make them a reliable choice for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.64
- Driver fitness: 0.18
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.5
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.35
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 24
- Revenue: $2,370,000
- Miles driven: 2,034,294
Waterloo Warehousing And Service Company, Inc.
324 Duryea St, Waterloo, IA, 50701- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Waterloo Warehousing And Service Company, Inc. (DOT: 445156) offers a comprehensive range of trucking services since its inception in 1983. Based in Iowa, they handle cargo such as chemicals, general freight, machinery, and other large objects. Operating a fleet of 30 trucks and 54 trailers, they excel in dry van and flatbed transport, making them a reliable choice for varied shipping needs.
Waterloo Warehousing provides special support for partial truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, catering to businesses with different freight volumes. Intrastate hazardous carrier operations necessitate a high safety standard, as evident from their moderate safety scores in vehicle maintenance and driver fitness. Their commitment to employee welfare through benefits like health, dental, life, and vision insurance underscores their dedication to quality service.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.48
- Driver fitness: 0.83
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: intrastate hazardous
- Drivers: 28
- Revenue: $1,395,000
- Miles driven: 425,000
Contract Transport, Inc.
1440 Vermont, Des Moines, IA, 50314- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Contract Transport, Inc. (DOT: 165826) was established in 1963 and operates a fleet size of over 130 trucks, with 65 dedicated drivers. Specializing in a variety of cargo, the company primarily handles general freight and U.S. mail. Their fleet includes reefer and flatbed trucks, covering comprehensive shipping needs, particularly for businesses requiring refrigerated transportation or large flatbed deliveries.
Targeting commercial shipments, Contract Transport offers critical services such as less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) options. Exceptional support includes team drivers, who ensure efficient long-haul delivery, and a focus on driver well-being with benefits like health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Additionally, the company provides valuable bonuses, including driver safety and sign-on bonuses, further enhancing their appeal as a reliable shipping partner.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.49
- Driver fitness: 0.28
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.46
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.4
- Controlled substances: 0.12
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 65
- Revenue: $15,822,000
- Miles driven: 3,900,000
Dedicated Transportation Systems, LLC
915 Floral Lane, Davenport, IA, 52802- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Dedicated Transportation Systems, LLC (DOT: 514689) is a reputable trucking company situated in Iowa, boasting over three decades of industry experience. They specialize in transporting general freight, facilitated by a robust fleet of 85 trucks and a variety of trailers, including flatbeds and dry vans. Their team is proficient in regional and interstate routes, ensuring comprehensive coverage for their clients’ shipping needs.
Dedicated Transportation Systems provides a diverse range of services such as full truckload (FTL) and partial truckload (LTL) shipments, tailored to meet various commercial shipping demands. They handle an array of cargo, including general freight, and offer specialized support like reefer services for temperature-sensitive goods. The company also emphasizes driver benefits, offering dental, life, disability, and vision insurance, along with sign-on bonuses and guaranteed home time, enhancing their reputation as a reliable and employee-friendly operation.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 3.06
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.44
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.93
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 75
- Revenue: $1,194,000
- Miles driven: 5,064,552
General Logistics, Inc.
5000 Tremont Avenue Suite 300 B, Davenport, IA, 52807- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
General Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 315357) is a versatile and client-focused trucking company, equipped with 58 power units and offering a variety of freight services including dry van, flatbed, and reefer dispatches. They cater to transporting building materials, general freight, metal sheets and coils, paper products, and refrigerated food, ensuring a broad range of shipping needs are met with expertise and reliability.
General Logistics stands out for providing specialized support such as team driver services, partial truckloads, last mile delivery, and less-than-truckload (LTL) options. They also emphasize employee benefits with offerings like dental, disability, life, health, and vision insurance, and even paid time off. With a commendable BBB rating of 4.5, they have earned a reputation for delivering dependable and safe commercial shipment solutions for business owners.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.82
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.2
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 80
- Revenue: $707,000
- Miles driven: 6,065,613
D.W. Trucking, LLC
1208 S Dayton Pl, Ames, IA, 50010- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
D.W. Trucking, LLC (DOT: 437649) is an experienced interstate carrier based in Iowa. They offer a specialized array of trucking services including full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) shipments, making them adept at handling diverse cargo needs. Their fleet, composed of a flatbed and a dry van, ensures flexibility and efficiency in transporting large objects and construction materials. The company also maintains a high standard of safety with no reported crash injuries or fatalities.
In addition to their robust service offerings, D.W. Trucking, LLC takes care of their employees with benefits such as dental, life, and health insurance, as well as paid time off. They are also known to provide reliable local delivery services, making them a trusted partner for business owners needing seamless and secure transportation solutions for their products. Their performance and reputation are further validated by high ratings on Yelp and Google.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 4.0
- Driver fitness: 5.5
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2
- Miles driven: 10,000
Wilson Trucking
13776 Overland Trail, Council Bluffs, IA, 51503- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
Wilson Trucking (DOT: 668776) is a reputable hauling company operating in Iowa with a fleet of 10 trucks. They offer an array of services including dedicated routes, last mile delivery, full truckload, and partial truckload shipping. The company handles various types of cargo such as building materials, construction materials, and reefer goods, catering to a broad spectrum of shipping needs.
Wilson Trucking also provides special support for commercial shipments, with offerings like direct deposit, sign-on bonuses, ongoing training and development programs, and guaranteed home time for drivers. Additionally, they ensure the well-being of their employees with life insurance, dental insurance, disability insurance, and vision coverage. With a commitment to safety and reliability, Wilson Trucking stands out as a dependable partner for business owners looking to ship their products efficiently.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.4
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 12.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 11
- Revenue: $1,443,000
- Miles driven: 152,000
JMS Trucking
5650 6 Th St Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
JMS Trucking (DOT: 544457) is a reputable freight trucking company based in Iowa, established in 1992. They operate a modern fleet of 115 trucks specializing in carrying general freight and paper products, with dedicated support for full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. Offering refrigerated transport with their reefer trailers, JMS Trucking efficiently handles temperature-sensitive cargo.
JMS Trucking is known for its commitment to driver well-being, providing comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as a retirement plan (401k). The company also supports team driving opportunities and ensures ongoing training and development programs. With a satisfactory safety rating and emphasis on professional service, JMS Trucking stands out as a dependable partner for commercial shipment needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 1.25
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.34
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.46
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 115
- Revenue: $1,668,000
- Miles driven: 7,226,107
Baileys, Inc.
2551 BLVD Of Champions, Sioux City, IA, 51111- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Baileys, Inc. (DOT: 775487) is an active trucking company based in Iowa. They boast a fleet of 34 vehicles, including 17 trucks, and have been serving the transportation needs for numerous business owners with a commendable service history. Their diverse cargo capabilities include general freight and liquids/gases, highlighting their adaptability to different shipping requirements.
Baileys, Inc. specializes in providing comprehensive full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, catering to a wide range of shipment volumes. They also offer support for interstate operations, particularly benefiting commercial clients. Business owners can rely on Baileys, Inc. for secure and efficient transport, backed by a satisfactory safety rating and a workforce committed to maintaining high standards. Additional benefits include dental, life, and health insurance, as well as paid time off, ensuring a well-rounded support structure for their drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.53
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.58
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 14
- Revenue: $5,873,000
- Miles driven: 900,000
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 Iowa Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in Iowa, there are a few key factors to consider when looking for the best trucking company:
- Shipment volume and frequency: The total dimensional weight of your shipment can impact the company you choose, since some companies have minimum project size requirements. If your shipping order is on the smaller size, look for a company without any size restrictions that also offers a variety of options, including LTL and partial truckload shipping. Similarly, you’ll want to look for companies that will fit your anticipated ongoing volume. You may also want to consider companies that provide some surge capacity to accommodate unexpected growth.
- Shipping destinations: If possible, try to determine how often you’ll need shipping for what distances. Knowing where in the U.S. you ship to most frequently — or if you need nationwide shipping — will help you select a carrier that provides the regions and haul distances you need.
- Services: Consider looking for a trucking company in Iowa with specialized support for businesses — like logistics and supply chain management and warehousing and distribution — as well as online shipment tracking or other helpful technological tools and resources.
- Safety: While we verify that each trucking company we recommend has a DOT number and follows Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) safety standards, you may want to further consider the average fleet age and years of driver experience, ongoing training programs, and other steps a company takes to ensure your shipment will be delivered efficiently and without incident.
FAQs: Iowa Trucking Companies
Which is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Iowa?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Iowa. In fact, nationwide, trucks transport more goods domestically than all other modes of commercial transportation combined. One reason for the popularity is affordability — road transport is typically the most cost-efficient shipping method. And a variety of vehicle options — like flatbeds, dry vans, and refrigerated trucks — makes it easier to move a variety of products.
What products are best transported by truck in Iowa?
The products that are best transported by truck in the U.S. include commodities like:
- Building materials
- Food and beverages
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Electronics
What is the disadvantage of transporting goods by truck in Iowa?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Iowa and nationally, there are some minor disadvantages to consider, including weight and size restrictions and delays caused by inclement weather or traffic. Using a truck for your commercial shipments can also be expensive for longer-distance deliveries. And trucks require loading, unloading, and reloading of goods, which can add more time to and logistical management of your shipment.
