After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked DHL Freight 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 DHL Freight or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies 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.
DHL Freight
1909 E 17th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50316- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
DHL Freight (DOT: 1996747) is a distinguished logistics company with a dynamic presence in the interstate trucking industry. They provide an extensive range of services including full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), partial truckload, dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated (reefer) freight. They handle a diverse array of cargo such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, grain, machinery, metal sheets, paper products, and intermodal containers.
DHL Freight stands out for its specialized support and commercial shipment options like team driving opportunities, cross-border services, and guaranteed home time. They offer robust employee benefits which include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a 401k retirement plan, deadhead detention layover compensation, and ongoing training and development programs. Their comprehensive health screenings demonstrate a commitment to driver fitness and well-being.
Safety
- Crashes: 24
- Unsafe driving: 1.46
- Driver fitness: 0.14
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.04
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 277
- Miles driven: 18,600,000
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) offers reliable trucking services in Iowa with a well-established fleet. Though the company does not disclose its year of establishment, it boasts an active status and a variety of truckload services including full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), and partial truckload (PTL). They operate a fleet of 85 trucks and specialize in general freight, reefer, and flatbed transportation, making them versatile in their cargo-handling capabilities. The company places significant importance on benefits for drivers, offering health insurance, dental insurance, vision coverage, and a robust retirement plan.
Dedicated Transportation Systems, LLC provides special support for commercial shipments through dedicated routes and guaranteed home time, ensuring timely and reliable service. The company also offers premium services like sign-on bonuses and paid time off, enhancing driver retention. Commercial clients can expect professional handling of their freight needs with a range of services tailored for high performance and customer satisfaction.
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
Solar Transport Company
1150 Locust Street Suite 301, Des Moines, IA, 50309- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $8,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Solar Transport Company (DOT: 231451) is a reputable Iowa-based trucking company accentuated by a satisfactory safety rating and a strong presence in the market as a broker, cargo tank, and carrier operator. Specializing in general freight, chemicals, and liquids/gases, the company is well-equipped to handle inter-state shipments. Their robust fleet of 133 trucks and dedicated routes provide reliable solutions for diverse shipping needs.
Solar Transport Company offers specialized services including reefers, dry vans, and flatbeds to accommodate various cargo types. Business owners benefit from commercial shipment support such as paid CDL training, guaranteed home time, and comprehensive health benefits. The company’s dedication to safety and quality service, along with attractive perks like direct deposit and sign-on bonuses, make it a solid choice for businesses looking to ship their products efficiently and securely.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 1.0
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.91
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 8
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 228
- Revenue: $453,000
- Miles driven: 13,300,000
Central Petroleum Transportinc
4036 South Gate Drive, Sioux City, IA, 51106- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: N/A
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Reefer
- Tanker
Central Petroleum Transportinc (DOT: 214433) is a reputable trucking company, established in 1980, operating out of Iowa. With a fleet size between 20 to 49 trucks and 16 power units, they specialize in transporting a variety of cargo, including agricultural supplies, chemicals, commodities, dry bulk, construction materials, and grain feed hay. Their services include tanker and reefer operations that are well-equipped to handle liquids, gases, and general freight.
Central Petroleum Transportinc offers robust support for commercial shipments with a focus on safety, as indicated by their satisfactory safety rating. They have 17 drivers, primarily operating locally and interstate, reinforcing their commitment to meet various logistic needs. Furthermore, they provide health insurance and paid time off to their employees, ensuring a stable and supportive work environment.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 3.56
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.48
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 17
- Revenue: $3,916,000
- Miles driven: 795,265
Quad City Freight Service, Inc.
2900 Research Parkway, Davenport, IA, 52806- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Quad City Freight Service, Inc. (DOT: 290881) operates with a solid reputation in Iowa. Handling mainly general and other freight, the company uses a combination of dry vans and flatbeds, accommodating various shipping needs. Its fleet consists of 14 trucks and offers key services such as partial truckload and full truckload freight. With a fleet size of over 50 drivers—most of whom are over-the-road (OTR) drivers—Quad City Freight Service is equipped to handle diverse shipping requirements, making it a reliable choice for business owners.
The company emphasizes driver welfare by providing benefits such as health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, along with paid time off and a retirement plan. Quad City Freight Service maintains a satisfactory safety rating with commendable scores in vehicle maintenance. The company’s average fleet age of 5 years ensures modern, efficient trucking capabilities. Although they do not offer specialized or hazardous material support, their focus on multiple truckload options and general freight makes them a versatile carrier for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 14
- Revenue: $17,097,000
- Miles driven: 457,412
Quest Liner
2099 Southpark Ct Ste 1, Dubuque, IA, 52003- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Cross-border
Quest Liner (DOT: 1609038) is a reputable trucking company based in Iowa, distinguished by its impressive Google rating of 4.5 and a fleet of over 300 trucks. Established to meet the diverse needs of shippers, Quest Liner specializes in transporting chemicals, dry bulk commodities, liquids, and gases. They offer full truckload, partial truckload, and less-than-truckload services, ensuring their clients have flexible shipping options to choose from.
Quest Liner goes beyond standard trucking services by providing specialized support for commercial shipments, particularly in hazardous materials and dry bulk commodities. Their regional and over-the-road drivers are equipped to handle a variety of cargo, reflecting their commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. The company also provides quality benefits such as health, dental, and life insurance, paid time off, and a robust 401(k) retirement plan.
Safety
- Crashes: 22
- Unsafe driving: 1.5
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.31
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 15
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 307
- Revenue: $20,938,000
- Miles driven: 22,700,000
General Logistics, Inc.
5000 Tremont Avenue Suite 300b, 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 an active interstate trucking company based in Iowa, operating a fleet of 58 trucks with 80 drivers. The company specializes in transporting a variety of cargo, including building materials, metal sheets, coils and rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods. General Logistics offers several trucking services such as dry van and flatbed, as well as partial and full truckload shipments, making them versatile in handling different shipping needs.
General Logistics, Inc. also provides exceptional support for commercial shipments with offerings like parcel delivery, regional routes, and local drivers. They maintain a satisfactory safety rating and place a strong emphasis on driver benefits, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as a retirement plan. With high ratings on Google, Indeed, and Glassdoor, they are well-regarded in the industry for their employee satisfaction and reliable service.
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
Transportation Express, Inc.
224 S Bell Ave, Ames, IA, 50010- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Transportation Express, Inc. (DOT: 401811) is a versatile trucking company based in Iowa, providing comprehensive freight services since its inception. Specializing in general freight, dry bulk commodities, and liquids/gases, this company operates interstate with a fleet of 28 trucks and 29 trailers. This reliable carrier ensures efficient transit of chemicals, grains, feed, and hay, with an emphasis on diverse cargo handling, including other unspecified items.
Transportation Express, Inc. offers full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, catering to varying shipping needs. They are particularly supportive of commercial clients, offering benefits like direct deposit, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, alongside a 401(k) retirement plan and paid time off. With a satisfactory safety rating, Transportation Express, Inc. combines operational efficiency with employee welfare to deliver top-tier transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.81
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.81
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 3
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 28
- Revenue: $641,000
- Miles driven: 2,990,000
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) is a reputable logistics and warehousing company established in 1983 and operating out of Iowa. With a fleet size ranging from 20 to 49 trucks, they specialize in handling chemicals, general freight, and large machinery. The company offers full truckload and less-than-truckload services, providing flexible shipment options tailored to meet diverse client needs.
Waterloo Warehousing supports commercial shipments with an active intrastate hazardous carrier operation and maintains a strong safety record with no reported crashes. In terms of employee benefits, the company is committed to driver welfare, offering health insurance, paid time off, dental and vision coverage, and a retirement plan. With a good reputation on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor, Waterloo Warehousing is a reliable choice for business owners looking for comprehensive and safe trucking services.
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
Hirschbach Solutions
2460 Kerper BLVD, Dubuque, IA, 52001- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Last-mile delivery
Hirschbach Solutions (DOT: 563556) is a relatively new yet robust player in Iowa’s trucking industry, having been established in 2018. This company specializes in a variety of freight services, including full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and refrigerated (reefer) transportation. Their dedicated team focuses on moving diverse cargo such as beverages, chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, liquids/gases, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food.
Hirschbach Solutions supports commercial shipments with additional services like team driving opportunities, expedited services, and guaranteed home time for drivers. The company is known for its satisfactory safety rating and provides various incentives for their workforce, such as sign-on bonuses, health insurance, direct deposit, per diem payments, and retirement plans. With a commitment to safety and efficient logistics, Hirschbach Solutions offers reliable and specialized commercial transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.46
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.44
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 3
- Revenue: $172,000
- Miles driven: 340,000
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.
