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10 Best Beverage Trucking Companies in Iowa

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

DHL Freight is our pick for consistent, secure Beverage transport in Iowa based on key criteria like reliability, pricing, and safety. Find out more about DHL Freight and the other top-rated Iowa Beverage carriers on our list.

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.

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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

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.

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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

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 freight trucking company operating in Iowa. The company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They excel in providing full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services, ensuring flexibility for businesses with varying shipment sizes.

J D Double M Trucking, Inc. offers robust support for commercial shipments, including dry van and flatbed services. Their fleet consists of 24 trucks and 48 trailers, allowing efficient and reliable operations across interstate routes. With health insurance and paid time off included in their benefits, they maintain a strong emphasis on employee well-being. Despite some reported incidents, their safety track record and maintenance score demonstrate a commitment to safety. Business owners seeking a versatile and dependable trucking partner will find J D Double M Trucking, Inc. a suitable choice.

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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

H & W Transport

10584 Keywest Dr, Dubuque, IA, 52003
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Chemicals
  • Construction equipment
  • Farm supplies
  • Produce
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Meat
  • Metal materials
  • Oilfield equipment
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed

H & W Transport (DOT: 1047093) is a respected trucking company based in Iowa, dedicated to providing reliable interstate freight services. They specialize in handling various types of cargo including refrigerated foods, beverages, building materials, and agricultural products. The company’s fleet includes dry vans, flatbeds, and vehicles for full truckloads, ensuring they can meet different shipping needs effectively.

For commercial shipments, H & W Transport stands out with their commitment to health insurance and direct deposit services for their drivers. Additionally, they offer paid time off, ensuring that their workforce remains motivated and well-cared for. Despite their medium size, with a fleet of 11 trucks and 12 drivers, their focus on general freight and fresh produce makes them a versatile and dependable choice for businesses aiming to transport a variety of goods safely and efficiently.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 3.38
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.82
  • Vehicle maintenance: 8.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 12
  • Miles driven: 115,000

Hurst Logistics, Inc..

2491 Kerper BLVD, Dubuque, IA, 52001
  • Fleet size: 11 to 25
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • General
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery

Hurst Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 991486) is a reputable trucking company in Iowa, operating actively since its inception. With a fleet size of 16 trucks and 15 drivers, Hurst Logistics offers a range of essential services including full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) shipments. They specialize in hauling cargo such as beverages, building materials, paper products, and general freight, making them a versatile partner for diverse shipping needs.

Hurst Logistics provides significant support for commercial shipments with offerings like direct deposit, health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan (401k). Despite having stringent safety measures in place with an emphasis on driver fitness, the company maintains low scores in unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance, ensuring reliable service. Advanced safety bonuses and disability insurance further underline their commitment to operational excellence and employee welfare.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 2.18
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.41
  • Vehicle maintenance: 6.2
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 15
  • Revenue: $1,642,000
  • Miles driven: 1,346,112

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 been a prominent player in the transportation industry since 1955, operating a sizeable fleet of 4,608 trucks. The company specializes in a broad array of cargo including agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, and refrigerated foods, ensuring that diverse shipping needs are met. Offering services such as power-only shipments, dedicated routes, and cross-border transportation, CRST stands out in the sector.

Additionally, CRST provides various forms of support for commercial shipments, including driver referral bonuses, per diem payments, and guaranteed home time for drivers. Their commitment to safety and training is evident with satisfactory safety ratings and ongoing training programs. As a company that promotes employee well-being, they offer sign-on bonuses, health insurance, 401k retirement plans, direct deposit, and paid CDL training, reflecting their commitment to operational excellence and employee satisfaction.

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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

Tucker Freight Lines, Inc.

1080 East 12th Street, Dubuque, IA, 52001
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 2 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • 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 long-standing freight trucking company, established in 1956 and based in Iowa. They maintain an active fleet of 290 trucks, ensuring reliable service for their clients. Tucker Freight Lines specializes in a wide range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, construction items, grain feed hay, large machinery, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, oilfield equipment, paper products, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber.

The company offers several specialized services tailored for commercial shipments, such as hazardous materials transportation, refrigerated (reefer) freight, cross-docking, drayage, flatbed, and dump trailer services. Tucker Freight Lines supports its drivers and clients with amenities like sign-on bonuses, health insurance, safety bonuses, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling. They also provide valuable commercial support like managed transportation and guaranteed home time for drivers, making them a comprehensive and reliable choice for business owners seeking quality freight shipping services.

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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

Ruan Transport Corporation

666 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309
  • Fleet age: 2 years
  • Insurance: $5,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Chemicals
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • General
  • Liquids & gases
  • Metal materials
  • Refrigerated food

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Container
  • Oversized
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van
  • Tanker
  • Hot shot
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Cross-docking

Ruan Transport Corporation (DOT: 55787) is a reputable trucking company based in Iowa, established with a robust fleet of 2,980 trucks and various trailers including flatbed, dry van, and tankers. Ruan specializes in transporting a wide range of cargo such as beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, refrigerated foods, and liquids/gases, supported by their commitment to safe driving and vehicle maintenance.

Ruan offers a multitude of services to cater to commercial shipment needs, including dedicated routes, cross-docking, managed transportation, and an active brokerage division. Additional benefits for customers include guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and expedited options. Ruan’s excellence in service is highlighted by its comprehensive support offerings for drivers, such as sign-on bonuses, health insurance, and ongoing training and development programs, ensuring reliable and professional delivery for all shipping needs.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 218
  • Unsafe driving: 0.68
  • Driver fitness: 0.05
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.92
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 21

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 3612
  • Revenue: $2,035,000
  • Miles driven: 284,000,000

Simon’s Trucking

920 Simon Drive, Farley, IA, 52046
  • Fleet size: 20 to 49
  • Fleet age: 100% late model
  • Insurance: $5,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Chemicals
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Produce
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Liquids & gases
  • Livestock
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Meat
  • Metal materials
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Box truck
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Consolidation
  • Alcohol-insured
  • Cross-docking
  • Hazardous materials

Simon’s Trucking (DOT: 164492) is a well-established trucking company that has been operating since 1946 in Iowa. The company manages a fleet of 135 late-model trucks, and its services include transporting general freight, refrigerated food, fresh produce, beverages, and chemicals. Their ability to handle diverse cargo such as commodities dry bulk, machinery, and livestock showcases their versatility and commitment to meeting various shipping needs.

Simon’s Trucking also offers specialized support for commercial shipments, including cross-border services and hazmat handling. With a focus on both safety and driver well-being, they provide health insurance, life insurance, paid time off, and a comprehensive retirement plan (401k). Additionally, they support drivers with direct deposit, per diem payments, and tuition reimbursement. Business owners can rely on Simon’s Trucking for efficient, secure, and reliable transportation solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 6
  • Unsafe driving: 1.56
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.96
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 2

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 100
  • Revenue: $6,115,000
  • Miles driven: 9,970,239

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 reputable trucking company based in Iowa, established in 1947. They offer an array of transportation services and boast a fleet size consisting of 251 power units and 135 trailers. Notably, their services include refrigerated freight for fresh produce, refrigerated foods, and beverages. Their commitment to employee well-being is reflected in benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and gym memberships. Additionally, Green Products provides unique offerings like direct deposit, driver referral bonuses, and a truck lease purchase program.

Green Products specializes in transporting a variety of cargo such as agricultural/farm supplies, building materials, and general freight, ensuring comprehensive support for commercial shipments. They maintain dedicated routes and offer specialized drivers to handle specific cargo needs. The company’s interstate operations and offerings like reefer drivers, flatbed drivers, container services, and intermodal drivers highlight their robust capabilities to manage diverse freight requirements effectively, making them an excellent choice for business owners seeking reliable shipping solutions for their products.

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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

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 Beverage Trucking Company for Your Shipments

If your Iowa business is tied to the hospitality industry, finding a Beverage trucking company that fits your budget and product needs is key to making sure your shipments arrive intact and on time.

Keep these tips in mind:

  • Temperature control: Choose a Beverage carrier that offers refrigerated trailers that can keep your products at the appropriate temperature during transport.
  • Load stability and securement: Before hiring a Beverage trucking company, make sure to ask what securement methods they have in place to prevent shifting, especially for glass bottles and other fragile packaging.
  • Specialized trailers: Some Iowa Beverage companies use trailers designed specifically for beverage transport, which can help protect the load from damage.
  • Product experience: Iowa carriers skilled at handling Beverage products understand the unique handling and temperature requirements involved.
  • Tracking and monitoring: Iowa trucking companies with real-time tracking allow you to monitor the location and condition of your shipment during transit.
  • Safety and compliance: Review a Beverage company’s FMCSA score to ensure they adhere to food and beverage transport regulations and general safety standards.

FAQs: Iowa Beverage Trucking Companies

How do Iowa carriers ensure the safe transport of Beverage products?

Carriers ensure safe transport of Beverage shipments by using secure load containment, temperature-controlled trailers, and shock-absorbent packing, when necessary. Proper loading and securing of products helps prevent breakage, and refrigeration units keep Beverage products fresh.

What are the packaging requirements for Beverage shipping in Iowa?

Packaging requirements for Beverage shipping vary depending on the type of container, but typically include secure stacking and padding to prevent damage. For glass bottles, shock-absorbing materials are often used to protect against breakage.

What are some typical challenges in Beverage shipping?

Challenges in Beverage shipping include temperature management, preventing breakage, and ensuring timely delivery. Working with an experienced carrier helps mitigate these issues through proper equipment and packaging techniques.


Mike Marshall