Intermodal trucking companies offer cost-effective and flexible solutions for businesses looking to streamline shipping. We reviewed factors like pricing, customer satisfaction, and service offerings for Intermodal carriers in Iowa and found that DHL Freight leads the way for seamless multi-modal transportation.
Intermodal Shipping Services & Transport in Iowa
Check out our full list of the best Iowa Intermodal carrriers to optimize your supply chain.
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 prominent trucking company operating in Iowa as both a broker and carrier, with a total fleet size of 604 vehicles, including 302 trucks. They offer an array of services such as full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), parcel, and dedicated routes. Their service specialization includes carrying a variety of cargo, such as agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, and metal sheets.
DHL Freight distinguishes itself with strong commitments to team driving opportunities, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training development programs. They provide comprehensive employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Special support is offered for commercial shipments through refrigerated (reefer) and intermodal container services. Known for their satisfactory safety rating and cross-border capabilities, DHL Freight is an ideal partner for businesses seeking reliable and supportive logistics services.
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
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
Keane Thummel Trucking, Inc.
419 Main Street Pob 33, New Market, IA, 51646- Fleet age: 3-4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Oversized
- Dump trailer
- Cross-border
Keane Thummel Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 248505) is a notable carrier operating from Iowa, primarily focusing on interstate services. The company boasts a robust fleet size of 358 with 179 total trucks, emphasizing their capabilities in a variety of cargo types such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, and more. Specializing in flatbed operations, they efficiently manage large machinery, intermodal containers, and paper products. They ensure timely delivery through standardized routes, aided by a satisfactory safety rating.
Keane Thummel supports commercial shipments by providing comprehensive service features such as direct deposit and benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance. The company also encourages driver engagement with referral bonuses and offers a guaranteed home time policy, emphasizing driver welfare. Despite crash incidents, the company’s safety practices align with industry norms, suggesting a strong commitment to vehicle maintenance and driver safety.
Safety
- Crashes: 23
- Unsafe driving: 1.53
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.44
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.64
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 172
- Revenue: $1,050,000
- Miles driven: 19,800,000
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
R H Hummer Jr, Inc.
2141 P Avenue, Williamsburg, IA, 52361- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
R H Hummer Jr, Inc. (DOT: 341659) is a reputable trucking company founded in 1982, located in Iowa. With a fleet size ranging from 1 to 10 trucks and a dedicated team of 25 interstate drivers, they focus on transporting a diverse range of cargo including agricultural supplies, building materials, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, general freight, grain, feed, hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and large machinery. They utilize dry vans for transportation, ensuring a wide coverage of customer needs.
R H Hummer Jr, Inc. maintains an active status with a satisfactory safety rating. Their operation style is interstate, catering to businesses across various industries. Although they have reported some crashes, their emphasis on safety is evident with moderate unsafe driving scores. Despite the small fleet, their commitment to delivering efficient services makes them a reliable choice for businesses seeking specialized freight handling alongside transport of intermodal containers and metal sheets, coils, and rolls.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 3.27
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.35
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.15
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 25
- Revenue: $1,062
- Miles driven: 1,964,160
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
Tantara Transportation Corp
2420 Stewart Road Suite 1, Muscatine, IA, 52761- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
Tantara Transportation Corp (DOT: 304876) is a reputable freight trucking company based in Iowa, specializing in interstate operations. They provide comprehensive services including general freight, building materials, intermodal containers, and logs, poles, beams, lumber transportation. The company is well-equipped with a total fleet size of 228 and 114 trucks, catering to various client needs with a focus on safety, as indicated by their satisfactory safety rating.
Tantara Transportation Corp also emphasizes property freight services, showcasing expertise in handling metal sheets, coils, and rolls. With an active authority and substantial insurance coverage, they offer business owners reliable and secure shipping options. The company’s commitment to safety and efficiency makes them a preferred choice for commercial shipments, with 97 dedicated drivers and a significant operational mileage record.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 2.11
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.78
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 97
- Revenue: $1,011
- Miles driven: 7,680,000
Aschenbrenner Trucking, Inc.
203 S Harrison St, Fremont, IA, 52561- Fleet size: 50+
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Aschenbrenner Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 488500) is a reputable trucking company based in Iowa, established in 1987. The company boasts a fleet of 44 trucks and carries a diverse range of cargo that includes building materials, dry bulk commodities, motor vehicles, intermodal containers, and more. Aschenbrenner Trucking is equipped to transport general freight, logs, poles, beams, and lumber, adhering to a satisfactory safety rating. Their operation extends to interstate transport, with a strong focus on driveaway/towaway services.
The company’s emphasis on safety is evident from their minimal recorded crash injuries. While they do not provide several common benefits like health insurance or paid CDL training, they excel in handling specialized cargo with a robust vehicle maintenance system. Business owners looking for reliable transport of large machinery and metal sheets will find Aschenbrenner Trucking’s services well-suited to their logistics needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 7.6
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.32
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.59
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 35
- Revenue: $5,572
- Miles driven: 3,028,729
VAN Diest Supply Company
Rr 2 Box 610, Webster City, IA, 50595- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
VAN Diest Supply Company (DOT: 1875) has been a prominent name in Iowa’s trucking industry since 1956. The company specializes in transporting agricultural and farm supplies, dry bulk commodities, chemicals, general freight, intermodal containers, and liquids/gases. With a fleet size ranging from 50 to 99, VAN Diest Supply Company operates 145 trucks and 77 trailers, providing robust services as both a carrier and shipper.
Recognized for its satisfactory safety rating, the company supports complex commercial shipments with a focus on the agriculture industry. Employees benefit from comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance, alongside paid time off and a retirement plan. VAN Diest Supply Company offers intermodal container transport and general freight services, making it a capable partner for business owners seeking a reliable and versatile shipping solution.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.37
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.27
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 159
- Revenue: $630,476,000
- Miles driven: 6,335,995
Feedlot Service Co
26276 Magnolia Rd, Underwood, IA, 51576- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Livestock
- Meat
Feedlot Service Co (DOT: 222767) is an active freight trucking carrier operating out of Iowa. Despite its “Conditional” safety rating, the company is a reputable choice for shippers looking for a carrier that specializes in transporting various cargo types such as building materials, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain feed hay, intermodal containers, livestock, and meat. With a fleet size of 82 and a total of 41 trucks, Feedlot Service Co is equipped to handle significant volumes of freight.
Known for its capability in transporting general freight and dry bulk commodities, Feedlot Service Co provides strong support for commercial shipments requiring specialized handling, including livestock and intermodal containers. The company caters to business owners by delivering goods efficiently across interstate routes. With 38 interstate drivers, it promises a credible service, emphasizing the value of experience and reliability in the trucking industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 2.56
- Driver fitness: 0.2
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.05
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 40
- Miles driven: 2,110,031
How Safety Ratings Work in Iowa
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) 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 Intermodal Trucking Company in Iowa for Your Shipments
Intermodal trucking is ideal for Iowa businesses looking to combine multiple transportation modes.
Here’s what to consider when selecting a carrier:
- Container options: Verify that the carrier provides containers compatible with your cargo type and shipping needs, from standard to high-capacity units.
- Cost-effectiveness: Intermodal shipping can be a cost-saving option, so look for Iowa providers with competitive rates and balance affordability with quality service.
- Network reach: Choose a company with strong connections across rail, sea, and road modes for smooth transitions and cost-effective shipping.
- Customs and regulatory compliance: For cross-border shipments, choose a Iowa provider skilled in navigating customs and regulatory requirements.
- Intermodal experience: Iowa carriers experienced in Intermodal logistics ensure efficient transfers between modes and reduces delays and handling issues.
- Tracking tools: Select companies with tracking technology to provide continuous visibility of your shipment’s status across different transit stages.
FAQs
What types of goods are best-suited for Intermodal shipping?
Intermodal shipping is ideal for durable, non-perishable goods like electronics, machinery, and retail products.Intermodal shipping can be an affordable solution for businesses looking for efficient — but not urgent — long-distance transport.
How do Iowa businesses coordinate Intermodal shipping?
Iowa businesses can coordinate Intermodal shipping by working with a carrier experienced in managing multi-modal logistics. Intermodal trucking companies with established partnerships across transportation modes ensure smooth transitions and help reduce delays.
What are the key considerations for choosing Intermodal shipping providers in Iowa?
When selecting Iowa providers specialized in Intermodal transport, the most important factors to consider are their network reach, container options, and tracking capabilities. Providers with advanced logistics technology and a good track record for on-time delivery are ideal for efficient Intermodal shipping.
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
- Drayage Shipping Services
- Dry Bulk Shipping Services
- Dry Van Shipping Services
- Flatbed Shipping Services
- Hot Shot Shipping Services
- LTL Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
