The right LTL — or “less-than-truckload” — carrier can help save on freight costs and provide flexible shipping solutions. After evaluating key factors like cost, customer satisfaction, service offerings, and safety ratings, we found DHL Freight to be the best LTL trucking company in Iowa.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Iowa
Shipping needs vary by company and product, so check out our other top picks for LTL for-hire carriers to see which one works best for your business.
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
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 seasoned trucking company, founded in 1946, specializing in the transportation of diverse cargo such as beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, refrigerated foods, and livestock. Equipped with a fleet of 135 trucks, Simon’s Trucking supports interstate operations with modern vehicles. Their service offerings include power-only, cross-border, and dry van transport, showcasing their capability in handling varied shipments with efficiency.
The company stands out by offering specialized support such as hazardous material transport, specialized driving programs, and reliable cross-docking solutions. Simon’s Trucking provides significant employee benefits, including health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, safety bonuses, and tuition reimbursement, illustrating their focus on employee satisfaction and development. Business owners seeking dependable and versatile transportation services will find Simon’s Trucking a strong partner for commercial shipments.
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 distinguished trucking company founded in 1947, primarily serving the agricultural processing and transportation industry in Iowa. The company provides a range of specialized freight services, including reefer, dry bulk commodities, general freight, and refrigerated foods. With a fleet of 58 trucks and 135 trailers, Green Products handles various cargo types such as agricultural supplies, beverages, fresh produce, grain feed hay, meat, and paper products.
Green Products offers notable commercial shipment support, including dedicated routes, team driver services, and a robust managed transportation system. Emphasizing employee satisfaction, they provide comprehensive benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as retirement plans. Their commitment to safety is evident with ongoing training programs and satisfactory safety ratings. Green Products ensures client satisfaction through flexibility, reliable freight handling, and efficient logistics solutions for both interstate and local deliveries.
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
Ruan Transportation Management Systems
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 Transportation Management Systems (DOT: 55787) is a distinguished trucking company with expansive operations that handle a wide range of freight, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, metals, and refrigerated foods. Boasting a fleet of 2,980 trucks and 6,667 trailers, Ruan is well-equipped to meet diverse shipping needs. The company emphasizes its power-only and flatbed services, and offers specialized support such as reefer and tanker drivers, ensuring efficient and safe transport of sensitive and hazardous materials.
Ruan prioritizes customer satisfaction through guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling. Their strategic cross-border capabilities, diverse cargo handling, and managed transportation services make them a reliable partner for businesses seeking efficient freight solutions. Ranked highly by employees, Ruan provides various benefits, including health insurance, 401(k) plans, and paid CDL training, showcasing their commitment to employee welfare and service excellence. With safety as a forefront priority, Ruan maintains a satisfactory safety rating and active authority status.
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
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
Tucker Freight Lines, Inc.
1080 East 12th Street, Dubuque, IA, 52001- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 2 years
- 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 well-regarded trucking company operating since 1956 in Iowa. With a fleet of over 290 trucks, they specialize in efficiently transporting various cargo types, including building materials, construction supplies, paper products, metal sheets, and oilfield equipment. Their fleet includes diverse equipment such as flatbeds, step decks, and dump trailers, catering to the varied needs of their clients.
Tucker Freight Lines offers specialized services like cross-docking and hazardous materials handling, emphasizing safety with a “Satisfactory” rating. They support commercial shipments with options for regional and dedicated routes, ensuring timely deliveries. Offering incentives like sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and a truck lease-purchase program, they also provide comprehensive benefits, fostering a positive employment environment. With consistent safety measures and reliable service, Tucker Freight Lines stands out as a dependable choice for businesses needing commercial freight solutions.
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
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
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 LTL Trucking Company in Iowa for Your Shipments
Whether you’re a small business or a larger operation, finding the best LTL trucking company ultimately comes down to a few key factors:
- Freight volume and shipment size: LTL carriers typically handle shipments of more than 150 pounds and less than 15,000 pounds. Choose a carrier that accommodates smaller loads and offers options for varying freight volumes.
- Frequency of shipments: Find a carrier with the capacity to handle your regular and peak season demands but that also has a variety of truck types to allow for flexibility in case your volume increases or needs change.
- Service areas: Ensure the carrier’s network covers your most common shipping destinations effectively, whether for local, regional, or national deliveries.
- Delivery speed: Look for carriers that offer multiple transit times, such as standard and expedited LTL services, so you can balance delivery speed with cost according to each shipment’s urgency.
- Technology and tracking tools: Companies with real-time shipment tracking, digital document handling, and other logistics tools provide a layer of transparency that should provide you with some peace of mind during the shipping process.
- Customer support: Choose a company with a responsive customer service team experienced in handling LTL freight issues, including tracking updates, claims, and scheduling changes.
- Safety and reliability: Consider carriers with strong safety records and modern fleets. Check for certifications and safety programs that reflect the company’s commitment to secure and efficient freight handling.
- Pricing and transparency: Review pricing structures to avoid hidden fees. Choose carriers that provide upfront quotes and a transparent cost breakdown to help manage your shipping budget effectively.
FAQs
What is LTL and how can it benefit my business in Iowa?
LTL — or less-than-truckload — shipping allows businesses to share truck space with other shipments, paying only for the portion they use. That increased efficiency means reduced shipping costs for Iowa businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Iowa?
LTL involves combining multiple shipments from different businesses to fill a truck, while FTL (full truckload) shipping dedicates an entire truck to a single shipment. For small businesses in Iowa, LTL is likely more affordable and it allows you to send smaller shipments on a more frequent basis. If you have large shipments or need quicker transit times, FTL is the more efficient shipping method.
What types of products are ideal for LTL shipping in Iowa?
LTL is best suited for smaller products that are durable, non-perishable, and not overly time-sensitive in terms of transit times. LTL is a popular freight shipping method for e-commerce businesses, manufacturers, and retailers in Iowa that sell packaged goods, electronics, furniture, and automotive parts.
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
- Intermodal Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
