Reefer trucking is essential for Iowa companies that sell perishable food products and other goods that require refrigeration in transit. After evaluating top Reefer trucking companies on factors like cost, dependability, safety, and customer satisfaction, JMS Trucking ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.
Check out our other recommendations for the best Reefer trucking companies to ensure your products arrive fresh and secure.
Top Reefer 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.
JMS Trucking
5650 6th 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 trucking company established in 1992 in Iowa. Specializing in the transportation of general freight and paper products, JMS Trucking services both interstate routes with a fleet of over 115 trucks. They offer various trucking services, including full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, utilizing dry van and reefer trailers to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of goods.
JMS Trucking provides a range of commercial shipment support, including team driving opportunities, expedited services, and ongoing training development programs. They prioritize the well-being of their employees by offering comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a retirement plan (401k). Business owners looking for a reliable and efficient trucking company to handle their shipping needs will find JMS Trucking an excellent choice, backed by a satisfactory safety rating and a strong commitment to service quality.
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
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 an established trucking company, known for its significant fleet size of 307 trucks, specializing in the transportation of hazardous materials, chemicals, and dry bulk commodities. They provide a mix of full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, accommodating a variety of cargo needs including liquids and gases.
Quest Liner offers comprehensive services with a strong emphasis on regional and over-the-road (OTR) driving. Their fleet includes reefer and dry van trailers to ensure the safe transportation of temperature-sensitive and general freight. Notably, the company supports commercial shipments by offering extensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, making them a reliable choice for business owners seeking dedicated and well-supported trucking services.
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
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) is an established trucking company, founded in 1963, and based in Iowa. With a fleet of over 65 trucks and offering both full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, the company specializes in transporting general freight and U.S. mail. The fleet also includes dry vans and flatbed trailers, catering to various shipment needs.
Contract Transport, Inc. offers several perks to its drivers, such as sign-on bonuses, team driving opportunities, paid time off, health insurance, and retirement plans including a 401(k). They prioritize safety with satisfactory safety ratings and provide additional benefits like life and vision insurance. The company’s commitment to reliability and a broad range of services make it an appealing choice for business owners seeking robust transportation solutions for their products.
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
NEY Trucking, Inc.
5070 Wolff Rd, Dubuque, IA, 52002- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
NEY Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 315228) is a reputable trucking company based in Iowa. Although details about its year of establishment are unavailable, the company holds an active USDOT status and satisfactory safety rating. It boasts a small but efficient fleet, able to handle a total of five trucks specializing in various types of cargo including dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, paper products, and refrigerated foods. NEY Trucking excels in offering full truckload (FTL) services with a particular proficiency in handling reefer and dry van shipments.
NEY Trucking provides specialized support for commercial shipments with robust health, life, dental, and vision insurance options for its drivers. Moreover, they ensure paid time off and offer a retirement 401(k) plan. The company also emphasizes safety with low incidents of unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance scores. Business owners can expect reliable and efficient cargo transport due to the company’s focus on maintaining a competent workforce and offering direct deposit payment methods.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $556,000
- Miles driven: 159,472
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 reputable trucking company based in Iowa, established in 2018. Despite being relatively new to the industry, they offer a variety of standout services, such as full truckload, less than truckload, dry van, and reefer. Their cargo capabilities are notable, handling diverse products including beverages, chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, liquids/gases, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods.
Hirschbach Solutions provides specialized support for commercial shipments, with dedicated routes, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training and development programs. They also offer team driving opportunities, sign-on bonuses, paid time off, and various insurances including health, dental, vision, life, and disability. Added benefits like driver referral bonuses and direct deposit underline their commitment to driver satisfaction and operational excellence, making them a strong contender for businesses seeking reliable and diverse trucking services.
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
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 dedicated trucking company founded in 1980 in Iowa, with a focused operation on transporting commodities such as agricultural supplies, chemicals, dry bulk, and construction materials. Their fleet comprises 16 trucks and 15 trailers, specifically designed to handle tanker and general freight, with a specialization in transporting grains, feed, hay, and various liquids and gases.
Central Petroleum Transportinc offers comprehensive health insurance and paid time off, ensuring their drivers’ well-being. They cater predominately to local drivers and maintain an excellent reputation with a satisfactory safety rating and zero hazardous materials violations. Though the company does not provide services like flatbed, LTL, or refrigerated transport, business owners can depend on their reliable and specialized freight handling capabilities for essential commercial shipments.
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
BTI Special Commodities, Inc.
1575 Ne 66th Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50313- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Reefer
BTI Special Commodities, Inc. (DOT: 159837) is a reputable freight carrier headquartered in Iowa. Even though the establishment year is not specified, the company has demonstrated a robust capability in transporting a broad range of cargo, including construction materials, general freight, grain, feed, hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, large machinery, metal sheets, coils, rolls, oilfield equipment, and paper products. The company boasts a total fleet size of 28 vehicles, operated by 14 drivers for interstate shipments.
BTI Special Commodities, Inc. excels in providing specialized support for commercial shipment needs, particularly for machinery and oilfield equipment. They also offer refrigerated trucking (reefer) services, ensuring temperature-sensitive goods are transported safely. The company holds an active common carrier authority and maintains a satisfactory safety rating. Additional employee benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan (401k), positioning BTI Special Commodities, Inc. as a reliable and employee-friendly choice for business owners seeking superior trucking services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 3.2
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.41
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.9
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 14
- Miles driven: 1,171,977
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 a dynamic and reliable trucking company. With a satisfactory safety rating, they cater to a variety of shipping needs, offering services like less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), parcel, and dry van logistics. Their capable fleet efficiently transports an array of cargo including building materials, general freight, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated food.
General Logistics, Inc. provides special support for commercial shipments with regional and local drivers and a commitment to health and safety, offering benefits like health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and retirement plans. Their focus on employee well-being extends to paid time off and safety bonuses, ensuring a dedicated and motivated workforce to handle your shipping needs.
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
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 reputable freight trucking company with a focus on logistics and a satisfactory safety rating. They offer a variety of services including partial truckload, full truckload, less than truckload, and dry van services. DHL Freight specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo such as agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain feed hay, intermodal containers, liquids and gases, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products.
Business owners will find specialized support for commercial shipments with services like team driving opportunities, driver referral bonuses, guaranteed home time, and deadhead detention layover compensation. Additionally, DHL Freight places emphasis on driver welfare, offering health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a retirement plan (401k), paid time off, safety bonuses, and ongoing training and development programs. Their interstate operations and container support ensure they can efficiently handle diverse shipping needs across wide geographical areas.
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
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) is a notable freight trucking company in Iowa with an active DOT status. They operate a fleet of 14 trucks and specialize in general freight and partial truckload services. The company also offers refrigerated transport (reefer) for sensitive cargo, ensuring versatility in their freight offerings. Quad City Freight’s well-maintained fleet and careful handling make them a reliable choice for various types of general freight and other specialized cargo needs.
Quad City Freight excels in providing a range of supportive services for commercial shipments, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance for their drivers. They also offer a 401k retirement plan and paid time off, contributing to a committed and satisfied workforce. With a satisfactory safety rating and a reputation bolstered by commendable reviews on platforms like Google and Indeed, they present themselves as a dependable partner for business owners looking for efficient and secure freight solutions.
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
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 Iowa Reefer Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in Iowa, here are some tips on what to look for in Reefer trucking company for your refrigerated shipments:
- Temperature-control capabilities: Choose a carrier that provides precise temperature monitoring and control to ensure your products stay within safe temperature ranges throughout the journey.
- Specialized Reefer options: Look for companies with a variety of Reefer trailer sizes and configurations to accommodate different loads and product requirements.
- Driver experience and training: Experienced drivers trained in handling Reefer loads can help prevent temperature fluctuations and ensure safe, timely deliveries.
- Tracking tools: Carriers with GPS and real-time monitoring tools keep you informed on the location and condition of your shipment.
- Fleet maintenance: Well-maintained reefer trucks minimize the risk of breakdowns that could compromise the quality of your products.
- Customer support: A company with a reputation for customer service and dedicated logistics and freight management teams will be better able to handle any changes or issues with your shipment.
- Safety record and compliance: Check a company’s CSA score to make sure they have a history of safe transport and are compliant with industry regulations.
FAQs: Iowa Reefer Trucking Companies
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 Reefer shipping, and when is it needed for businesses in Iowa?
Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In Iowa, businesses that ship food, pharmaceuticals, flowers, and other perishables rely on Reefer shipping to ensure product quality and prevent spoilage or damage during transit.
How does Reefer shipping protect temperature-sensitive goods?
Reefer shipping protects temperature-sensitive goods by utilizing trucks equipped with refrigeration units that can maintain specific temperature settings. By controlling the climate inside the trailer, Reefer shipping reduces the risk of spoilage and extends product shelf life during transport.
