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10 Best Trucking Companies to Work for in Iowa

Valerie Smith, Trucking Expert

When you’re looking for a trucking company to work for in Iowa, there are a lot of things to consider. We’ve made your search a little easier by narrowing it down to the companies that have the best pay, benefits, and workplace culture, among other key factors.

Why Trust Freightwaves?

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 to work for in Iowa.

Crst The Transportation Solution Inc

3930 16 Th Ave Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404
  • Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 4608
  • Drivers: 5463
  • Revenue: $42,100,000
  • Miles driven: 441,000,000 (2023)


Crst The Transportation Solution Inc (DOT: 53773) has been a prominent player in the trucking industry since 1955. Specializing in a wide range of freight types, the company handles agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, refrigerated foods, and more.

The company offers numerous benefits for drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life and disability insurance. They also provide employees with an opportunity for ownership through their Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and other perks such as driver referral bonuses, sign-on bonuses, and paid CDL training.

Crst boasts a substantial fleet of 4608 trucks and 5463 drivers capable of managing regional, dedicated, intermodal, heavy haul, and hazmat shipments. Their commitment to safety and driver satisfaction is evident through ongoing training programs and guaranteed home time.

Quick Apply Here

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Team
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator
  • Freight hauler
  • Intermodal
  • LTL
  • Expedited
  • Heavy haul
  • Vocational

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training}
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • 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

Ruan Transport Corporation

666 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 2980
  • Trailers: 6667
  • Drivers: 3612
  • Revenue: $2,035,000
  • Miles driven: 284,000,000 (2024)


Ruan Transport Corporation (DOT: 55787) is a reputable freight trucking company operating out of Iowa. Known for its substantial fleet of 2,980 trucks and 6,667 trailers, Ruan specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, building materials, refrigerated foods, and metals like sheets, coils, and rolls.

Despite not offering benefits like dental or life insurance, the company maintains an active status and is highly regarded in the industry with a satisfactory safety rating. The company’s emphasis on transporting both hazardous materials and general freight solidifies its position as a versatile and reliable carrier for various logistical needs.

Quick Apply Here

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • 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

Spot By Hirschbach Dba Hirschbach

2460 Kerper BLVD, Dubuque, IA, 52001
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 2482
  • Drivers: 2838
  • Revenue: $11,859,000
  • Miles driven: 240,000,000 (2023)


Spot By Hirschbach Dba Hirschbach (DOT: 65769) is a well-established freight trucking company that has been operating since 1935. Specializing in a variety of cargo including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, paper products, and refrigerated foods, the company offers dedicated routes and team driving opportunities for long-haul and expedited shipments.

With a significant fleet size of over 2,400 trucks and a team of more than 2,800 drivers, Hirschbach operates interstate, ensuring the safe and timely delivery of goods. Despite not offering many employee incentives like tuition reimbursement or sign-on bonuses, the company’s satisfactory safety rating and commitment to dedicated routes highlight its reliability and focus on efficient logistics solutions.

Quick Apply Here

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Dedicated
  • Team
  • Reefer
  • Expedited

Benefits

  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 188
  • Unsafe driving: 1.1
  • Driver fitness: 0.02
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.2
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.84
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

Decker Truck Line Inc

4000 5 Th Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA, 50501
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 790
  • Drivers: 790
  • Revenue: $13,798,000
  • Miles driven: 72,200,000 (2024)


Decker Truck Line Inc (DOT: 53824) is a well-established freight trucking company that has been operating since 1931. Based in Iowa, Decker specializes in transporting a variety of cargo including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, logs, poles, beams lumber, meat, and metal sheets and coils.

With a sizable fleet of 790 trucks and a workforce of 790 drivers, Decker ensures reliable service across interstate operations. The company also offers comprehensive benefits including dental, life, disability, and health insurance, along with vision coverage and paid time off to support their employees’ well-being.

Quick Apply Here

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 53
  • Unsafe driving: 1.41
  • Driver fitness: 0.07
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.2
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.46
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

Jacobson Transportation Company Inc

1275 128 Th St, Clive, IA, 50325
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 339
  • Drivers: 325
  • Revenue: $1,374,000
  • Miles driven: 25,500,000 (2024)


Jacobson Transportation Company Inc (DOT: 241594) is a dynamic freight trucking company based in Iowa that has been serving the industry since 2018. Specializing in carrying a diverse range of cargo, Jacobson expertly transports beverages, building materials, chemicals, machinery, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, as well as intermodal containers, refrigerated foods, and more.

Despite not having flexible scheduling or many employee benefits like dental insurance or retirement plans, Jacobson stands out for its commitment to safely handling hazardous materials and providing reliable, general freight services. With a fleet of 339 trucks and a commendable safety rating, they ensure efficient interstate carrier operations.

Quick Apply Here

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • 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

Ruan Logistics Corporation

666 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 257
  • Drivers: 1049
  • Revenue: $1,357,000
  • Miles driven: 18,400,000 (2023)


Ruan Logistics Corporation (DOT: 149350) is a prominent player in the freight trucking industry, based in Iowa.

Specializing in a wide range of cargo, they efficiently manage shipments of beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, machinery, and refrigerated foods. Their commitment to professional development is evident through their ongoing training and development programs and paid CDL training for new drivers, ensuring a well-prepared and competent workforce.

Ruan Logistics Corporation values employee benefits, offering tuition reimbursement, guaranteed home time, and a retirement plan (401k) to their team of 1,049 drivers. Their dedication to safety and customer satisfaction is reflected in their “Active” USDOT status and the extensive mileage of 18,400,000 miles reported in 2023.

Quick Apply Here

Benefits

  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Dedicated routes
  • Paid CDL training}
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation

Safety

  • Crashes: 9
  • Unsafe driving: 0.13
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.04
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.9
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 1

Keane Thummel Trucking Inc

419 Main Street Pob 33, New Market, IA, 51646
  • Salary range: $100,000 in 2023
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 179
  • Drivers: 172
  • Revenue: $1,050,000
  • Miles driven: 19,800,000 (2024)


Keane Thummel Trucking Inc (DOT: 248505) is a reputable over-the-road trucking company based in Iowa, specializing in transporting a diverse range of cargo. Their services include carrying agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, intermodal containers, machinery, motor vehicles, paper products, and US mail, showcasing their versatility.

Founded over four decades ago, Keane Thummel Trucking Inc operates with a fleet of 179 trucks and 172 drivers, maintaining an average fleet age of 3-4 years. The company provides various employee benefits, including dental, life, and health insurance, vision coverage, direct deposit, gym memberships, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

With a strong focus on driver satisfaction, Keane Thummel Trucking Inc offers guaranteed home time and enables drivers to carry passengers or pets. Their commitment to safety is evident through their satisfactory safety rating, minimal crash fatalities, and ongoing adherence to safety regulations.

Quick Apply Here

Driver Options

  • Tanker

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Gym membership
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Rider & pet allowances

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • 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

Schuster Co

2605 Lincoln Ave Sw, Le Mars, IA, 51031
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 502
  • Drivers: 453
  • Revenue: $33,859,000
  • Miles driven: 55,200,000 (2024)


Schuster Co (DOT: 69852) is a reputable trucking company based in Iowa, established in 1956. They utilize a substantial fleet of over 500 trucks and cater to a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, grain feed, meat, metal sheets, and paper products.

Despite not offering a variety of employee benefits like health insurance or retirement plans, Schuster Co maintains a significant presence in the industry with 453 drivers operating interstate. Their commitment to safe and reliable service is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating.

Quick Apply Here

Driver Options

  • Owner/operator

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 43
  • Unsafe driving: 1.56
  • Driver fitness: 0.01
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.36
  • Controlled substances: 0.05
  • Hazardous materials violations: 3

Simon’s Trucking

920 Simon Drive, Farley, IA, 52046
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 135
  • Drivers: 100
  • Revenue: $6,115,000
  • Miles driven: 9,970,239 (2024)


Simon’s Trucking (DOT: 164492) is a seasoned trucking company established in 1946 and based in Iowa. With a fleet of 135 trucks and 100 drivers, they specialize in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including refrigerated foods, fresh produce, beverages, chemicals, and livestock.

Operating on an interstate level, Simon’s Trucking maintains a satisfactory safety rating and predominantly hires over-the-road drivers. Their services also extend to hauling machinery and large objects, making them a versatile choice for various shipping needs.

Quick Apply Here

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Dedicated
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • Specialized

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • 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

Tucker Freight Lines Inc

1080 East 12 Th Street, Dubuque, IA, 52001
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 290
  • Drivers: 290
  • Revenue: $18,529,000
  • Miles driven: 26,000,000 (2024)


Tucker Freight Lines Inc (DOT: 1674) is a seasoned trucking company based in Iowa, established in 1956. They specialize in the transportation of a variety of goods, including beverages, building materials, construction materials, machinery, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, paper products, oilfield equipment, and grain, feed, and hay.

With a fleet of 290 trucks and 290 drivers, Tucker Freight Lines has a solid reputation for reliability and safety, boasting a satisfactory safety rating. They offer dedicated routes, ensuring efficient and timely deliveries for their clients.

Quick Apply Here

Benefits

  • Dedicated routes

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • 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

What To Look for in a Trucking Company

Choosing the right trucking company is crucial for your career satisfaction and growth. Here are key factors to consider when evaluating potential employers in Iowa:

  • Pay and benefits: Competitive salaries, health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
  • Work-life balance: Flexible scheduling and the ability to choose routes that fit your lifestyle.
  • Company reputation: A strong reputation for treating drivers well and providing a supportive work environment.
  • Career growth opportunities: Availability of training, mentorship, and pathways for advancement within the company.
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Types of Driving Jobs Available

Trucking companies in Iowa offer a variety of driving positions to suit different preferences and experiences:

  • Long-haul driving: Ideal for those who enjoy cross-country routes and extended time on the road.
  • Regional driving: Perfect for drivers who want to stay closer to home while still covering significant distances.
  • Local driving: Best for those who prefer daily routes and the ability to return home each night.
  • Specialized driving: Opportunities to drive tankers, flatbeds, refrigerated trucks, and more.
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How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals

Selecting the best trucking company for your career goals requires careful consideration:

  • Assess your priorities. Determine what’s most important to you—whether it’s pay, benefits, route type, or company culture.
  • Research companies. Look into each company’s reputation, employee reviews, and the benefits they offer.
  • Talk to current employees. Get insights from current or former drivers about their experiences.
  • Consider long-term growth. Choose a company that offers opportunities for career development and advancement.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions truckers have when considering employment with trucking companies in Iowa.

Which company in Iowa offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?

Crst The Transportation Solution Inc is known for offering outstanding benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.

What type of driving jobs are most available in Iowa?

Most companies in Iowa are hiring for long-haul and regional positions, with some offering specialized roles as well.

How To Apply

Ready to take the next step in your trucking career? Here’s how to apply to the top trucking companies in Iowa:

  • Prepare your resume. Highlight your driving experience, certifications, and any specialized skills.
  • Research the companies. Visit their career pages to learn more about the job openings and company culture.
  • Submit your application. Apply online through the company’s website or job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor.
  • Follow up. After applying, follow up with the company to express your continued interest and inquire about the next steps.
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Conclusion

Finding the right trucking company in Iowa can set you on the path to a rewarding and fulfilling career. By considering the factors outlined above and applying to the companies that align with your career goals, you can make an informed decision and take the next step in your professional journey. Explore more job resources or get in touch with recruiters to learn more about the opportunities waiting for you in Iowa.


Valerie Smith
Valerie Smith has been creating content for and about supply chain logistics companies since 2010. Writing on behalf of globally recognized industry leaders, her work has been featured extensively in print and digital publications and at speaking engagements. As editorial director of FreightWaves Ratings, she focuses on exploring topics that help readers make more informed career and business decisions.