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.
Best Trucking Companies To Work for in IA
Here are our picks for the top-tier Iowa trucking companies to work for:
Why You Can 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.
Green Products
16902 290 Th St, Conrad, IA, 50621- Salary range: $70,000-$90,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 58
- Trailers: 135
- Drivers: 58
- Revenue: $94,318,000
- Miles driven: 4,618,458 (2024)
Green Products (DOT: 171388) has been a cornerstone of Iowa’s agricultural processing and transportation industry since its founding in 1947. Based in Iowa, Green Products specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo including agricultural supplies, fresh produce, building materials, general freight, and refrigerated foods. They employ various types of drivers, including regional, local, OTR (over-the-road), hazmat, and tanker drivers.
Green Products offers a robust benefits package for their drivers, featuring dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a retirement 401k plan, and paid time off. They also provide tuition reimbursement, ongoing training and development programs, and a range of bonuses including safety, sign-on, and driver referral bonuses. Employee feedback on Glassdoor, where the company has a 5.0 rating, highlights positive compensation, benefits, and job security, although there are occasional complaints about work-life balance.
Reviews on Indeed, with a 3.7 rating, echo these sentiments, praising the competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits but pointing out concerns about route assignments and home time. Overall, the feedback underscores Green Products’ commitment to driver satisfaction and professional growth within the trucking industry.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Gym membership
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- 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: 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
Tucker Freight Lines, Inc.
1080 East 12 Th Street, Dubuque, IA, 52001- Salary range: $55,000-$75,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 290
- Drivers: 290
- Revenue: $18,529,000
- Miles driven: 26,000,000 (2024)
Tucker Freight Lines, Inc. (DOT: 1674) was established in 1956 and operates out of Iowa. The company specializes in transporting a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, construction materials, general freight, grain feed hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, metal sheets, coils, rolls, oilfield equipment, and paper products. They employ a diverse group of drivers, including regional, OTR (over-the-road), flatbed, specialized, hazmat, reefer, dedicated, and LTL drivers, as well as owner-operators.
Tucker Freight Lines offers its drivers a range of benefits, including dental, life, disability, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off, direct deposit, and fuel cards. They also provide a truck lease purchase program, flexible scheduling, ongoing training, and development programs, sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, and deadhead detention layover compensation. The company maintains a 4.8 rating on Glassdoor, with drivers praising the competitive pay, friendly work environment, and robust benefits, while some have noted areas for improvement in management communication and route planning.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Gym membership
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
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
Simon’s Trucking
920 Simon Drive, Farley, IA, 52046- Salary range: $60,000-$80,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 135
- Drivers: 100
- Revenue: $6,115,000
- Miles driven: 9,970,239 (2024)
Simon’s Trucking (DOT: 164492) was established in 1946 and is located in Iowa. The company specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, machinery, refrigerated food, metal sheets, and hazardous materials. Simon’s Trucking employs various driver types, such as regional, long-haul, team, and specialized drivers.
Drivers at Simon’s Trucking benefit from comprehensive health insurance, including dental and vision, paid time off, life insurance, direct deposit, tuition reimbursement, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Additional perks include driver referral bonuses, sign-on bonuses, and safety bonuses. The company also supports continuing training and development programs, deadhead and detention compensation, and both rider and pet allowances.
Simon’s Trucking enjoys positive employee feedback with an Indeed rating of 3.9 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.1. Employees appreciate the competitive pay range of $60,000-$80,000, beneficial health insurance packages, and the supportive work environment. However, some employees have noted that the guaranteed home time could be more consistently met, and route assignments sometimes need better organization.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Tanker
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Flexible scheduling
- 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: 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
Heartland Express
901 Heartland Way, North Liberty, IA, 52317- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1806
- Drivers: 1705
- Revenue: $26,310
- Miles driven: 167,000,000 (2023)
Heartland Express (DOT: 134697) is a well-established freight trucking company based in North Liberty, Iowa. The company hauls a variety of cargo including beverages, building materials, commodities dry bulk, general freight, paper products, and refrigerated food. They employ a diverse group of drivers consisting of regional, dedicated, local, team, and OTR drivers, while also offering employment opportunities for owner-operators.
Heartland Express provides a range of benefits to its drivers, including dental, health, vision, and life insurance, employee stock ownership, disability insurance, paid time off, and direct deposit. They also offer additional perks such as driver referral bonuses, safety bonuses, pay advances, per diem payments, and guaranteed home time.
Employee reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed are mixed, with an overall rating of 3.2. Positive feedback often mentions the company’s comprehensive benefits and reliable driver support programs. However, common criticisms include concerns about work-life balance and the scheduling of routes.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 145
- Unsafe driving: 1.4
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
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), founded in 1955, operates out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Specializing in a diverse range of cargo types, including agricultural supplies, liquids/gases, building materials, and refrigerated food, the company hires various driver types such as regional, heavy haul, hazmat, flatbed, and team drivers.
Crst offers a host of driver benefits including dental, vision, and health insurance, paid time off, disability and life insurance, driver referral bonuses, and a robust 401(k) retirement plan. Additional perks involve direct deposit, ongoing training and development programs, and guaranteed home time, further incentivized by a sign-on bonus and deadhead/layover compensation.
While Crst receives mixed reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed, the company has an Indeed rating of 2.9. Employees frequently praise the comprehensive benefits and training programs, but common complaints focus on work-life balance, with some drivers noting irregular home time and route assignments. Overall, Crst The Transportation Solution, Inc. is recognized for its long-standing reputation and expansive service offerings in the trucking industry.
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
- Health screenings
- 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- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 2980
- Trailers: 6667
- Drivers: 3612
- Revenue: $2,035,000
- Miles driven: 284,000,000 (2024)
Ruan Transport Corporation (DOT: 55787) is a well-established trucking company based in Iowa that began operations over 50 years ago. The company provides a wide range of cargo transportation services, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, commodities dry bulk, general freight, metals, refrigerated food, and liquids/gases. Ruan hires a variety of drivers such as regional, local, intermodal, flatbed, reefer, tanker, LTL, OTR, and dedicated drivers.
Ruan Transport Corporation offers numerous driver benefits, including dental, life, disability, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off, direct deposit, safety bonuses, sign-on bonuses, and a retirement plan (401k). The company’s Indeed rating is 3.4, with employees appreciating the competitive salary range of $60,000-$70,000, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training programs. While many reviews highlight Ruan’s supportive work culture and strong safety programs, common negative feedback includes challenges with work-life balance and scheduling consistency.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
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
Jacobson Transportation Company, Inc.
1275 128 Th St, Clive, IA, 50325- Salary range: $55,000 – $65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 339
- Drivers: 325
- Revenue: $1,374,000
- Miles driven: 25,500,000 (2024)
Jacobson Transportation Company, Inc. (DOT: 241594) was established in 2018 and is located in Des Moines, Iowa. The company specializes in transporting various types of cargo including refrigerated foods, hazardous materials, chemicals, building materials, machinery, and more. They hire a range of drivers such as regional, local, flatbed, hazmat, and LTL drivers, offering dedicated routes and opportunities for owner-operators.
The company provides several driver benefits including dental, life, vision, and health insurance, as well as paid time off, flexible scheduling, and a guaranteed home time. Additional perks include sign-on bonuses, driver referral bonuses, direct deposit, ongoing training, and reimbursement for roadside assistance programs.
Jacobson Transportation has an Indeed rating of 3.6 and a Glassdoor rating of 2.6. Positive reviews highlight the competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package, while common negative feedback points to issues with management communication and inconsistent home time.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Gym membership
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
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
Spot By Hirschbach Dba Hirschbach
2460 Kerper BLVD, Dubuque, IA, 52001- Salary range: $60,000-$80,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Power units: 2482
- Drivers: 2838
- Revenue: $11,859,000
- Miles driven: 240,000,000 (2023)
Spot By Hirschbach Dba Hirschbach (DOT: 65769) was established in 1935 and is based in Iowa. This highly experienced company specializes in transporting a diverse array of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, meat, paper products, dry bulk commodities, refrigerated food, and U.S. mail. They primarily hire over-the-road drivers and team drivers.
Spot By Hirschbach offers a comprehensive benefits package, including dental, vision, and life insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, flexible scheduling, direct deposit, and a truck lease-purchase program. They also provide safety bonuses, driver referral bonuses, guaranteed home time, and opportunities for ongoing training and development. Drivers can take advantage of competitive salary ranges between $60,000-$80,000 and per diem payments.
Despite an Indeed rating of 3.1, employees praise the company for its benefits and support systems. Common positive feedback highlights the competitive pay and comprehensive health benefits, while frequent negative feedback often points to the organization of route assignments and occasional issues with work-life balance due to scheduling.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Team
- Reefer
- Expedited
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
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
Olson Trucking
1837 Trout Run Road, Decorah, IA, 52101- Salary range: $55,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 27
- Trailers: 18
- Drivers: 28
- Revenue: $61,402
- Miles driven: 468,117 (2024)
Olson Trucking (DOT: 1661) is based in Riverside, Iowa, and offers an array of trucking services including carrying beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, liquids/gases, and paper products. They hire various types of drivers, such as regional, local, OTR, team, specialized, flatbed, and tanker drivers, highlighting their diverse hauling capacity.
Olson Trucking provides notable benefits to its drivers, including dental and vision insurance, disability insurance, flexible scheduling, direct deposit, paid time off, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training and development programs. They also offer a sign-on bonus and pay advances, which helps attract new drivers to the company.
Employee satisfaction is generally high, with a Glassdoor rating of 4.5 and an Indeed rating of 3.6. Positive feedback often mentions the friendly and supportive work environment, strong compensation, and comprehensive benefits package. However, some negative feedback includes issues with work-life balance and occasional route disorganization.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.28
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.46
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.36
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Clausen Trucking
2100 So 21 St St Suite A, Clinton, IA, 52732- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 40
- Drivers: 37
- Revenue: $18,872
- Miles driven: 1,616,205 (2024)
Clausen Trucking (DOT: 256714) has been operating since 1957, based in Clinton, Iowa. The company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, general freight, and refrigerated foods. They have a robust fleet and hire various types of drivers, including regional, parcel, LTL, OTR, flatbed, dry van, and tanker drivers.
Clausen offers valuable benefits for its drivers such as dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with gym memberships and certain flexible scheduling options. Employees benefit from direct deposit, a sign-on bonus, tuition reimbursement, and a truck lease purchase program. They also provide health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan.
While employee reviews on Indeed give Clausen Trucking a score of 3.0, feedback highlights compensation and benefits as major positives. Common negative feedback includes concerns regarding work-life balance and route management. Despite mixed reviews, the company’s commitment to driver benefits and safety is well-noted, and they hold a Google rating of 5.0 for their overall service.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- Owner/operator
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Gym membership
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 11.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Local Trucking Companies In Iowa
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
What To Look for in Iowa Trucking Companies
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions truckers have when considering employment with trucking companies in Iowa.
Is a truck driving career worth it in Iowa?
Truck driving may be a good career to pursue in Iowa. While trucking can be a stressful and sometimes dangerous occupation, drivers can earn an income in line with those demands. Trucking offers a high degree of job security, as well, since the industry is an essential component of the overall economy. And truck driving careers offer flexibility in scheduling and the ability to grow through ongoing training.
Which company in Iowa offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Green Products 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.
What is the best trucking company for new drivers in Iowa?
Green Products is known for paid CDL training, as well as ongoing training programs, and offers competitive starting salaries.
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.