Best Trucking Companies in Iowa
9 top-ranked carriers hiring in Iowa. Compare pay, hiring status, and find the right fit for your driving career.
Iowa Trucking Market Overview
Iowa is a Midwest trucking hub with an outsized concentration of carrier headquarters — Heartland Express, CRST International, Ruan Transportation, and TMC Transportation all call Iowa home. The state's agricultural output (corn, soybeans, pork) drives massive bulk and reefer freight demand, while ethanol production creates tanker opportunities. I-80 runs the full width of the state, connecting Omaha to the Quad Cities and Chicago.
Top 9 Companies in Iowa
Heartland Express is headquartered in North Liberty, IA, giving Iowa drivers home-state priority for the best short-to-medium haul lanes.
Ruan is headquartered in Des Moines and their dedicated contract carriage operations dominate Iowa's food and agriculture logistics.
CRST is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, IA, and their training program is one of the best entry points for new CDL drivers in the Midwest.
Schneider's tanker division hauls ethanol and agricultural chemicals from Iowa's numerous ethanol plants.
Werner, based in nearby Omaha, runs heavy dedicated freight for Iowa's agricultural and distribution sectors.
Crete Carrier's central U.S. operations cover Iowa extensively with dry van and flatbed lanes offering consistent miles.
Marten hauls refrigerated freight from Iowa's massive pork and food processing industry to markets nationwide.
Dayton Freight's Iowa terminals offer reliable Midwest LTL routes with above-average pay and late-model equipment.
FedEx Freight's Des Moines terminal serves the Midwest LTL network with local and linehaul positions.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Iowa
What is the best trucking company to work for in Iowa?
Based on our 2026 rankings, Heartland Express ranks #1 in Iowa with an average pay of $66,000 per year. They earned the top spot because heartland express is headquartered in north liberty, ia, giving iowa drivers home-state priority for the best short-to-medium haul lanes. The best choice for you depends on your experience level, preferred driving type, and home time needs.
How much do truck drivers make in Iowa?
Pay varies by carrier and position type. Among the top companies in Iowa, average pay ranges from $72,000 to $66,000 per year for company drivers. Owner-operators and specialized drivers (tanker, HazMat) can earn significantly more. The state's top industries — Agriculture (Corn, Soybeans), Pork & Meat Processing, Ethanol Production — influence which types of driving pay the most.
Which trucking companies are hiring in Iowa right now?
As of 2026, Heartland Express, Ruan Transportation, CRST International, Werner Enterprises are all actively hiring in Iowa. 5 additional companies are also hiring at a steady pace. Companies marked as "Selective" are hiring but have stricter experience requirements.