10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Ames, IA

• 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)

• Glassdoor: 3.9 / 5
• Indeed: 3.4 / 5

Ruan Transportation Management Systems (DOT: 55787) operates out of Des Moines, Iowa. Established many years ago, the company boasts a robust fleet, primarily engaged in interstate operations. Ruan handles a wide array of cargo, including beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, chemicals, general freight, refrigerated foods, and liquids/gases, using various equipment such as dry vans, tankers, flatbeds, and box trucks. The company primarily recruits regional, local, intermodal, flatbed, reefer, and dedicated drivers, providing opportunities for partial and team drivers as well as owner-operators.

Ruan stands out for its employee benefits, featuring competitive salaries ranging from $60,000 to $70,000, as well as a generous sign-on bonus. The company offers comprehensive health insurance, vision and dental coverage, paid time off, and a retirement plan (401k). Additionally, they provide safety and driver referral bonuses, pay advances, and guaranteed home time. Ruan's commitment to driver development is evident through ongoing training programs and paid CDL training, reinforcing their dedication to employee growth and satisfaction.

With a Glassdoor rating of 3.9 and an Indeed score of 3.4, Ruan receives commendations for its compensation, benefits, and professional growth opportunities. Positive employee feedback often highlights the company's commitment to safety and accessible management. Conversely, critiques focus on the challenges of maintaining work-life balance and occasional scheduling issues. Despite these concerns, Ruan remains dedicated to improving a supportive environment for its trucking professionals.

• 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)

• Glassdoor: 2.6 / 5
• Indeed: 3.6 / 5

Jacobson Transportation Company, Inc. (DOT: 241594) was established in 2018 and is based in Clive, Iowa. The company specializes in interstate transportation and offers a broad range of cargo services, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, intermodal containers, meat, machinery, and refrigerated foods. They are equipped with dry vans, reefer units, and flatbeds to handle varied types of freight. Jacobson primarily hires local, regional, and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, including specialized drivers for hazardous materials and intermodal shipments.

Jacobson Transportation emphasizes competitive driver benefits, featuring a sign-on bonus, guaranteed home time, and deadhead detention and layover compensation. The company offers comprehensive health coverage with dental and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, and gym membership benefits. They support ongoing training and development programs and have flexible scheduling options to suit drivers' needs. Jacobson also provides truck lease purchase programs and support for owner-operators.

On Indeed, Jacobson holds a score of 3.6, while it scores 2.6 on Glassdoor. Employees often praise the company for its health and retirement benefits, sign-on bonuses, and supportive work environment. However, some reviews highlight concerns about work-life balance and occasional disorganization in route assignments. Despite these issues, the company continues to provide valuable job opportunities and career advancement for its workforce.

• Salary range: $55,000-$70,000
• Routes: interstate
• Paid CDL training: true
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Power units: 133
• Drivers: 228
• Revenue: $453,000
• Miles driven: 13,300,000 (2024)

• Glassdoor: 4.0 / 5
• Indeed: 4.2 / 5

Solar Transport Company (DOT: 231451) is located in Des Moines, Iowa. The company operates within the transportation industry, focusing on transporting chemicals, general freight, and liquids/gases using dry van and flatbed trucks. They predominantly hire drivers for over-the-road (OTR) routes, regional routes, and dedicated routes, as well as reefer and flatbed drivers to support their multifaceted operations.

Solar Transport Company is committed to offering its drivers a comprehensive benefits package. This includes health insurance with dental and vision coverage, life insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Additionally, they provide a sign-on bonus and compensation for deadhead, detention, and layovers. Solar Transport Company emphasizes driver development, offering paid CDL training and ongoing training programs to promote continuous professional growth.

Employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed reflect positively on Solar Transport Company, with ratings of 4.0 and 4.2, respectively. Drivers appreciate the company's competitive compensation, job security, and positive work culture. However, some reviews mention challenges concerning work-life balance and scheduling consistency. Overall, Solar Transport Company is praised for its robust support and benefits for employees.

• Salary range: $60,000-$80,000
• Routes: interstate
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Power units: 302
• Drivers: 277
• Miles driven: 18,600,000 (2024)

• Glassdoor: 3.8 / 5
• Indeed: 4.0 / 5

DHL Freight (DOT: 1996747) offers reliable logistics solutions as part of Standard Forwarding LLC. While the exact founding date of DHL Freight isn't disclosed, the company is headquartered at 1909 E 17th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50316. With an active status indicated by the USDOT, DHL Freight delivers efficient interstate carrier services. The trucking company specializes in transporting 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, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. They primarily hire drivers skilled in flatbed, intermodal, LTL (Less Than Truckload), and reefer operations, offering opportunities for solo as well as team driving.

DHL Freight stands out for its commitment to employee benefits, which include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a retirement plan, paid time off, and direct deposit for wages. They also provide safety bonuses, guaranteed home time, and driver referral bonuses. Additionally, new driver programs offer ongoing training and development, ensuring a supportive work environment for all drivers. All drivers receive competitive salaries in the range of $60,000 to $80,000. However, DHL Freight does not permit passengers or pets and lacks a truck lease purchase program.

The company enjoys a solid reputation among employees, boasting an Indeed rating of 4.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.8. Employees have praised DHL Freight for its comprehensive compensation packages, reliable home time, and robust benefits. However, some feedback highlights areas for improvement, such as limited flexible scheduling options and occasional route disorganization. Overall, DHL Freight maintains an impressive balance of employee satisfaction and logistical efficiency.

• Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
• Routes: interstate
• Power units: 113
• Drivers: 103
• Revenue: $6,676,000
• Miles driven: 1,800,000 (2024)

• Glassdoor: 4.1 / 5
• Indeed: 4.2 / 5

Hydro Klean (DOT: 2190489) is an established company located in Des Moines, Iowa, known for its role in the Environmental Services industry. Boasting a substantial fleet of dry vans, flatbeds, and tankers, Hydro Klean carries a versatile range of cargo, including chemicals, liquids and gases, machinery, utility items, garbage, and general freight. Their operations are primarily interstate, making them a significant player in transporting hazardous materials across state lines. They seek drivers with expertise in various areas, such as flatbed, dry van, reefer, and tanker operations, focusing on both local and over-the-road (OTR) positions.

The company offers appealing benefits to their drivers, which include health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and life and disability insurance. They also provide a retirement plan (401k), paid time off, and safety bonuses, ensuring drivers are well-compensated and their welfare is prioritized. While passengers and pets aren't permitted, guaranteed home time and fuel cards add to the package, enhancing driver satisfaction and retention.

Hydro Klean is rated well by its employees on platforms like Indeed, with a solid 4.2 rating, and a 4.1 rating on Glassdoor, indicating high levels of employee satisfaction. Employees value the reliable compensation and comprehensive benefits package, alongside the positive work culture and job security. However, some feedback points to less favorable work-life balance due to busy routes and scheduling. But overall, Hydro Klean continues to maintain a commendable reputation among its workforce in the trucking industry.

• Salary range: $45,000-$60,000
• Routes: interstate
• Power units: 65
• Drivers: 77
• Revenue: $481,864,000
• Miles driven: 2,464,000 (2023)

• Glassdoor: 3.8 / 5
• Indeed: 4.0 / 5

Sysco Food Services Of Iowa (DOT: 337371) was established in 1988 and operates from Ankeny, Iowa. The company is a major player in the food distribution industry, carrying a variety of cargo such as refrigerated foods, fresh produce, beverages, meat, and paper products. Sysco primarily employs OTR drivers and hires reefer truck drivers to support its interstate operations.

Sysco Food Services Of Iowa offers a comprehensive benefits package to its drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan and disability insurance. In addition to paid time off and safety bonuses, the company ensures drivers have access to full truckload and less than truckload services. Despite their dedication to employee satisfaction, they do not offer sign-on bonuses or guaranteed home time, which is often a high priority for drivers.

On employee review sites like Indeed and Glassdoor, Sysco Food Services Of Iowa holds ratings of 4.0 and 3.8, respectively. Employees frequently praise the company's compensation, benefits, and job security. However, some feedback points to less favorable aspects such as a lack of home time and limited advancement opportunities, indicating potential areas for improvement in work-life balance and career development pathways.

• Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
• Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Power units: 12
• Drivers: 12

• Glassdoor: 4.0 / 5
• Indeed: 4.2 / 5

SUN Logistics (DOT: 884739) operates from West Des Moines, Iowa, providing logistics and transportation services, though the year of establishment isn't specified. The company offers a diverse range of services, including reefer and flatbed trucking, partial and full truckloads, and dry van transport. SUN Logistics focuses on intrastate non-hazardous carrier operations, primarily hiring OTR drivers. Despite not providing dedicated routes, the company does cater to less-than-truckload and parcel services, ensuring broad cargo movement capacity.

Drivers at SUN Logistics benefit from a comprehensive package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, ensuring well-rounded healthcare coverage. They also have a retirement plan (401k), paid time off, and regular safety bonuses, which contribute to a supportive work environment. While a $10,000 sign-on bonus is not mentioned, driver benefits like ongoing training and development programs enhance professional growth and job satisfaction. The company takes pride in fostering employee satisfaction, as seen through their focus on offering benefits that align with driver needs.

SUN Logistics enjoys an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0, reflecting a generally positive employee experience. Employees commend the company for its supportive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and a solid company culture. However, some areas for improvement noted on platforms include the need for better work-life balance and the delivery of promised home time. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment remains favorable, highlighting the company's efforts to maintain high employee morale.

• Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
• Routes: interstate
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Power units: 156
• Drivers: 167
• Revenue: $112,236,000
• Miles driven: 3,960,000 (2022)

• Glassdoor: 3.4 / 5
• Indeed: 3.8 / 5

Anderson Erickson Dairy Company (DOT: 2489) was founded in 1930 and is based in Des Moines, Iowa. Specializing in refrigerated food, beverages, and other commodities, they utilize dry van and reefer trucks for their transportation needs. Anderson Erickson primarily hires local and OTR (over-the-road) drivers, focusing on single-driver operations.

Drivers at Anderson Erickson benefit from a comprehensive range of perks, including health, dental, and vision insurance. They also provide disability and life insurance, ongoing training and development programs, and paid time off. Additionally, a retirement plan (401k) is available to support long-term financial planning. Anderson Erickson places emphasis on the well-being of their employees by offering a satisfactory safety rating and ensuring a supportive work environment.

On Glassdoor, Anderson Erickson Dairy Company holds a 3.4 rating, with an Indeed score of 3.8. Employees often praise the company for its solid compensation and benefits packages as well as opportunities for skill development. However, some feedback points to areas for improvement in scheduling flexibility and guaranteed home time. The company continues to maintain its reputation by focusing on employee satisfaction while fulfilling its core business operations in the dairy industry.

• Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
• Routes: interstate
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Power units: 20
• Drivers: 24
• Miles driven: 544,306 (2024)

• Glassdoor: 3.5 / 5
• Indeed: 4.0 / 5

CIT Signature Transportation (DOT: 746649) is based in Ames, Iowa, and is committed to providing reliable transportation services. The company primarily operates as a carrier with an active USDOT status, employing a fleet of 40, including 20 buses, and carrying passengers across interstate routes. While their year of establishment isn't explicitly mentioned, CIT Signature Transportation's consistent focus on effective transport solutions is evident in their specialized team driving opportunities and the hiring of drivers for flatbed, reefer, and dry van operations.

CIT Signature Transportation values its drivers by offering comprehensive benefit packages. These include health insurance with dental and vision coverage, a retirement plan (401k), life insurance, disability insurance, and paid time off. Drivers are guaranteed home time, adding to their job satisfaction. Moreover, the company emphasizes ongoing training and development programs tailored to enhance driver skills, thereby promoting both safety and excellence in service delivery.

With an Indeed rating of 4.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.5, CIT Signature Transportation is seen positively in terms of compensation, benefits, and job security. Drivers frequently appreciate the supportive work culture and professional growth opportunities. However, like in many other companies, there are occasional mentions of desired improvements in scheduling flexibility and the need for more competitive salaries. Despite these concerns, CIT Signature Transportation continues to maintain a robust and satisfactory service record.

• Salary range: $45,000-$65,000
• Routes: interstate
• Power units: 65
• Drivers: 65
• Revenue: $15,822,000
• Miles driven: 3,900,000 (2023)

• Glassdoor: 3.0 / 5
• Indeed: 2.9 / 5

Contract Transport, Inc. (DOT: 165826) was established in 1963 and is based in Des Moines, Iowa. This seasoned trucking company specializes in carrying general freight and U.S. mail. Their fleet includes dry van and flatbed trucks, with a total fleet size of 130 trucks. Contract Transport primarily hires team and flatbed drivers to operate interstate, enhancing their service reach across various routes.

Contract Transport, Inc. offers an enticing range of driver benefits despite not offering extensive driver programs. Employees at Contract Transport enjoy health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, paid time off, and a retirement 401(k) plan. Although they do not provide a truck lease purchase program or guaranteed home time, team driving opportunities and competitive salaries ranging from $45,000 to $65,000 are available. Safety bonuses are also part of their compensation package, reflecting their commitment to a safe work environment.

On review platforms, Contract Transport, Inc. holds a Glassdoor rating of 3.0 and an Indeed rating of 2.9. Employee reviews highlight the company's stable benefits package and consistent route schedules as positive attributes. However, some negative feedback centers on the limitations in providing guaranteed home time and advancement opportunities. Overall, Contract Transport continues to maintain a satisfactory safety rating, acknowledging areas for development while upholding reliable service standards.