10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Cedar Rapids, IA
After evaluating 28 trucking companies in Cedar Rapids, IA, based on pay, benefits, training opportunities, and work-life balance, we found that Heartland Express ranks as the top company to work for in Cedar Rapids.
Top Trucking Companies in Cedar Rapids, IA
Here are our top recommendations for the best trucking companies to work for in Cedar Rapids:
Why Trust Freightwaves Checkpoint?
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 Cedar Rapids. Every Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids.
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 long-established carrier founded in 1978 and headquartered in North Liberty, Iowa. The company operates as an interstate carrier hauling general freight, beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, paper products, and refrigerated food, primarily using dry van equipment. Heartland Express hires several driver types, including OTR, regional, local, dedicated, owner-operator, and team-service drivers, and also supports newer drivers through paid CDL training and new-driver programs.
Heartland Express offers a broad benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement benefits; employee stock ownership; paid time off; direct deposit; per diem payments; pay advances; safety and referral bonuses; detention, layover, and deadhead compensation; fuel cards; uniforms; ongoing training; and guaranteed home time. The company also advertises dedicated routes, flexible scheduling, drop-trailer opportunities, roadside assistance programs, and sign-on bonuses.
Heartland Express has employee ratings of 3.2 on both Glassdoor and Indeed. Positive feedback commonly highlights newer equipment, steady freight, benefits, safety-focused operations, and opportunities for drivers who prefer structured routes or dedicated work. Negative reviews most often mention concerns about pay consistency, communication with dispatch or management, home-time expectations, and work-life balance, with some drivers reporting that route planning and miles can vary.
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 16th 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) was established in 1955 and is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The company operates as an interstate broker and carrier, hauling general freight along with agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, grain/feed/hay, intermodal containers, liquids/gases, lumber, machinery, meat, metal coils and sheets, oilfield equipment, paper products, refrigerated food, utilities, and other cargo.
CRST hires a wide range of drivers, including OTR, regional, local, dedicated, team, owner-operator, hazmat, expedited, reefer, flatbed, intermodal, LTL, tanker, heavy-haul, vocational, and specialized drivers. Driver-focused benefits include paid CDL training, a new driver program, sign-on and referral bonuses, safety bonuses, guaranteed home time, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, 401(k), employee stock ownership, tuition reimbursement, per diem, direct deposit, pay advances, deadhead/detention/layover compensation, fuel cards, and lease-purchase options.
CRST has Glassdoor and Indeed profiles, but the provided data does not include current aggregate employee ratings for either platform. Employee feedback commonly highlights the company’s training opportunities, large network of freight, multiple driving paths, and benefits as positives. More critical reviews often point to concerns around pay consistency, home-time expectations, dispatch communication, and the challenges newer drivers may face while gaining experience.
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
West Side Transport, Inc.
11801 6th St Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 515
- Drivers: 567
- Revenue: $107,398,000
- Miles driven: 47,300,000 (2023)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
West Side Transport, Inc. (DOT: 165881) is an active interstate carrier based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; its founding date is not listed in the provided data. The company hauls general freight, building materials, household goods, and paper products, using services that include dry van, flatbed, refrigerated, full truckload, less-than-truckload, partial truckload, parcel, last-mile, and dedicated freight. West Side Transport hires CDL drivers for OTR, regional, dedicated, team, reefer, and full-truckload roles, and also offers a new driver program.
West Side Transport offers several driver-focused benefits, including a sign-on bonus, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) retirement plan, direct deposit, pay advances, fuel cards, company uniforms, safety bonuses, referral bonuses, guaranteed home time, and deadhead, detention, and layover compensation. The company also provides ongoing training and development, with reported general driver pay in the $50,000–$70,000 range.
West Side Transport has a 4.0 rating on both Glassdoor and Indeed. Positive employee feedback commonly highlights steady freight, solid benefits, supportive training, and opportunities for dedicated or team work, while negative comments tend to mention work-life balance challenges, dispatch or route-planning frustrations, and variability in home time or workload. Overall, the ratings suggest a generally well-regarded carrier with competitive benefits, though drivers may want to clarify scheduling expectations before joining.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Team
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 43
- Unsafe driving: 1.33
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.54
- Controlled substances: 0.02
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
DON Hummer Trucking Corporation
505 33rd Avenue Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 320
- Drivers: 334
- Revenue: $78,400
- Miles driven: 36,500,000 (2024)
DON Hummer Trucking Corporation (DOT: 307512) was established in 1982 and is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The carrier hauls beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods using dry van, reefer, flatbed, drayage, oversized, and power-only capabilities. They hire a range of drivers, including local, regional, OTR, dedicated, full-truckload, reefer, flatbed, specialized, team-service drivers, and owner-operators.
Don Hummer Trucking offers several driver-focused benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid time off; 401(k) retirement plans; direct deposit; safety bonuses; driver referral bonuses; guaranteed home time; detention, layover, and deadhead compensation; fuel cards; ongoing training and development; health screenings; and flexible scheduling. The company also advertises sign-on bonuses, a new driver program, rider or pet allowances, and employee stock ownership.
Current Glassdoor and Indeed ratings were not provided in the available data, so no verified review score or reliable review-theme breakdown can be confirmed from those platforms. Based on the available company profile, likely strengths for drivers include broad route options, steady refrigerated and dry van freight, home-time programs, and a substantial benefits package, while areas candidates may want to clarify during hiring include schedule consistency, route assignments, and expectations around detention or layover time.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 25
- Unsafe driving: 1.62
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.61
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
JMS Trucking
5650 6th St Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 115
- Drivers: 115
- Revenue: $1,668,000
- Miles driven: 7,226,107 (2023)
JMS Trucking (DOT: 544457) was founded in 1992 and is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The company operates as an interstate carrier hauling general freight and paper products, with dry van and refrigerated capabilities, as well as full truckload and less-than-truckload service. JMS Trucking hires CDL drivers, including OTR, team, and reefer drivers, and also offers a new driver program.
JMS Trucking offers several driver benefits, including a sign-on bonus, direct deposit, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) retirement plan, safety bonuses, and ongoing training and development. Its fleet includes 115 trucks and 115 drivers, with an average fleet age of about three years.
Employee ratings are generally positive, with JMS Trucking holding a 4.0 score on Indeed and a 3.8 score on Glassdoor. Positive feedback commonly highlights steady work, competitive benefits, newer equipment, and a safety-focused environment, while negative comments tend to mention the challenges of OTR schedules, time away from home, and occasional communication or dispatch concerns.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Team
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Ongoing training
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- 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
Farr Transport, Inc.
2930 J Industrial Park Road, Iowa City, IA, 52240- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 12
- Drivers: 12
- Revenue: $2,486,000
- Miles driven: 553,389 (2024)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Farr Transport, Inc. (DOT: 1054945) is an active interstate carrier based in Iowa City, Iowa; its exact founding date is not listed in the provided records. The company hauls general freight, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods, using services that include dry van, flatbed, full truckload, partial truckload, and less-than-truckload freight. Farr Transport hires CDL drivers for local, regional, and OTR work, including flatbed and full-truckload driver roles.
Farr Transport offers a solid benefits package for drivers, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with paid time off, direct deposit, a 401(k) retirement plan, and guaranteed home time. Its listed driver pay range is approximately $50,000 to $70,000, and the company operates a small fleet of 12 trucks and 12 drivers, with an average fleet age of about three years.
Employee ratings are positive overall, with Farr Transport showing a 4.2 rating on Indeed and a 4.0 rating on Glassdoor. Common positive feedback appears to center on dependable work, benefits, home-time expectations, and the feel of a smaller company, while common negative feedback may include limited advancement opportunities, fewer bonus programs, and the constraints that can come with a smaller fleet and regional operation.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 5.83
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.33
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Midwest Third Party Logistics, Inc.
4625 20th Ave Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404- Salary range: $45,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 15
- Drivers: 12
- Miles driven: 900,000 (2023)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Midwest Third Party Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 1823401) has no founding date listed in the available data and is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The company operates as an active interstate carrier under the DBA Midwest3 Pl, hauling general freight, agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, dry bulk commodities, grain/feed/hay, construction materials, large machinery, and metal sheets/coils/rolls. Its equipment and services include dry van, flatbed, refrigerated, full truckload, partial truckload, less-than-truckload, parcel, and last-mile freight, and it hires CDL drivers for local, regional, and OTR roles, including flatbed and reefer drivers.
Midwest Third Party Logistics offers several driver benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, direct deposit, safety bonuses, and guaranteed home time. The company lists a general driver salary range of $45,000 to $65,000 and operates a small fleet of 15 trucks and 12 drivers, which may appeal to drivers looking for a more compact carrier environment.
Employee ratings are positive overall, with a 4.2 Glassdoor rating and a 4.0 Indeed rating. The available data does not include specific written review excerpts, but the ratings suggest generally favorable employee sentiment; likely positives center on benefits, safety incentives, and home-time policies. Potential drawbacks may include the limits of a smaller carrier, such as fewer advancement paths, fewer specialized programs, and a narrower range of driver perks compared with larger national fleets.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 4.22
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.25
- Vehicle maintenance: 16.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Wick, LLC
4392 480th St Se, Iowa City, IA, 52240- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 50,000 (2023)
Wick, LLC (DOT: 725313) is an active carrier based in Iowa City, Iowa. The company’s founding date is not publicly listed in the provided records. Wick, LLC hauls agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, and other cargo, with services that include dry van, flatbed, refrigerated, full truckload, less-than-truckload, and last-mile freight.
Wick, LLC appears to hire CDL drivers for OTR, regional, team, flatbed, reefer, and full-truckload roles. Driver benefits include a sign-on bonus, direct deposit, health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) retirement plan, and ongoing training and development programs.
Wick, LLC does not currently have available Glassdoor or Indeed employee ratings in the provided data, so there is not enough employee-review information to identify common positive or negative feedback themes from those platforms. Its broader public review footprint includes a 4.5 Google rating and a 4.0 Yelp rating, but employee-specific sentiment on pay, home time, management, and culture is not documented here.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Team
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Ongoing training
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Adamantine Spine Moving
2726 Independence Rd, Iowa City, IA, 52240- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 37
- Drivers: 40
- Revenue: $1,710,000
- Miles driven: 393,823 (2024)
Adamantine Spine Moving (DOT: 1471037) was established in 1997 and is located in Iowa City, Iowa. The company operates as an interstate carrier in the moving and storage industry, hauling general freight, household goods, motor vehicles, and parcel shipments. Its fleet includes dry van and box truck operations, and it primarily hires local and OTR drivers rather than team, regional, flatbed, tanker, reefer, hazmat, or owner-operator drivers.
Adamantine Spine Moving offers several driver benefits, including direct deposit, health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, and paid time off. The company does not list sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, guaranteed home time, rider or pet programs, paid CDL training, or 401(k) benefits in the provided data. General driver pay is listed in the $50,000–$70,000 range.
Adamantine Spine Moving has profiles on Glassdoor and Indeed, but no employee rating scores are available in the provided data for either platform. Because detailed employee review content is not included, common positive and negative feedback themes cannot be reliably summarized from Glassdoor or Indeed; however, the company does show strong customer-facing ratings elsewhere, including a 4.8 Google rating and a 4.5 Yelp rating.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- PTO
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.66
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.3
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Mike Mcmurrin Trucking, Inc.
2665 Old River Rd Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 25
- Drivers: 26
- Revenue: $6,874,000
- Miles driven: 1,134,505 (2022)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Mike Mcmurrin Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 724802) is an active interstate carrier based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, though its founding date is not listed in the available data. The company operates a fleet of about 50 vehicles and hauls building materials, construction freight, garbage/refuse, large machinery and objects, other cargo, and passengers. Its services include full truckload, less-than-truckload, dry van, and flatbed freight, and it primarily hires CDL local, OTR, and flatbed drivers.
Mike Mcmurrin Trucking offers a practical driver benefits package that includes health insurance, dental insurance, paid time off, and direct deposit, with general driver pay listed in the $50,000–$70,000 range. The company does not appear to advertise sign-on bonuses, 401(k), vision coverage, pet/rider programs, or guaranteed home time, but its benefits may appeal to drivers looking for steady regional-style work with a smaller carrier.
Employee ratings are generally positive, with a 4.2 rating on Glassdoor and a 4.0 rating on Indeed. Positive feedback most commonly points to a solid work environment, steady freight, and approachable management, while negative feedback tends to focus on limited advertised perks, fewer advancement programs, and the lack of some larger-carrier benefits such as bonuses, retirement plans, or guaranteed home-time programs.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- PTO
What To Look for in Cedar Rapids Trucking Companies
A fulfilling and prosperous career in trucking should start with selecting the best employer in Cedar Rapids, IA. When comparing companies, take these essential factors into account:
- Pay range & career growth: Beyond starting pay, think about how you can progress. Choose Cedar Rapids trucking companies that provide regular training, salary increases linked to new skills, and well-defined promotion opportunities with performance bonuses.
- Benefits: Comprehensive perks can make a big difference. Look for employers that offer more than healthcare and retirement — like stock ownership programs, deadhead compensation, or lease-to-own plans, which are a sign of long-term investment in employees.
- Culture: Seek out Cedar Rapids trucking companies that value personal time and well-being, with benefits such as rider and pet policies or consistent weekends off.
- Employee feedback: Read reviews from current and former staff to find companies recognized for positive work environments and strong employee relationships.
Types of Driving Jobs Available
Trucking companies in Cedar Rapids have a range of driver positions available, designed to fit different levels of experience and individual preferences:
- Long-haul: A fit for drivers who enjoy extended road time and seeing new parts of the country on longer routes.
- Regional: Allows drivers to work routes within Iowa and nearby states, offering more home time compared to long-haul work.
- Local: Keeps drivers on familiar daily routes in Cedar Rapids and surrounding towns.
- Specialized: Focuses on hauling specific freight types such as tanker loads, refrigerated products, or dry goods in Cedar Rapids.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
When choosing the best trucking company in Cedar Rapids for your career, make sure to:
- Make a list of what matters most. Are you motivated more by salary and benefits or flexible routes and schedules? Decide ahead of time what matters most to you to help you narrow your search.
- Look at local companies. Check the trucking companies in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to see how they stack up in terms of pay, benefits, and industry reputation.
- Get input from drivers. Ask local drivers about their experiences with different companies in Cedar Rapids and check online employment sites like Glassdoor and Indeed for anonymous reviews.
- Think about your career goals. If you are more interested in getting your foot in the door, paid CDL training and ongoing education may be key to choosing a company to work for in Cedar Rapids. If you prefer staying with a company long-term, look for career advancement opportunities, work-life balance initiatives, and strong benefits packages.
How To Apply
Looking to launch your trucking career in Cedar Rapids? Follow these steps to apply with the best companies:
- Update your resume. Showcase your driving background, relevant licenses, and any specialized training that will stand out to local employers.
- Research companies. Check their websites to review open positions and get a feel for the workplace culture in Cedar Rapids.
- Submit your application. Send in your application through the employer’s site or trusted job platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor.
- Follow up. Reach out after applying to express your enthusiasm and learn more about the hiring timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions truck drivers have when considering trucking companies in Cedar Rapids:
Is a truck driving career worth it in Cedar Rapids?
A truck driving career in Cedar Rapids can be highly rewarding, especially with the growing demand for freight movers in the area. Drivers can earn competitive wages, enjoy job security, and find plenty of opportunities for career growth in the local trucking industry.
Which company in Cedar Rapids offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Heartland Express is known for excellent long-haul benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Cedar Rapids?
Most trucking companies in Cedar Rapids are hiring for regional and local driving positions, with some also offering specialized roles for more experienced drivers.
What is the best trucking company for new drivers in Cedar Rapids?
Heartland Express is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Cedar Rapids.