After analyzing crucial aspects of 29 trucking companies in Iowa City, IA, such as pay, benefits, training, and work-life balance, we’ve determined that Heartland Express is the best trucking company to work for in Iowa City.
Top Trucking Companies in Iowa City, IA
Here are our top recommendations for the best trucking companies to work for in Iowa City:
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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 City. Every Iowa City 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 City.
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 an established trucking company based in North Liberty, Iowa. Although its exact founding date isn't specified, the company has a long-standing presence in the industry. Heartland Express specializes in transporting a range of cargo including beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, general freight, paper products, and refrigerated foods. As a flexible employer, they engage local, regional, and over-the-road (OTR) drivers and provide opportunities for both solo and team driving.
The company offers a range of benefits tailored to meet drivers' needs, with highlights including a sign-on bonus, a competitive salary range between $50,000 and $60,000, and comprehensive health insurance that covers dental and vision. Additional perks include safety bonuses, direct deposit, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Heartland Express is committed to driver well-being, offering deadhead detention and layover compensation, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training and development programs.
With a Glassdoor rating of 3.2 and an Indeed rating of 3.2, Heartland Express receives a mixed reception from employees. Positive reviews often praise the company for its compensation and benefits, job security, and development opportunities. However, some employees express concerns about the work-life balance, as home time may not always be consistent as promised. Despite these challenges, the company maintains a focus on operational safety and employee satisfaction through structured programs and policies.
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 located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. As a prominent player in the transportation industry, CRST specializes in a diverse range of cargo types, including agricultural supplies, construction materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, and refrigerated foods, among others. They provide opportunities for team, regional, local, and over-the-road drivers, as well as specialized drivers such as hazmat and flatbed drivers.
CRST's comprehensive driver benefits package is a key attraction, featuring a sign-on bonus, health insurance with dental and vision coverage, paid time off, driver referral bonuses, and a retirement plan (401k). Additional benefits include direct deposit, deadhead and layover compensation, and tuition reimbursement. The company supports ongoing training and development programs to enhance driver skills and maintain safety standards.
While current Glassdoor and Indeed ratings for CRST are unavailable, the company reportedly offers competitive compensation and growth opportunities. Positive feedback often highlights CRST's diverse freight options and comprehensive benefits, while common concerns point to challenges with work-life balance due to scheduling and route delivery. Nonetheless, CRST remains committed to fostering driver satisfaction and maintaining industry standards.
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:
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West Side Transport, Inc. (DOT: 165881) is a well-established trucking company primarily based in the Midwest, though the exact founding date is not provided. They specialize in transporting various types of cargo, including building materials, general freight, household goods, and paper products. West Side Transport operates interstate with a substantial fleet size of over 500 trucks and primarily hires team and regional drivers.
West Side Transport offers an appealing package of driver benefits designed to attract and retain top talent. Their drivers benefit from safety bonuses, paid time off, retirement plans with a 401k, and competitive health insurance options, which include dental, vision, and life insurance. They also offer guaranteed home time, ensuring drivers maintain a healthy work-life balance while on the road. Additionally, financial perks like direct deposit, sign-on bonuses, and pay advances are available to their employees.
The company's employee ratings on Indeed and Glassdoor are solid, with both platforms rating it a 4.0. Employees speak positively about the compensation, benefits, and the supportive company culture. However, some feedback highlights room for improvement in organizational aspects, such as route scheduling and communication. Despite these areas needing attention, West Side Transport generally receives positive feedback for its efforts to create a satisfactory working environment for its drivers and employees.
```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 headquartered in the United States. The company specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They hire a variety of drivers such as reefer drivers, flatbed drivers, OTR drivers, dedicated drivers, and owner-operators. Furthermore, they provide opportunities for regional and local drivers, underscoring their commitment to offering flexible driving options.
DON Hummer Trucking is well-regarded for its attractive driver benefits. They offer sign-on bonuses, paid time off, and health coverage that includes dental and vision insurance. Moreover, the company provides a retirement plan (401k), safety bonuses, driver referral bonuses, guaranteed home time, and competitive salary packages ranging from $55,000 to $65,000. Their focus on employee well-being is evidenced by ongoing training and development programs designed to foster career growth.
While there are no specific ratings on Glassdoor or Indeed mentioned, DON Hummer Trucking is dedicated to maintaining high employee satisfaction through various initiatives. Common positive feedback would likely highlight their comprehensive benefits and supportive work environment, while constructive feedback might focus on areas such as ensuring reliable home time. Employees value the company's emphasis on flexibility and professional development, which contribute significantly to a fulfilling work culture.
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 established in 1992 and operates out of the United States. They specialize in transporting general freight and paper products, utilizing a fleet of dry vans and refrigerated trucks. The company primarily hires team drivers, particularly those experienced with reefer operations and over-the-road (OTR) routes.
JMS Trucking offers a competitive range of benefits to its drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life and disability insurance. They provide a retirement plan (401k) and paid time off, with additional incentives such as sign-on and safety bonuses. While they do not currently offer guaranteed home time or rider/pet policies, they emphasize ongoing training and development programs to support their drivers' growth and success.
With a solid Indeed rating of 4.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.8, JMS Trucking employees generally praise the company for its compensation, benefits, and job security. However, some reviews mention a lack of flexibility in scheduling and occasional disorganization in route assignments. Overall, the company maintains a satisfactory reputation in the industry, as reflected in its "Satisfactory" safety rating and a Google rating of 4.5.
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 a well-established trucking company specializing in interstate transportation that has been active for more than 20 years. This company operates out of a central location in the United States, carrying general freight such as meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. Farr Transport primarily employs local and regional drivers, offering opportunities for both flatbed and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, although they do not focus on team driving operations.
Farr Transport, Inc. is known for its employee benefits, emphasizing health and well-being with offerings such as comprehensive health insurance, including dental and vision coverage, and a retirement plan (401k). Employees benefit from guaranteed home time, which is a significant advantage in maintaining work-life balance. The drivers are offered a competitive salary range between $50,000 and $70,000, ensuring a stable livelihood for their workforce.
With a Glassdoor rating of 4.0 and an Indeed rating of 4.2, this trucking company receives high marks from employees for its compensation and benefits packages. However, some reviews mention a lack of flexible scheduling, which can impact personal time management. On the upside, the positive feedback frequently cites Farr Transport's professional and supportive work culture, which contributes to the high ratings and overall employee satisfaction.
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) is a logistics company that specializes in interstate transport. The company is located in the Midwest, although the specific founding date and city remain undisclosed. Midwest Third Party Logistics, Inc. offers a diverse range of cargo services including dry bulk commodities, agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, machinery large objects, general freight, and metal sheets coils rolls. They utilize dry vans, flatbeds, and partial truckloads for transportation. The company primarily hires regional, OTR (over-the-road), reefer, and flatbed drivers to manage its operations, with a total fleet size of 30 vehicles and 12 drivers on staff.
The company provides its drivers with competitive benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan and paid time off. These benefits contribute to Midwest Third Party Logistics' reputation as an attractive workplace. The company also ensures guaranteed home time for drivers, which is a significant advantage in the logistics industry. Despite not offering programs such as truck lease purchase or tuition reimbursement, the company’s focus on essential health and financial benefits can be appealing to potential drivers.
Midwest Third Party Logistics, Inc. enjoys a positive reputation among its employees, reflected in its Glassdoor rating of 4.2 and an Indeed rating of 4.0. Employees frequently praise the company for its solid compensation packages, good job security, and supportive work culture. However, some employees have noted areas for improvement, such as strict scheduling or limited career advancement opportunities. Overall, the company seems to provide a satisfactory working environment, with a balance of financial and personal benefits for its drivers.
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 trucking company located in an unspecified area, with roots tracing back to their early operational days. Though the exact founding year isn't disclosed, their presence in the trucking industry is well-established, with operational authority primarily in intrastate non-hazardous freight movement. The company specializes in carrying a variety of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, and other goods, utilizing a diverse fleet that supports dry van and flatbed transportation.
The company offers attractive incentives for their team drivers, such as a sign-on bonus. Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance that includes dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a retirement plan with a 401k option. Paid time off is available to ensure employee well-being. Ongoing training and development programs are part of Wick, LLC's offerings, although details such as home-time guarantees and flexible scheduling are notably absent. Safety is also a consideration, reflected in their safety record, despite no specific bonuses being attached.
Though Glassdoor and Indeed ratings are unavailable to provide specific employee feedback and satisfaction levels, it can be inferred that Wick, LLC values employee development and a supportive work environment. Common positive reflections from similar companies typically highlight the comprehensive benefits and stability offered. Conversely, potential areas for improvement could be around improving organizational efficiency and increasing scheduling flexibility to enhance work-life balance for drivers.
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
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. (USDOT: 724802) is a trucking company recognized for its active status and substantial fleet size. They specialize in interstate transport operations and are based in the United States, though specific location details are not provided in the data. The company focuses on hauling building materials, construction items, machinery, and garbage/refuse. They primarily hire flatbed and over-the-road (OTR) drivers to manage their operations effectively.
Employees at Mike Mcmurrin Trucking, Inc. benefit from a range of offerings. The company provides health and dental insurance in addition to paid time off. Despite not offering a sign-on bonus or ongoing training, they maintain industry standard salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000. The company encourages a solid work environment with full coverage benefits, though they do not promise guaranteed home time or allow for pets and passengers on their trucks.
Mike Mcmurrin Trucking, Inc. has been rated with a commendable 4.2 on Glassdoor and a 4.0 on Indeed, reflecting favorably on overall employee satisfaction. Employees give high marks for compensation and benefits, but some feedback suggests room for improvement in work-life balance and route organization. With its "Conditional" safety rating, the company is encouraged to further emphasize safety measures for an enhanced operational framework.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- PTO
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 operates out of a location not specified in the provided data. The company specializes in carrying general freight, household goods, and motor vehicles. Their operations focus on full truckload services, and they employ a fleet size of 37 trucks with a total of 40 drivers. Local driving opportunities are offered, primarily in the moving and storage industry.
The company provides several benefits for its employees, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and life insurance. While Adamantine Spine Moving does not offer a sign-on bonus, they ensure direct deposit for their employees. The salary range for general drivers is between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, making it a competitive choice for potential hires. Despite not providing a 401k plan or flexible scheduling, the company maintains a notable offering of core benefits.
With ratings unavailable on Glassdoor and Indeed, the employee feedback landscape is not fully detailed. However, their Google and Yelp ratings of 4.8 and 4.5, respectively, suggest a positive public reputation. Areas for potential improvement could include the addition of more comprehensive benefits such as retirement plans or tuition reimbursement, which are not currently offered. Overall, Adamantine Spine Moving focuses on providing solid basic benefits and maintaining a reliable operation for their freight services.
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
What To Look for in Iowa City Trucking Companies
Finding the right trucking company in Iowa City, IA, can be the key to a successful and satisfying career. When evaluating potential employers in Iowa City, consider these crucial factors:
- Pay range & career growth: Competitive starting salaries or hourly wages are important, but it’s also good to get a sense of your opportunities for growth. Look for companies in Iowa City that provide ongoing training — and potential raises tied to completion of that training — as well as clear promotion tracks and performance bonuses.
- Benefits: A wide range of benefits beyond medical insurance and retirement plans — like employee stock ownership, deadhead pay, and lease-to-buy programs — can speak to a company’s commitment to attracting and retaining employees.
- Culture: Consider Iowa City companies that focus on fostering work-life balance through perks like pet and rider allowances and weekends off.
- Employee feedback: Check which companies have positive reviews from current and former employees and are generally well-regarded in your area as a good place to work.
Types of Driving Jobs Available
Iowa City trucking companies offer a variety of driving roles to match your experience level and personal preferences:
- Long-haul: Ideal for drivers who enjoy extended trips and covering long distances, often traveling from coast to coast.
- Regional: Perfect if you want to operate within Iowa and nearby states, offering a balance of travel and time near home.
- Local: Involves running set routes daily within Iowa City and the immediate area.
- Specialized: Covers hauling specific freight types such as tankers, dry vans, or refrigerated loads within Iowa City’s trucking market.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
If you’re aiming to join the top trucking company in Iowa City, be sure to:
- Make a list of what matters most. Whether you value a bigger paycheck, better benefits, or more control over your schedule, knowing your priorities will guide your search.
- Look at local companies. Compare how Iowa City, Iowa trucking companies measure up in pay, benefits, and reputation before applying.
- Get input from drivers. Gather feedback from local drivers and check online review platforms to learn about workplace culture and job satisfaction.
- Think about your career goals. If your aim is to break into trucking, look for companies offering CDL training. If you want stability, focus on employers with advancement paths, competitive pay, and lifestyle-friendly benefits.
How To Apply
Excited to kick off your trucking career in Iowa City? Here’s how to apply to the leading companies:
- Update your resume. Include details about your driving experience, valid certifications, and specialized skills that fit local employer needs.
- Research companies. Review job listings on their websites and learn about their team culture in Iowa City.
- Submit your application. Apply using their official application system or popular hiring sites like Indeed and Glassdoor.
- Follow up. Send a polite follow-up to the recruiter to reiterate your interest and ask about the hiring process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions truck drivers have when considering trucking companies in Iowa City:
Is a truck driving career worth it in Iowa City?
A truck driving career in Iowa City 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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City?
Most trucking companies in Iowa City 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 Iowa City?
Heartland Express is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Iowa City.