Trucking in Iowa
Owner-operator guide for Iowa (IA) — rates, freight volume, regulations, top shippers, and everything you need to run profitable lanes through the Des Moines state.
Quick Stats
Freight Volume
moderateO-O Friendly
8/10
Fuel Tax
30.0 c/gal
Parking
abundantAverage Rates Per Mile
| Equipment | Rate/Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.30 |
| Reefer | $2.65 |
| Flatbed | $2.80 |
Key Highways
I-80I-35I-380I-29
These corridors connect Iowa's major freight cities: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City. Knowing these routes is essential for planning efficient loads in and out of the state.
Top Industries
1Agriculture (corn/soybeans)
2Meat processing
3Insurance
4Manufacturing
5Wind energy
Top Shippers
Tyson Foods
JBS (Marshalltown)
John Deere
Casey's Distribution
Walmart DC
Trucking Regulations
- No toll roads
- Ag exemptions during harvest
- 80,000 lbs standard; ag vehicles up to 96,000 lbs
- Winter chain requirements on certain routes
Toll Roads & Winter Conditions
Toll Information
No toll roads
Winter Conditions
Harsh winters; blizzards; I-80 closures; dangerous wind chill
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Iowa
In Iowa, dry van rates average $2.30/mile, reefer rates average $2.65/mile, and flatbed rates average $2.80/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.
Iowa scores 8/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has moderate freight volume with abundant truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Agriculture (corn/soybeans), Meat processing, Insurance.
Key trucking regulations in Iowa include: No toll roads. Ag exemptions during harvest. 80,000 lbs standard; ag vehicles up to 96,000 lbs. Winter chain requirements on certain routes. The state fuel tax rate is 30.0 cents per gallon.
The major freight highways in Iowa are I-80, I-35, I-380, I-29. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City. No toll roads.