Intermodal Trucking in Cedar Rapids, IA

Market rates, top lanes, earnings estimates, and freight insights for intermodal owner-operators in Cedar Rapids.

$2.14

Rate / Mile

$18,190

Est. Gross / Month

$11,824

Est. Net / Month

Midwest

Market Region

About Intermodal Trucking

Intermodal drayage involves hauling containers between rail yards, ports, and distribution centers. Short-haul but high-frequency work, concentrated around major rail hubs and port cities.

Intermodal Market in the Midwest

The Midwest is the crossroads of American freight, with Chicago serving as the undisputed hub. I-80, I-90, and I-70 carry enormous dry van volume connecting coasts. Automotive parts, consumer goods, and agricultural products make up the bulk of loads. Competition is fierce but volume is massive. Carriers based near Chicago, Indianapolis, or Columbus benefit from exceptional load availability in virtually every direction.

Top Intermodal Lanes from Cedar Rapids

Chicago IL → Detroit MI

Indianapolis IN → Columbus OH

Minneapolis MN → Kansas City MO

St. Louis MO → Nashville TN

Why Cedar Rapids for Intermodal

Key Industries

Cereal and grain processing
Aerospace and defense
Manufacturing
Financial services
Healthcare

Key Highways

I-380US-30US-151US-218IA-100

Top Shippers

Quaker Oats (PepsiCo)
General Mills
Collins Aerospace (Raytheon)
Cargill

Distribution Centers Near Cedar Rapids

Quaker Oats DC

General Mills DC

CRST International HQ (trucking company)

Nordstrom fulfillment

Need Intermodal Dispatch in Cedar Rapids?

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Intermodal Trucking in Cedar Rapids — FAQ

The estimated intermodal rate in Cedar Rapids is $2.14 per loaded mile. This reflects the Midwest regional market, local demand, and seasonal conditions. Actual rates vary by lane, broker, and load specifics.

Based on current market estimates, a intermodal owner-operator based in Cedar Rapids can expect approximately $18,190 gross monthly revenue and around $11,824 net after typical expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance). Actual earnings depend on miles driven, load selection, and operating efficiency.

Top intermodal lanes from the Cedar Rapids market include: Chicago IL → Detroit MI, Indianapolis IN → Columbus OH, Minneapolis MN → Kansas City MO, St. Louis MO → Nashville TN. These lanes reflect the Midwest freight patterns and may vary by season.

Cedar Rapids is located in the Midwest freight region with key industries including cereal and grain processing, aerospace and defense, manufacturing. Access to I-380, US-30, US-151 provides strong connectivity. Rates are competitive with the national average.

Key highways for intermodal freight in Cedar Rapids include I-380, US-30, US-151, US-218, IA-100. These corridors connect to major distribution centers and freight lanes across the Midwest region.