Des Moines, IA
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Des Moines.
Metro area
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.44 |
| Reefer | $2.80 |
| Flatbed | $3.02 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-80I-35I-235US-65US-69IA-5
Top Industries
Insurance and financial services
Agriculture
Food processing
Distribution
Technology
Major Distribution Centers
Amazon DSM5
Hy-Vee distribution center
USPS regional hub
Dollar General DC
Top Shippers
P
Principal FinancialM
Meredith CorporationB
BarillaD
Dee ZeeH
Hy-VeeNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-80
Truck Stops
Pilot Travel Center (I-80 Exit 143)
Love's Travel Stop (I-80 Exit 136)
TA Des Moines (I-80 & I-35 junction)
Challenges
- I-80/I-35 interchange congestion (Mixmaster), seasonal agricultural freight surges during harvest, and winter blizzard closures on I-35.
- Winter weather creates hazardous driving conditions November through March
- Spring flooding can close river-adjacent highways
- High competition from large carrier fleets based in the region
Opportunities
- Central location provides access to loads heading in every direction
- Massive intermodal and rail hub infrastructure in Chicago area
- Strong agricultural freight during harvest season
- Lower cost of living and operating costs improve net margins
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Harvest season (August-November) generates enormous grain and produce volume. Holiday retail peaks September through December. Winter weather (November-March) causes delays but also rate spikes. Spring flooding can disrupt river-adjacent routes.
Trucking in Des Moines — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Des Moines: Dry Van $2.44, Reefer $2.80, Flatbed $3.02. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Des Moines is rated "fair." Popular stops include Pilot Travel Center (I-80 Exit 143), Love's Travel Stop (I-80 Exit 136), TA Des Moines (I-80 & I-35 junction). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Des Moines freight market include Principal Financial, Meredith Corporation, Barilla, Dee Zee, Hy-Vee. Key industries driving freight demand are insurance and financial services, agriculture, food processing.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Des Moines include: I-80/I-35 interchange congestion (Mixmaster), seasonal agricultural freight surges during harvest, and winter blizzard closures on I-35.; Winter weather creates hazardous driving conditions November through March; Spring flooding can close river-adjacent highways. However, opportunities include central location provides access to loads heading in every direction.