Des Moines, IA
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Des Moines.
1,032
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Who Operates Out of Des Moines
1,032 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Des Moines. Here is how that base breaks down by fleet size — useful for judging whether you would be competing against owner-operators or against fleets with dedicated freight locked up.
490
Owner-operators (1 truck)
266
Small fleets (2-5)
113
Mid fleets (6-20)
60
Large fleets (20+)
47% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 113 are registered to haul hazardous materials.
Source: FMCSA Motor Carrier Census (active carriers, US physical addresses), retrieved 2026-07-18.
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.44 |
| Reefer | $2.80 |
| Flatbed | $3.02 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
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
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