If you’re a driver searching for trucking companies in Iowa, chances are you’ve waded through your fair share of half-truths, bait-and-switch ads, or jobs that sound good, until you get the details.
This guide breaks down five real companies hiring CDL-A drivers in and around Iowa, with the pay, miles, and home time upfront. Whether you’re chasing high mileage, consistent routes, or better dispatch, these gigs are worth a look.
🚛 Barr-Nunn Transportation – OTR 18
- Type: Solo | Dry Van
- Home Time: Out 18 days, home 5 full days
- Average Miles/Week: 2,058
- Pay: $1,811 Gross Weekly Pay
- Freight: 100% no-touch | 85% drop and hook
- Extras: Rider policy included
What Stands Out:
Barr-Nunn is a staple among trucking companies in Iowa known for its predictable pay and no-touch freight. The OTR 18 gig is built for experienced drivers who don’t mind flipping their clocks for overnight expedited freight, about 40% of loads run between 9 PM and 5 AM.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for structure, reliability, and decent home time after longer stretches out, this is a strong pick.
🛣️ Royal Logistics – OTR
- Type: Solo | Dry Van
- Home Time: Out 7–10 days, flexible return
- Sign-On Bonus: $5,000
- Freight: 100% no-touch | 75% drop and hook
- Rider & Pet Friendly
Why Drivers Like It:
Royal offers some of the highest mileage among regional trucking companies in Iowa, making it ideal for drivers who want to stay moving. Their freight mix includes mostly retail and food, with minimal downtime.
Driver First Feature: You decide how long you stay out. That flexibility is gold.
🏠 U.S. Xpress – Midwest Regional
- Type: Solo | Dry Van
- Home Time: Weekly
- Average Miles/Week: 2,000
- Sign-On Bonus: $1,000
- Freight: 100% no-touch | 50–60% drop & hook
Driver-Friendly Details:
If consistent home time is your top priority, this regional route keeps you close to Iowa and guarantees weekly resets. Plus, 24/7 access to an operations specialist helps reduce the “dispatch silence” too many drivers deal with.
🔩 P&S Transportation – Home Bi-Weekly Flatbed
- Type: Solo | Flatbed
- Home Time: Bi-weekly
- Average Miles/Week: 2,000–2,500
- Sign-On Bonus: $5,000
- Freight: Direct customer loads, mostly pipe and steel
- Pet & Rider Friendly
Why It’s Worth a Look:
Flatbed work typically pays more, and with P&S’s flex dispatch system, you’re not forced into loads that don’t fit. For drivers with flatbed experience or those ready to level up, this is one of the more driver-respectful flatbed gigs in the region.
📦 James River Carriers – OTR 3 Weeks Out
- Type: Solo | Dry Van
- Home Time: Out 3 weeks, home 3 days
- Average Miles/Week: 2,500
- Pay: $78,000–$90,000/year
- Rider & Pet Friendly
Good Fit For:
Drivers who want steady income and miles, with the flexibility to bring a rider or pet along. This gig leans heavy OTR, so it’s not for everyone, but if you’re built for the road, it delivers.
Finding the Right Fit Doesn’t Have to Be a Gamble
If you’re stuck sorting through sketchy job posts, you’re not alone. Drivers 1st helps drivers cut through the noise and find jobs that actually match what they’re looking for. Whether that’s home time, miles, pay, or equipment, we help you match up with carriers that respect your time and your CDL.
How to Take Action
Looking at trucking companies in Iowa means knowing your preferences and filtering fast. Here’s how to get moving:
- Narrow down your must-haves: Home time? Miles? Bonus? Pet policy?
- Use a vetted platform: Skip the recruiter spam. Drivers1st.com shows jobs with real info.
- Ask about what’s not listed: Dispatch policies, load types, and driver support matter more than bonuses.
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