Freight Shipping from Cedar Rapids to Denver
Ship freight from Cedar Rapids, IA to Denver, CO with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,991-$2,454, LTL from $709-$1,187. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
926 mi
Drive Time
17 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,991-$2,454
LTL Rate Est.
$709-$1,187
Cedar Rapids to Denver Freight Corridor
Cedar Rapids is the cereal capital of the world, home to Quaker Oats' largest production facility, multiple ADM and Cargill processing plants, and a constellation of smaller food manufacturers that together process more grain per capita than any other US city. Collins Aerospace's avionics division adds a high-tech freight dimension, shipping flight-critical electronics to aircraft manufacturers worldwide. The Cedar River provides limited barge access, but the vast majority of freight moves by truck on I-380 toward Chicago or Des Moines.
Denver is the Rocky Mountain region's undisputed freight hub and the last major distribution point before the I-70 mountain corridor forces carriers through some of the most challenging terrain in the lower 48. The city's booming population growth has spawned massive warehouse development along the I-76 and E-470 corridors near DIA. Denver's natural foods industry, anchored by WhiteWave, Natural Grocers, and dozens of craft producers, generates high-value reefer freight heading to both coasts.
The Cedar Rapids-to-Denver corridor spans 926 miles via I-380, US-30, I-25, I-70. This lane connects cereal & grain processing and meat packing freight from the Cedar Rapids market to aerospace & defense and technology demand in Denver. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids's economy is driven by cereal & grain processing, meat packing, agricultural equipment, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
cereal products
corn syrup & starch
processed meats
ethanol
avionics systems
oat products
What Denver Receives
Denver's aerospace & defense, technology, natural foods & beverage sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Cedar Rapids.
consumer goods
building materials
automotive vehicles
industrial machinery
fresh produce
retail merchandise
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Cedar Rapids and Denver, these equipment types best serve this corridor.
Dry Van (FTL)
Ideal for palletized consumer goods, electronics, packaged foods, and general merchandise. Enclosed protection from weather and theft.
$1,991-$2,454 estimated for this lane
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Required for temperature-sensitive freight including fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and beverages. Maintains precise temperature control throughout transit.
$2,454-$3,102 estimated for this lane
Flatbed
Best for steel, lumber, machinery, building materials, and oversized loads that cannot be palletized or loaded through standard dock doors.
$2,639-$3,380 estimated for this lane
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
Cost-effective for shipments under 10,000 lbs or fewer than 10 pallets. Shared trailer space with other shippers reduces cost for smaller loads.
$709-$1,187 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Cedar Rapids to Denver lane (926 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,991-$2,454 | 17 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $709-$1,187 | 19-21 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,010-$4,167 | 11 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Cedar Rapids and Denver that drive volume on this lane.
Quaker Oats/PepsiCo (largest cereal plant in world)
Collins Aerospace
ADM (corn processing)
Amazon (4 facilities)
Lockheed Martin (Waterton)
Ball Corporation (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Cedar Rapids to Denver
Cedar Rapids Seasonal Advisory
Grain processing is year-round, but harvest season (September-November) creates intense competition for trucks as bulk grain, ethanol, and finished products all peak simultaneously. Cereal shipments spike ahead of back-to-school and holiday periods.
Denver Seasonal Advisory
Construction season (April-October) drives flatbed demand for building materials headed to mountain resort communities. Ski season freight (equipment, supplies) peaks September-November as resorts stock up.
Overnight Transit
This 926-mile route typically requires one overnight stop for a solo driver. Schedule pickup before noon for next-day delivery in most cases.
Book Early for Best Rates
Spot market rates fluctuate daily. Booking 3-5 days in advance typically saves 10-15% compared to same-day or next-day freight requests. For recurring shipments, ask about contract rates.
Cedar Rapids to Denver Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Cedar Rapids to Denver?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Cedar Rapids, IA to Denver, CO currently range from $1,991-$2,454 for a standard dry van load over the 926-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $709-$1,187 depending on freight class, weight, and dimensions. Request a custom quote for exact pricing based on your specific shipment details.
How long does freight take from Cedar Rapids to Denver?
Standard FTL transit from Cedar Rapids to Denver is approximately 17 hrs by truck over 926 miles. LTL shipments add 2-4 business days due to terminal transfers. Expedited service with team drivers can reduce FTL transit by up to 40%.
What equipment do I need for Cedar Rapids to Denver freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Cedar Rapids commonly ships cereal products, corn syrup & starch, processed meats, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Denver commonly receives consumer goods, building materials, automotive vehicles. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Denver to Cedar Rapids?
Yes. Denver is a strong outbound market shipping natural & organic foods, craft beer & spirits, aerospace components. Carriers returning from Denver to Cedar Rapids can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Cedar Rapids-to-Denver lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Cedar Rapids to Denver?
The Cedar Rapids-to-Denver corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Cedar Rapids's top outbound commodities include cereal products, corn syrup & starch, processed meats, ethanol, avionics systems, oat products. Denver's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, automotive vehicles, industrial machinery, fresh produce, retail merchandise. Industries driving this lane include cereal & grain processing and meat packing from Cedar Rapids and aerospace & defense and technology in Denver.
Get Exact Rates for Cedar Rapids to Denver
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