Freight Shipping from Colorado Springs to Des Moines
Ship freight from Colorado Springs, CO to Des Moines, IA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,651-$2,035, LTL from $622-$1,053. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
768 mi
Drive Time
14 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,651-$2,035
LTL Rate Est.
$622-$1,053
Colorado Springs to Des Moines Freight Corridor
Colorado Springs is defined by its military installations. Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and the Air Force Academy collectively generate the densest concentration of defense freight in the Mountain West. The U.S. Space Command headquarters relocation here has accelerated demand for secure, high-value shipments of satellite components and classified electronics.
Des Moines sits at the junction of I-80 and I-35, making it the natural crossroads of the upper Midwest agricultural belt. The city punches above its weight in freight thanks to a concentration of food processing plants (Tyson, Barilla, Kemin) and Hy-Vee's distribution network that services grocery stores across eight states. Meta's massive data center campus in Altoona has added a new dimension of high-value technology freight for server equipment and infrastructure.
The Colorado Springs-to-Des Moines corridor spans 768 miles via I-25, US-24, I-80, I-35. This lane connects military & defense and cybersecurity freight from the Colorado Springs market to insurance & financial services and food processing demand in Des Moines. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs's economy is driven by military & defense, cybersecurity, aerospace, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
defense electronics
semiconductor equipment
military supplies
outdoor gear
processed foods
printed circuit boards
What Des Moines Receives
Des Moines's insurance & financial services, food processing, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Colorado Springs.
consumer goods
construction materials
livestock feed
agricultural chemicals
retail merchandise
technology equipment (data centers)
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Colorado Springs and Des Moines, 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.
$1,651-$2,035 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.
$2,189-$2,803 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,419-$3,264 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.
$622-$1,053 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Colorado Springs to Des Moines lane (768 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,651-$2,035 | 14 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $622-$1,053 | 16-18 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,496-$3,456 | 9 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Colorado Springs and Des Moines that drive volume on this lane.
Lockheed Martin Space
Northrop Grumman
Amazon
John Deere (Des Moines Works)
Hy-Vee (HQ)
Principal Financial (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Colorado Springs to Des Moines
Colorado Springs Seasonal Advisory
Military fiscal year-end (September) creates predictable freight spikes. Summer tourism season drives food service and retail deliveries to the Pikes Peak region. Winter weather on I-25 between Denver and the Springs occasionally causes delays.
Des Moines Seasonal Advisory
Harvest season (September-November) transforms the freight market as grain trucks flood the highways and competition for drivers intensifies. Holiday food processing peaks October through December. Data center construction freight has become a year-round constant.
Overnight Transit
This 768-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.
Colorado Springs to Des Moines Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Colorado Springs to Des Moines?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Colorado Springs, CO to Des Moines, IA currently range from $1,651-$2,035 for a standard dry van load over the 768-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $622-$1,053 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 Colorado Springs to Des Moines?
Standard FTL transit from Colorado Springs to Des Moines is approximately 14 hrs by truck over 768 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 Colorado Springs to Des Moines freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Colorado Springs commonly ships defense electronics, semiconductor equipment, military supplies, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Des Moines commonly receives consumer goods, construction materials, livestock feed. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Des Moines to Colorado Springs?
Yes. Des Moines is a strong outbound market shipping processed meats, corn products & ethanol, insurance documents. Carriers returning from Des Moines to Colorado Springs can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Colorado Springs-to-Des Moines lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Colorado Springs to Des Moines?
The Colorado Springs-to-Des Moines corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Colorado Springs's top outbound commodities include defense electronics, semiconductor equipment, military supplies, outdoor gear, processed foods, printed circuit boards. Des Moines's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, construction materials, livestock feed, agricultural chemicals, retail merchandise, technology equipment (data centers). Industries driving this lane include military & defense and cybersecurity from Colorado Springs and insurance & financial services and food processing in Des Moines.
Get Exact Rates for Colorado Springs to Des Moines
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Colorado Springs to Des Moines lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts