Freight Shipping from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids
Ship freight from Des Moines, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $292-$360, LTL from $275-$516. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
136 mi
Drive Time
2 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$292-$360
LTL Rate Est.
$275-$516
Des Moines to Cedar Rapids Freight Corridor
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.
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.
The Des Moines-to-Cedar Rapids corridor spans 136 miles via I-80, I-35, I-380, US-30. This lane connects insurance & financial services and food processing freight from the Des Moines market to cereal & grain processing and meat packing demand in Cedar Rapids. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Des Moines
Des Moines's economy is driven by insurance & financial services, food processing, agriculture, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
processed meats
corn products & ethanol
insurance documents
animal feed
soybeans
egg products
What Cedar Rapids Receives
Cedar Rapids's cereal & grain processing, meat packing, agricultural equipment sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Des Moines.
raw grain (corn, oats, wheat)
packaging materials
electronic components
sugar
food additives
industrial chemicals
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, 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.
$292-$360 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.
$360-$456 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$428-$578 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.
$275-$516 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Des Moines to Cedar Rapids lane (136 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $292-$360 | 2 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $275-$516 | 4-6 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $442-$612 | 2 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Des Moines and Cedar Rapids that drive volume on this lane.
John Deere (Des Moines Works)
Hy-Vee (HQ)
Principal Financial (HQ)
Quaker Oats/PepsiCo (largest cereal plant in world)
Collins Aerospace
ADM (corn processing)
Shipping Tips for Des Moines to Cedar Rapids
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.
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.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 136 miles, a single driver can complete this route within a standard driving window. Expedited same-day service is available for time-critical shipments at a premium.
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.
Des Moines to Cedar Rapids Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Des Moines, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA currently range from $292-$360 for a standard dry van load over the 136-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $275-$516 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 Des Moines to Cedar Rapids?
Standard FTL transit from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids is approximately 2 hrs by truck over 136 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 Des Moines to Cedar Rapids freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Des Moines commonly ships processed meats, corn products & ethanol, insurance documents, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Cedar Rapids commonly receives raw grain (corn, oats, wheat), packaging materials, electronic components. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Cedar Rapids to Des Moines?
Yes. Cedar Rapids is a strong outbound market shipping cereal products, corn syrup & starch, processed meats. Carriers returning from Cedar Rapids to Des Moines can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Des Moines-to-Cedar Rapids lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids?
The Des Moines-to-Cedar Rapids corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Des Moines's top outbound commodities include processed meats, corn products & ethanol, insurance documents, animal feed, soybeans, egg products. Cedar Rapids's primary inbound freight includes raw grain (corn, oats, wheat), packaging materials, electronic components, sugar, food additives, industrial chemicals. Industries driving this lane include insurance & financial services and food processing from Des Moines and cereal & grain processing and meat packing in Cedar Rapids.
Get Exact Rates for Des Moines to Cedar Rapids
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