Iowa CDL Truck Driver Salary Information
Driving a truck in Iowa can be an adventure. There are six bordering states (Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota) so you could drive off in any direction and see something new. The capital of Iowa is Des Moines and it is also the most populated. The top five cities are:
- Des Moines (203,433)
- Cedar Rapids (126,326)
- Davenport (99,685)
- Sioux City (82,684)
- Waterloo (68,406)
In Iowa, a truck driver’s annual average salary is $41,620 and can vary from $26,850 at the low end to $60,250 at the high end (SOURCE). If you’re a rookie, once you’ve got a few years’ experience behind you, you could be making fairly good money.
Good news for truck drivers in Iowa! The projected increase in the number of truck driver jobs will increase 14% from 2014-2024. The average percent increase for the U.S. is 6%.
Looking at median salaries, meaning the numbers have exactly 50% above and 50% below, the U.S. is at $41,340 while Iowa is at $39,740. Depending on the city, you can make more than the median salary as shown below (SOURCE):
- Des Moines: $46,000
- Dubuque: $44,280
- Davenport: $40,950
- Iowa City: $40,560
- Sioux City: $40,240
Truckload Carriers In Iowa
If you’re just starting out, there are a lot of trucking jobs to consider; one in particular is a for-hire truckload carrier. This classification of trucking company earns their revenue by hauling other companies’ freight. If you work for a for-hire truckload carrier you’re working for a company that doesn’t manufacturer or produce anything.
Usually these carrier companies contract out their trucks, trailers, and drivers to other companies that need their services. To drop a few company names that use for-hire truckload carriers, there are many familiar names:
- Landstar System
- J.B. Hunt
- Swift Transportation
- Schneider
Since these companies don’t manufacturer or ship their own goods the business is dependent upon the freight demands of other companies. There is a down side to working for this type of trucking company and that is that freight contracts turnover and are offered to other trucking companies to bid on. So you might enjoy hauling a certain customer’s freight n, but it doesn’t mean the company you work for will always win the bid for that customer’s freight contract.
This could be good if you enjoy variety and the challenges of hauling different types of freight. Usually for-hire truckload companies have multiple customers to protect against the loss of one customer’s freight. So you don’t have to worry about being let go if they lose one contract.
For-hire truckload carriers typically have their drivers operate as part of an over-the-road network of drivers. Often, a for-hire truckload carrier has a large percentage of their fleet made up of OTR drivers. If you are a new driver in the industry, this may be where you need to start if you want to move up in the ranks of the trucking world.
Iowa CDL License Information and Information
How to get your Iowa CDL (SOURCE):
- Be at least age 18 for intrastate driving or 21 to transport people and/or drive interstate.
- Provide proof of full name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- Proof of citizenship
- Proof of Iowa residency (your license showing your Iowa address will meet this requirement)
- Pass vision screening
- Hold a CLP for at least 14 days prior to applying for your CDL (effective July 2015).
- Your driving record will be checked in all other states; the check must show you are eligible for commercial licensing in all other states.
- You must certify how you’ll use the truck you’ll operate on the job, which may require you to have a medical certificate.
Knowledge
Pass the knowledge test(s) for the type of commercial vehicle you want to operate. Some of those types of knowledge tests include:
- General knowledge for any CDL
- Combination vehicle for Class A
- Air brake
- Passenger
- School bus
- Doubles/Triples
- Hazmat
- Tank
- Iowa operator (if applicable)
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
Second, you have to obtain a CLP after you pass the applicable knowledge tests, and you’ll have to hold that CLP for at least 14 days before you can go to the third step (skills testing) and get your full CDL.
Skills Test
There are three segments of the skills test. You must show up for these tests in a vehicle that’s in good working order and is representative of the class of license you’re applying for.
1. Pre-trip vehicle inspection test
The pre-trip vehicle inspection test is required to verify the vehicle is safe to drive. You will have to walk around the vehicle and point to or touch each item and explain to the license examiner what you are checking and why.
2. Skills test
The skills test ensures you can drive in a number of difficult situations; for example, maneuvering around cones and backing maneuvers.
3. Driving test
The driving test takes place on public roads with an examiner in the passenger’s seat.
CDL
After you pass the required skills (driving) test, you can get your CDL at any driver’s license issuance location for a cost of $8 per year plus any applicable endorsement fees (SOURCE).
Trucking Companies Local to Iowa
Decker Truck Line
Decker Truck Line was formed in the early 1930s by Dale and Loren Decker. Today, the company has remained family owned. They started off hauling canned goods, plumbing fixtures, and even windmills. A leading trucking company in Iowa, they are also one of the oldest. Nowadays, they are operating in the Midwest hauling commodities like construction materials, iron, food products, and steel. They have received numerous awards.
TMC Trucking Company
The largest privately held trucking firm in Iowa is TMC Trucking Company, who began business in 1972. They specialize in providing premier flatbed services to their customers. In addition to trucking services, they also have their own training facilities for drivers.
Hummer Trucking Company
Hummer Trucking Company is one of the top companies in Iowa. They have over 300 CDL drivers on their team. It is said that these drivers are among the highest in Iowa. Hummer Trucking Company is also utilizing modern technology and equipment, such as tracking devices so dispatchers and customers can see real time location of their load.
Iowa Trucking in the News
Trucking industry reports indicate that significant freight rate increases are expected in the near future. Due to recent hurricanes, the pending electronic logging device (ELD) mandate, and an increase in freight demand, trucking fleets will have the upper hand in 2018 negotiations.
A report from Cowen and Co. states that private fleets and third-party logistics firms could have rate increases reaching 15 percent and for truckload carriers, the higher pricing translates into stronger rates on contract freight.
On the less-than-truckload side, volumes have increased significantly with some truckload overflow freight, industrial sector strength, and continued growth in the e-commerce sector (SOURCE).
Story 2: Walcott Truckers Jamboree Attendance Over 44,500
Iowa 80, The World’s Largest Truckstop celebrated America’s truckers last week with 44,523 drivers and their families as well as local residents at the 38th Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree – three days of trucks, music, and family fun.
Twenty-five states and two Canadian provinces were represented. The Walcott Truckers Jamboree has been celebrating truckers, rain or shine, since 1979. “My family is proud to have been serving the trucking industry for 53 years,” said Delia Moon Meier. “This is our chance to thank all of the men and women who deliver the goods we need every day, and we’re honored to do so.”
During the three-day event, guests enjoyed over 143 exhibits, a Super Truck Beauty Contest with 72 participants, an antique truck display with more than 170 vehicles, Trucker Olympics, carnival games, and free concerts. Both Thursday and Friday nights included fireworks displays, a truck light show, and plenty of fun for the whole family.
“The Walcott Truckers Jamboree is a celebration of trucking,” said Heather DeBaillie, Iowa 80 Truckstop’s marketing director. “It’s a great privilege to be able to not only honor drivers and their hard work, but to showcase trucking to the general public.” (SOURCE)
Address:
1610 WILLOWCREEK #3
52240
Business Phone Number: (319) 936-9414
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
722 E STATE ST
50511
Business Phone Number: (515) 295-3741
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
825 ASH ST
51022
Business Phone Number: (712) 727-3015
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
14500 SYCAMORE RD
52501
Business Phone Number: (641) 684-6000
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1205 TRAIL AVE
52778-9308
Business Phone Number: (563) 732-2793
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
229 11TH ST NW
52405
Business Phone Number: (319) 899-9643
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
848 TIMBERLINE RD
52310
Business Phone Number: (319) 241-4711
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
848 TIMBERLINE RD
52310
Business Phone Number: (319) 241-4711
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
30654 230TH STREET
50063
Business Phone Number: (515) 992-3598
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3405 7TH AVENUE STE 102
52302
Business Phone Number: (319) 363-0709
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
7028 14TH AVE
52249
Business Phone Number: (319) 442-3138
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3512 MIDWAY DR
50701
Business Phone Number: (319) 232-0307
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2409 310TH ST
52342
Business Phone Number: (641) 691-2224
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2409 310TH ST
52342
Business Phone Number: (641) 691-2224
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
2308 19TH AVE N
50501
Business Phone Number: (515) 227-1929
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
33807 305TH AVE
52585
Business Phone Number: (319) 456-2127
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2ND & WASHINGTON
50843
Business Phone Number: (712) 774-5412
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6867 230TH ST
51345
Business Phone Number: (406) 599-5133
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1800 SE GATEWAY DRIVE
50111
Business Phone Number: (515) 986-0464
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4623 400TH ST
51238
Business Phone Number: (712) 752-8407
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4623 400TH ST
51238
Business Phone Number: (712) 752-8407
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
959 440TH ST
51033
Business Phone Number: (712) 260-3634
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2173 LANDMARK AVENUE
51445
Business Phone Number: (712) 730-4459
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
502 FARNAM ST
51537
Business Phone Number: (712) 755-5372
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
56001 230TH STREET
51534
Business Phone Number: (712) 520-2287
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
580 SE JONAS CR
50263
Business Phone Number: (701) 541-3045
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
33033 ELDERBERRY AVE
51551
Business Phone Number: (712) 527-0149
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
223 INDUSTRIAL LANE
52069
Business Phone Number: (563) 357-9002
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1375 365ST
51433
Business Phone Number: (712) 688-2868
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
215 BIRCH STREET
51461
Business Phone Number: (712) 676-3325
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
351 W 4TH STREET
50108
Business Phone Number: (641) 773-5385
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2162 CHERRY AVE
51240
Business Phone Number: (605) 212-4220
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1779 - 170TH STREET
50036
Business Phone Number: (515) 230-2972
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
18746 HWY 30 WEST
51401
Business Phone Number: (712) 792-0045
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4361 HWY 9
51334
Business Phone Number: (712) 362-7445
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1615 W MT PLEASANT ST
52655
Business Phone Number: (319) 752-7333
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2519 320TH ST
52654
Business Phone Number: (319) 931-5935
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1012 MAIN STREET
52632
Business Phone Number: (319) 524-3714
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
307 N PARK AVE
50207
Business Phone Number: (641) 637-2587
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
307 N PARK AVE
50207
Business Phone Number: (641) 637-2587
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
307 N PARK AVE
50207
Business Phone Number: (641) 637-2587
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2927 390TH ST
51250
Business Phone Number: (712) 441-4494
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
516 7TH AVE N
50428
Business Phone Number: (641) 420-7603
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4695 US 75 AVE
51036
Business Phone Number: (712) 567-3337
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
953 73RD ST
50312-1031
Business Phone Number: (515) 273-0100
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
401 5TH STREET
51038
Business Phone Number: (701) 210-0617
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
401 5TH STREET
51038
Business Phone Number: (701) 210-0617
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3740 SILVER AVE
51245
Business Phone Number: (712) 229-5953
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2501 MURRAY STREET
51111
Business Phone Number: (712) 226-3874
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2297 440TH AVE
52221
Business Phone Number: (641) 891-0575
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1145 300 ST
50433
Business Phone Number: (319) 240-9737
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
21457 214TH CIRCLE AV
51351
Business Phone Number: (712) 338-4222
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1054 CO HWY J 55
50836
Business Phone Number: (641) 788-3615
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2002 CATALINA PLACE
50158
Business Phone Number: (641) 328-0298
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1850 COLONIAL PARKWAY
50211
Business Phone Number: (515) 981-5118
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2453 190 TH ST
52037
Business Phone Number: (563) 847-1525
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3347 280TH ST
50233
Business Phone Number: (641) 744-2415
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1032 LISBON DRIVE
50138
Business Phone Number: (515) 249-1652
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1303 400TH STREET
50517
Business Phone Number: (515) 341-1276
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2082 MAIN ST
52065
Business Phone Number: (563) 921-3059
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
705 252ND AVE
51360
Business Phone Number: (712) 336-5248
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4309 129TH STREET
50323
Business Phone Number: (515) 865-5441
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2731 QUEBEC AVE
50849
Business Phone Number: (641) 343-7400
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
835 CURRAN STREET
52601
Business Phone Number: (319) 850-2799
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
25789 N AVE
50638
Business Phone Number: (515) 393-1634
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
25789 N AVE
50638
Business Phone Number: (515) 393-1634
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
408 S MAIN
51250
Business Phone Number: (712) 441-7525
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
22168 HIGHWAY 2
52565
Business Phone Number: (319) 293-6131
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
302 HWY 18
50598
Business Phone Number: (712) 298-0706
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
31792 MAGNOLIA RD
51559-6044
Business Phone Number: (712) 566-3231
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
219 S 3RD STREET
50475
Business Phone Number: (641) 430-6535
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
714 2ND ST
50233
Business Phone Number: (515) 833-2151
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
24702 265TH
50206
Business Phone Number: (641) 497-5797
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5273 120TH ST
51025
Business Phone Number: (712) 368-2166
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1412 OKOBOJI AVE
51351
Business Phone Number: (712) 229-3047
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
108 N WALNUT AVE
50659
Business Phone Number: (641) 394-2231
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1115 MCDUFFIE DRIVE
50129
Business Phone Number: (515) 386-8494
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1791 305TH AVE
51652
Business Phone Number: (712) 350-0055
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6579 VISTA DR APT 79107
50266
Business Phone Number: (814) 384-3164
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
605 DALE DR
50126-1722
Business Phone Number: (641) 648-3220
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
826 6TH AVENUE N
50501
Business Phone Number: (515) 573-5893
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
525 E 19TH STREET
52001
Business Phone Number: (563) 583-5735
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1603 NE VICKSBURG CT
50021
Business Phone Number: (515) 257-0405
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4305 70TH STREET
50322
Business Phone Number: (904) 226-6394
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
621 10TH AVE N
51334
Business Phone Number: (712) 362-2591
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
30810 200TH ST
52231
Business Phone Number: (319) 330-9968
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
105 JACKSON ST
50478
Business Phone Number: (641) 584-2900
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3229 LINDENWOOD ST
51104
Business Phone Number: (712) 898-4858
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3229 LINDENWOOD ST
51104
Business Phone Number: (712) 898-4858
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
200 1/2 N BERWICK STREET
51053
Business Phone Number: (712) 275-4520
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
830 1/2 18TH AVE SW #A
52404
Business Phone Number: (319) 361-5013
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1030 155 ST
50036
Business Phone Number: (515) 432-9917
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
425 W 6 TH ST
51443
Business Phone Number: (712) 210-1851
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
425 W 6 TH ST
51443
Business Phone Number: (712) 210-1851
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2140 VETCH BLVD
52641
Business Phone Number: (319) 696-2503
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6141 E AVE
51035
Business Phone Number: (712) 229-1355
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4201 68TH ST
50322
Business Phone Number: (515) 554-2310
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1359 91 ST
50266
Business Phone Number: (515) 745-7500
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2847 IRONWOOD AVE
51239
Business Phone Number: (712) 470-1835
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9264 KINGMAN DR
50266
Business Phone Number: (515) 745-9803
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers: