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Des Moines Freight Shipping aerial view of downtown Des Moines during the day overlooking bridges crossing over river

Des Moines

Learn more about shipping freight to and from Des Moines, including information on the city's major ports, terminals, and other freight shipping services, and discover the most competitive freight shipping rates available. FreightCenter provides top solutions for all your logistics needs.

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Shipping freight to or from Des Moines is a breeze with FreightCenter. We make navigating the city’s freight landscape easy by offering instant quotes from top carriers, competitive rates, and a straightforward booking process. Whether you’re moving intermodal, LTL, truckload, or rail freight, our extensive network and expert support ensure your cargo moves smoothly and affordably. No matter your shipping needs in Des Moines, FreightCenter delivers tailored solutions to keep your business running efficiently.

Des Moines Freight Shipping map of Des Moines Iowa

Des Moines Freight Shipping

Des Moines, Iowa is the capital city of the state, as well as its most populous city. The city, established as a military fort at the heart of the state, grew until it became the capital in the mid-19th century. Today, Des Moines's primary focus is on state and federal governance, with the city the host to the first caucuses of the presidential primary cycle. Aside from that, the city is well-known as a financial capital, with insurance and finance being the city's top industries. Des Moines also has companies in the agriculture, technology, healthcare, and education sectors, all taking advantage of the city's central location and logistics facilities.

The city's logistics and transportation industries centers on Des Moines International Airport, which ships freight and cargo internationally through its two air cargo airlines, FedEx and UPS. The city also constructed a major transloading facility, where three Class 1 and one Class 2 railroads converged to support rail-to-truck transferring. The city's major highways and roads are utilized by the region's most popular trucking companies, ensuring freight travels through the city despite the area's cold weather.

What type of freight moves in and out of Des Moines, IA?
  • Aircraft parts

  • Vegetable and Animal Dyes

  • Yeast

  • Agricultural machinery

  • Transmissions

  • Plastic products

  • Motor vehicle parts and accessories

  • Liquid Pumps

Des Moines exported $18 million while importing 29.3 million. The city mainly exported to Switzerland, the Philippines, Argentina, the United Kingdom, and Germany while primarily importing from China, Taipei, Canada, Hong Kong, and India.

Des Moines Freight Shipping aerial view of Des Moines downtown with bridges crossing over river at sunset
 

As the capital of Iowa, Des Moines is heavily involved with the state and federal government, with many presidential candidates setting up campaign headquarters in the city due to its status as the place for the first caucuses of the presidential primaries. Aside from government, Des Moines’s primary industries are financial and insurance, though the city excels at healthcare, education, technology, and agriculture.  Because of the city’s central location within the state and its various logistics facilities, Des Moines has become the home of several major companies, including a Fortune 500 business.

Listed below are companies headquartered in Des Moines:

  • Anderson Erickson Dairy (AE Dairy) produces milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, orange juice, lemonade, and other food products.

  • Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield provides health, dental, and life insurance to Iowa and South Dakota members.

  • MidAmerican Energy Company provides electrical power to two-thirds of Iowa, and portions of Illinois, South Dakota, and Nebraska. It is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy.

  • Principal Financial Group, Inc. provides financial investment management, retirement investment, and insurance services. It is a Fortune 500 company.

These companies are crucial to driving the city’s economy, as most are involved in developing and distributing major imports and exports.  As the city continues to embrace new infrastructures and industries, its status as a logistics powerhouse will also continue to rise.

Freight Shipping Rates To Any City

Shipping from city to city can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be if you work with FreightCenter. We’re a 3PL dedicated to enhancing your shipping experience. We’ll find reputable carriers in your metropolitan area from our extensive network of over 50 shipping companies.

No matter where your freight is shipping to or from, Enjoy reliable, cost-effective freight services with easy booking and tracking tools. FreightCenter knows how to ship freight right!

Call us at (800) 716-7608, or use our free online quote tool to find and compare rates to and from any city in North America!

Trucking Companies in Des Moines

FreightCenter’s vast network of carriers includes companies servicing the Des Moines metro area. We connect customers to reputable trucking carriers, finding the right one for your shipping needs. Some of FreightCenter’s partnered freight shipping companies include:

 

  • ABF Freight

  • ArcBest

  • Bolt Express

  • Central Transport

  • CRST

  • Daylight Transport

  • Dayton Freight Lines

  • Estes Express Lines

  • Estes Forwarding Worldwide

  • FedEx Freight

  • Forward Air

  • Frontline Freight

  • HNRY Logistics

  • Holland

  • Keyboard Motorcycle

  • Lynden

  • Old Dominion

  • Panther Premium Logistics

  • Pilot Freight

  • Pitt Ohio

  • R+L Carriers

  • Roadrunner Transportation Systems

  • SAIA

  • TForce Freight

  • UPack

  • UPS Freight (now TForce Freight)

  • XPO Logistics

  • Xpress Global Systems

  • Yellow Freight

  • YRC Freight

Note: FreightCenter adds and removes carrier partners from time to time. This list may not be current. Ask your FreightCenter agent for assistance.

Des Moines’s Major Highways and Freeways

Several major highways and tollways service the Des Moines Metro area. These include the following:

  • I-235
  • I-35
  • I-80
  • US 6
  • US 69
  • Iowa 5/US 65 (Des Moines Bypass)
  • Iowa 28
  • Iowa 141
  • Iowa 163
  • Iowa 330
  • Iowa 415
  • Iowa 160

 

Des Moines Freight Shipping city capital building in the distance with rail bridge at the foreground

Des Moines’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses

The city has no sea or inland port within its city limits. The city does have a transloading facility operated by Des Moines Industrial, LLC, allowing rail-to-truck flexibility. Des Moines Industrial also has 115,000 square feet of warehouse space and outdoor storage for breakbulk loads brought in by rail.

Des Moines Railroads

Three Class 1 railroads and one Class 2 railroad pass through Des Moines:

  • Union Pacific
  • BNSF Railway
  • Norfolk Southern
  • Iowa Interstate Railroad (Class 2)

View the city’s rail line and their connections via the Iowa DOT’s map of Iowa railroads.

All four rail lines utilize The Des Moines Industrial Transloading Facility, operated by Des Moines Industrial LLC. The facility was announced with a proposed budget of $25 million and completed construction in 2024. The facility distributes goods from rail to truck.

Des Moines Airports and Commercial Airlines

The city’s primary airport is Des Moines International Airport (DSM). It is located 5 miles southwest of downtown Des Moines, and only six airlines offer passenger flights. On the cargo side, the airport ranks in the country’s top 50 airports for air cargo tonnage. Only two companies use the airport for air cargo: FedEx and UPS. DSM also has over 100,000 square feet of warehouse space utilized by air cargo and passenger airlines.

Cost to Ship Freight to Des Moines

When shipping to and from Des Moines, several factors influence the cost. This includes:

  • Type, size, and weight: Shipping heavy equipment, perishable goods, or specialized cargo will affect pricing. Des Moines offers a variety of shipping options, from standard LTL to temperature-controlled and expedited services, ensuring your freight arrives safely and securely.
  • Seasonal changes and demand: Des Moines’s rates fluctuate as much as the seasons change, especially during severe weather events or peak holiday shipping seasons.
  • Shipping distance: How far are you shipping your freight? The length between point A and point B will heavily determine your rate. Popular routes to and from Des Moines include major cities like Louisville, Chicago, Kansas City, and Denver, where established rates can result in competitive rates.
  • What transportation mode is used: How you get your freight to and from Des Moines matters. LTL freight shipping via truck is much cheaper than air or rail shipping. However, it is also riskier and slower than those two, especially when your freight passes through multiple terminals throughout the city.
  • Accessorial Charges: Additional services, such as liftgate requirements, residential delivery, or limited access locations, can impact the final shipping price. Des Moines’s vast network of carriers ensures you can find a provider that offers the services you need at the right price.

Des Moines offers competitive rates due to its extensive network of freight carriers, proximity to key markets, and multiple transportation options. The city provides flexible and cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs, whether shipping less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), air cargo, intermodal cargo, or ocean and container drayage.

Why Choose Des Moines for Your Shipping Needs?

Shipping to and from Des Moines offers unique advantages other metropolitan areas with logistics hubs can’t offer:

  • Transloading Facility: Des Moines is served by four unique railroads converging at Des Moines Industrial, LLC’s transloading facility. Transloading your items from rail to truck allows businesses to optimize their shipping routes to reduce transportation costs and time.
  • Central Location: Des Moines is the capital of Iowa, located in the heart of the state. This, along with its finance-centered economy, makes for an excellent place for businesses to stretch their logistics operations to meet demand throughout Iowa.

How to Ship Freight to Des Moines

When shipping from Des Moines, start by gathering accurate information on what you are shipping, like the weight and dimensions, including the packaging. The freight will be handled multiple times at several freight terminals along the way. To protect your shipment during transport, crating an item is recommended.

You can compare Des Moines freight rates with our freight quote tool and find a carrier that meets your pricing and shipping needs. Ask our in-house shipping experts which carrier will be best for your shipment. They will also advise you if any other fees or special services are needed when shipping to Des Moines.

Get the Best Des Moines Freight Rates Today

To find the most competitive rates for shipping freight to or from Des Moines, use our online freight quote tool. Instantly compare rates from over 50 carriers and choose the best option for your needs. Alternatively, call 800.716.7608 to speak with one of our freight experts and receive a custom quote tailored to your shipment.

Make Des Moines your next shipping destination and experience reliable, cost-effective freight services from a city that’s a leader in logistics and transportation.

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