Iowa City

Iowa City’s centrality in the Midwest makes it an ideal location for domestic and international freight transportation. Iowa City is equipped with a robust infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a diverse market, making it a prime spot for business owners searching for dependable freight solutions.

 

Listed below are companies headquartered in Iowa City, IA:

These companies are essential for the success of the city’s growing market and economy. They are prime examples of businesses that understand the importance of Iowa City’s role in being a prime location for logistics. As the city continues to expand its infrastructure, its status as a logistics powerhouse will continue to grow, too.

Freight Shipping Rates To Any City

Shipping from city to city can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be if you partner with FreightCenter. We’re a third-party logistics company committed to ensuring your shipping experience is top-notch.

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 dependable, efficient, and 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.

We connect our customers with the most reputable Iowa City freight shipping companies. With our extensive network of Iowa City freight carriers, we are able to find the ideal carrier to ship your freight.

FreightCenter partners with most of the following Iowa City freight shipping companies.

Note: FreightCenter adds and removes carrier partners from time to time. This list may not be current.

Iowa City’s Major Highways And Freeways

Iowa City boasts a network of roadways that efficiently connect the city to other major metropolitan areas throughout the Midwest and beyond, making the transportation of goods to and from the area convenient.

There are several major highways and freeways that service the Iowa City Metro area. These include the following:

• I-80
• I-380
• US 6
• US 218
• Iowa 1

Iowa City Railroads

Iowa City is serviced by various railroads, from short line to class I railroads, helping to transport freight around the region and long distances. These railroads include:

• The Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Railway (CIC)
• The Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS)
• BNSF Railway

 

Iowa City Airport And Airlines

Iowa City is serviced by the Iowa City Municipal Airport. However, it does not offer any cargo services, just general passenger flights.

The closest airport that does offer cargo services is the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) in Cedar Rapids, 18 miles away. The airport is the top cargo destination in Iowa, handling half of the state’s cargo. It boasts a 55,462-square-foot cargo facility for efficiently handling and shipping cargo.

Major cargo carriers such as UPS, DHL, and FedEx operate in and out of the Eastern Iowa Airport.

Iowa City’s Major Ports, Terminals, And Warehouses

Due to its inland location, Iowa City does not have access to its own seaport. The closest port is the Port of Chicago, 233 miles east via I-80 or rail lines.

The port is on Lake Michigan and links inland canal and river systems. The Port of Chicago gives businesses access to the St. Lawrence Seaway for shipping internationally.

Terminals in the Metro Area include: 

• The Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Railway Terminal
• The Iowa Interstate Railroad Terminal
• Eastern Iowa Airport Terminal

Warehousing and Distribution Centers in the area include:

• HNI Iowa City Distribution Center
• Amazon
• Lineage

 

Cost To Ship Freight To And From Iowa City

Several factors influence the cost of shipping to and from Iowa City. This includes: 

• Type, size, and weight: Shipping perishable goods, specialized cargo, or heavy equipment can affect pricing. Iowa City offers a variety of shipping options, from standard LTL to expedited services, ensuring your freight arrives safely.
• Seasonal changes and demand: Iowa City’s rates fluctuate depending upon changing market demands, especially peak-holiday shipping seasons or severe weather events.
• Shipping distance: The distance between the origin and destination will heavily determine your rate. Popular routes to and from Iowa City include major cities like Cedar Rapids, Rockford, Des Moines, and Minneapolis, where established rates can result in competitive rates.
• What transportation mode is used: How you get your freight to and from Iowa City matters. LTL shipping via truck is much cheaper than air or rail shipping. However, it is also riskier and slower than those two, especially when 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. Iowa City’s extensive network of carriers ensures you can find a provider that offers the services you need at the price you want.

Iowa City offers competitive rates due to its extensive network of freight carriers, proximity to key markets, and various transportation options. Iowa City provides flexible and cost-effective solutions for your logistics needs, whether shipping less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (TL), intermodal cargo, or air cargo.

Why Choose Iowa City For Your Shipping Needs?

Central Location: Iowa City is centrally located in the Midwest, making it a transportation hub to various regions in the U.S. because it allows for shorter transit times to both coasts.

Educational and Research Presence: Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa, which fosters innovation and gives access to logistics research, which can be beneficial for businesses looking to enhance their supply chain.

Strong Local Economy: Iowa City has a growing economy, with many industries calling the city home for their operations, including agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. This provides a local demand for logistics companies and shipping services.

 

Get The Best Iowa City Freight Rates Today

Find the most competitive shipping rates to or from Iowa City using our online freight quote tool. Instantly compare rates from 50+ carriers and choose the best option for your logistics needs.

How To Ship Freight To Iowa City

When shipping to or from Iowa City, start by gathering accurate and thorough information on what you are shipping, such as 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 Iowa City freight rates with our freight quote tool and find a carrier that meets your pricing and shipping needs.

Ask our 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 Iowa City.