Dry Van Trucking in Ames, IA

Market rates, top lanes, earnings estimates, and freight insights for dry van owner-operators in Ames.

$2.39

Rate / Mile

$20,315

Est. Gross / Month

$13,205

Est. Net / Month

Midwest

Market Region

About Dry Van Trucking

Dry van is the most common trailer type in the US, hauling general freight, consumer goods, and packaged products. High availability means competitive rates, but consistent volume keeps utilization strong.

Dry Van Market in the Midwest

The Midwest is the crossroads of American freight, with Chicago serving as the undisputed hub. I-80, I-90, and I-70 carry enormous dry van volume connecting coasts. Automotive parts, consumer goods, and agricultural products make up the bulk of loads. Competition is fierce but volume is massive. Carriers based near Chicago, Indianapolis, or Columbus benefit from exceptional load availability in virtually every direction.

Top Dry Van Lanes from Ames

Chicago IL → Detroit MI

Indianapolis IN → Columbus OH

Minneapolis MN → Kansas City MO

St. Louis MO → Nashville TN

Why Ames for Dry Van

Key Industries

Higher education
Agricultural research
Government laboratories
Manufacturing
Technology

Key Highways

I-35US-30US-69IA-210

Top Shippers

Iowa State University
3M Ames plant
USDA
Barilla (nearby)

Distribution Centers Near Ames

ISU central receiving

3M distribution

USDA supply depot

Need Dry Van Dispatch in Ames?

Compare top dispatch services for dry van carriers operating in the Ames, IA market. Find the right partner for your lanes and equipment.

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Dry Van Trucking in Ames — FAQ

The estimated dry van rate in Ames is $2.39 per loaded mile. This reflects the Midwest regional market, local demand, and seasonal conditions. Actual rates vary by lane, broker, and load specifics.

Based on current market estimates, a dry van owner-operator based in Ames can expect approximately $20,315 gross monthly revenue and around $13,205 net after typical expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance). Actual earnings depend on miles driven, load selection, and operating efficiency.

Top dry van lanes from the Ames market include: Chicago IL → Detroit MI, Indianapolis IN → Columbus OH, Minneapolis MN → Kansas City MO, St. Louis MO → Nashville TN. These lanes reflect the Midwest freight patterns and may vary by season.

Ames is located in the Midwest freight region with key industries including higher education, agricultural research, government laboratories. Access to I-35, US-30, US-69 provides strong connectivity. Rates are competitive with the national average.

Key highways for dry van freight in Ames include I-35, US-30, US-69, IA-210. These corridors connect to major distribution centers and freight lanes across the Midwest region.