Good evening FreightX, I’m launching a new posting series “Cities of Freight”.
Tonight I’m showcasing Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A freight and logistics powerhouse quietly fueling the American economy. While they do not have navigable waterways, congress declared the Cedar River unnavigable in 1870 at Columbus Junction, IA, this town has grown to be an agricultural and distribution behemoth during its existence.
Home to carriers such as CRST, West Side Transport, and many other carriers including some tanker outfits, trucking has a huge footprint in the local economy. Brokerage firms such as Travero and JMS Transportation call this city home. It sits just 20 miles north of I-80 along I-380 and US 20/US 151. Plenty of truck stops, truck dealers, and other facilities to service the industry.
There is a major logistics park as well with Class 1 Rail service and transloading capabilities. A lot of distributors warehouse in this Midwest logistics powerhouse.
Agricultural is the name of the game with large plants by ADM, Quaker Oats and others in vicinity, with easy access to highways, rail, and farm producing goods.
Overall a beautiful Midwest city in close proximity to many other Midwest logistics powerhouses, I’ve always enjoyed my trips to and through this charming town. It’s convenient to access most of the Midwest within a day of driving from Detroit to OKC, ideal for setting up your service.
Don’t sleep on this gem for your next logistics getaway, fly into the Eastern Iowa Airport and take in all that the best had to offer in the Midwest. Enjoy to local history and a stroll along downtown.