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Logistics

Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) location in the heart of Iowa and the Midwest attracts new and growing logistics businesses. Distribution centers and warehouses can tap into paramount real estate right next to Interstates 80 and 35, several active railroads with full-time switching service and a lower cost of doing business compared to other regions. The region also provides prime access to a large number of customers: more than 60 million people are accessible within 500 miles of DSM (StatsAmerica).

As DSM's economic and community development organization, the Greater Des Moines Partnership can help logistics companies who are looking to grow or expand. Learn more about our services.

Logistics Industry in DSM

Get an overview of DSM's business climate and logistics landscape in our industry brief.

Access to Three Class I Railroads and One Class II Railroad

Iowa has the 3rd highest concentration of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers — Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024

No property tax on inventories, machinery or equipment

At the Crossroads of 80/35 and part of the USMCA corridor

Logistics Company Spotlight: Ruan

Reliable Workforce and Talent Pipeline

Educational institutions support continued talent pipeline growth for the logistics industry in DSM. Iowa State University’s Logistics and Management Information Systems degree is the dominant business program in the University’s Ivy School of Business. Iowa State's supply chain management program in the Ivy School ranks #6 (top 1%) in the world for empirical supply chain research (The SCM Journal List, 2025).

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) unveiled its new Transportation Institute in the fall of 2025. The $9 million facility spans 8,600 square feet of garage bays, classrooms and 12 acres of concrete for hands-on training. The facility increases DMACC’s capacity to 240 students per year, with plans to eventually train up to 500 students annually.

Ask us about using state employee withholding tax dollars for training including on-the-job training expenses administered by the Iowa Community College system.

Greater Des Moines Logistics and Distribution Centers

Amazon
Bridgestone Firestone
Briggs Medical Service
Brown NationaLease
Capital City Fruit
Casey's General Stores, Inc.
CDS Global
Daimler Trucks North America
Federal Express
Hy-Vee, Inc.
Interstate Batteries
Iowa Select Farms
JT Logistics
Loffredo Fresh Produce Co., Inc.
Merchants Distribution Service
NAPA Distribution Center
Owens & Minor
PDM Distribution Services
Perishable Distributors of Iowa (PDI)
Power Distributors
Ruan Companies
SAIA
Southwest Cargo
Sysco Iowa
TMC Transportation
TORO
United Parcel Services
U.S. AutoForce
Worldwide Logistics
XPO Logistics
Ziegler, Inc.

Build Your Greater Here

Join competitive, growing companies making their mark on the logistics industry in DSM. Reach out to Ryan Carroll, Senior Director of Regional Business Development, to learn more about doing business here.

rcarroll@DSMpartnership.com | (515) 286-4998

Transportation

DSM’s central location in the region and state, makes it a prime choice for businesses in need of distribution

Talent and Workforce

DSM is the fastest growing major metro in the Midwest and the region's ability to attract talent supports business growth.

Economic Development Services

The Partnership is the region's economic and community development organization and serves as a single point of contact as you consider DSM for your next location or expansion.