Greater Des Moines’ central geographic location, plus superb surface roads system, make the region a prime choice for businesses in need of efficient cargo distribution. The region has a strong combination of ground transport-commercial and freight. Located at the crossroads of Interstates 80 and 35, the area is accessible for many industries and businesses. Railroads in the area include Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Iowa Interstate, Norfolk and Southern and Union Pacific railroads.
Regional Transportation Planning
The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) develops and maintains Greater Des Moines’ long-range transportation plan. Mobilizing Tomorrow, the most recent version of the plan adopted in 2014, is an implementation of the region’s long-term plan for sustainable development, The Tomorrow Plan. The Des Moines Area MPO also selects and approves projects for federal funding based upon regional priorities, and develops methods to reduce traffic congestion.
Airline Travel and Service
Passenger Service
As Iowa’s largest airport, the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) held its position as 90th most active commercial airport in the nation. Des Moines is served by eight commercial carriers with over 120 domestic flights per day. From Des Moines, passengers now have non-stop access to 18 destinations, and international flights are easily made with one connection in other major cities.
The Ankeny Regional Airport serves executive and corporate travel, freight operations, and general aviation in the Des Moines metropolitan area. The passenger terminal provides a comfortable and smooth transition to ground transportation. Reliable flight support services and the safety of two runways make Ankeny Regional a preferred destination for corporate flight departments and private pilots.
For the latest information about the Des Moines International Airport, click here.
Air Cargo
Already ranked in the top 50 airports for cargo tonnage in the United States, Des Moines International Airport (DSM) has over 1 million square feet of cargo aircraft parking area. The airport cargo area also includes more than 100,000 square feet of warehouse space. VIsit the Des Moines International Airport for current operational statistics.
Foreign Trade Zone
Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #107 is conveniently located on Iowa Interstate 35/80, about 14 miles from the Des Moines International Airport. The FTZ allows certain types of merchandise to be imported, repackaged, assembled with other components, and then exported without having to go through formal customs entry procedures or incurring import duties. For more information visit the International Trade page.
U.S. Port of Entry at the Des Moines International Airport
The Des Moines International Airport is the only Port of Entry located in Iowa. As a Port of Entry, DSM has on-site U.S. Customs and U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors. A new customs facility has recently been completed for the convenience of shippers and travelers. For an official page of information about Port 3513, click here.
Ground Transport Services
Motor Carriers
Ground transportation is readily available through 60 motor freight carriers that serve Greater Des Moines. Cargo is brought into Des Moines from eight states throughout the Midwest and Great Plains. Outbound, most of the Midwest is reachable by truck on an overnight basis. Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Omaha and St. Louis are all within a day's drive.
Rail Service
Greater Des Moines is served by Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Iowa Interstate, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific railroads. With a full-time switching service available and a local piggyback ramp, the area can meet your rail service needs. To learn more about Iowa's railways, visit the Iowa Department of Transportation's Office of Rail Transportation Web site.
Local Bus Service
The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, or DART, provides bus service throughout the metro area. Learn more about routes, fares and schedules online or by calling (515) 283-8100.
Over the Road Service
Greater Des Moines is served by Greyhound, Jefferson Bus Lines and Burlington Trailways for travel within the state or throughout the country. Megabus has daily departures from a convenient Downtown Des Moines DART bus stop for Iowa City, Chicago, and Omaha destinations.
