RUAN

What RUAN does

Ruan Transportation Management Systems is a privately held, family-owned dedicated contract transportation and supply chain solutions provider founded in 1932 and headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. The company operates four core service lines — Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Contract Distribution and Fulfillment, and Freight Brokerage — supported by a fifth ancillary line (used equipment sales via Ruan Truck Sales). Ruan runs a private fleet across 300+ operations locations in the United States and, through its carrier partner network, extends into Canada and Mexico; in 2025 it logged 240 million miles, executed 27,000+ weekly retail deliveries, and managed 28 customer startups and expansions. Its enterprise customer base spans retail (Target, Do it Best), food and agriculture (Vital Farms, Dairy Farmers of America, Seneca Foods), manufacturing and industrial (Charter Steel, Daikin, HNI, VT Industries), industrial gases (Airgas), and government (Iowa and Idaho state liquor divisions).

The technology stack is built around a homegrown transportation management system that powers route optimization, volume forecasting on weekly/monthly/quarterly cycles, and advanced network modeling. In 2024–2025 Ruan completed a fleet-wide rollout of Geotab electronic logging devices for compliance and safety reporting and launched the first deployment of Mastery Logistics' MasterMind fleet-based execution platform in Nampa, ID. It has also signed a strategic contract with Clarios to deploy the IdleLess™ fuel- and emissions-reduction solution. These layers are stitched onto a manually intensive, dedicated-driver operating model with a 94% driver onboarding satisfaction rating and 80–85% retention of drivers during private-fleet transitions.

Ruan's business model is predominantly managed-services-based with multi-year dedicated contracts priced on a quote basis that factors in miles, stops, loads, equipment type, special endorsements, shift times, and weekend requirements. The company differentiates through operational integration (branded equipment, dedicated operations leaders, on-site field recruiters during startup) and a safety/legal infrastructure that mitigates nuclear-verdict and regulatory exposure for customers offloading private fleets. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales supported by senior Vice Presidents of Integrated Solutions Sales and active presence at industry conferences (Manifest, IPPE, NGA Show, LINK). A separate e-commerce channel sells used trucks ($27K–$32K) and trailers ($6K). Ruan is recognized on the Inbound Logistics Top 100 3PLs and has won multiple customer awards from Target, Dairy Farmers of America, and HNI in 2024–2025.

Name

RUAN

Legal name

Ruan Transportation Management Systems

Website

https://ruan.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1932

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Ruan is a privately held, family-owned dedicated contract transportation and supply chain solutions provider founded in 1932, operating 300+ U.S. locations and serving enterprise customers in retail, food and beverage, manufacturing, industrial gases, and government with dedicated fleet, managed transportation, warehousing, and freight brokerage services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dedicated Transportation & Logistics Services

SIC

Trucking (No Local) (4213), Wholesale-Motor Vehicles & Motor Vehicle Parts & Supplies (5010)

akta.pro primary industry

Dedicated / Contract Carriage Brokerage (Shippers’ Managed Capacity) (TLACACAF)

Keywords

• Dedicated contract transportation
• Managed transportation services
• Warehousing and distribution
• Freight brokerage services
• Third-party logistics

Headquarters

HQ city

Des Moines

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Dedicated Contract Transportation: Comprehensive door-to-door supply chain solutions through private fleet management. Ruan manages every detail including drivers, equipment, maintenance, and routing so customers can focus on core business. Operates as an extension of customer's team with branded equipment.
2. Managed Transportation: Logistics experts combined with custom transportation management system manage every aspect of supply chain with precision. Seamlessly integrates with customer's operations for unmatched industry expertise.
3. Contract Distribution and Fulfillment: Full range of warehousing solutions customized to meet specific needs. Through advanced operational analytics and continuous improvement practices, reduces costs and improves efficiency.
4. Freight Brokerage: Capacity aggregation combining Ruan's fleet with a trusted network of carrier partners. Leverages more than 10 million backhaul miles and extensive carrier relationships to move freight reliably and efficiently.
5. Equipment Sales: Sale of high-quality used trucks and trailers including certified inspected vehicles by DOT standards. Offers single axle and tandem axle tractors, sleeper trucks, day cabs, and various trailer types including dry vans, flatbeds, refrigerated, and pneumatic tankers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Ruan provides integrated supply chain solutions including dedicated contract transportation, managed transportation, contract distribution and fulfillment, and freight brokerage. The company manages private fleets for enterprise customers by providing drivers, equipment, maintenance, and routing services, operating as a true extension of the customer's team with branded equipment. Ruan also sells used trucks and trailers through its Ruan Truck Sales e-commerce platform.

Product overview

RUAN offers an integrated supply chain solution platform consisting of six interconnected service modules: Dedicated Contract Transportation (core door-to-door fleet management), Managed Transportation (full supply chain management with proprietary TMS), Contract Distribution and Fulfillment (warehousing), Freight Brokerage (capacity aggregation), Equipment Sales (used trucks and trailers), and Value-Added Warehousing. The company operates 300+ locations nationwide, serving retail, grocery, agriculture, and industrial sectors with over 27,000 retail deliveries weekly. Key customers include Target, Do it Best, Charter Steel, Daikin, Vital Farms, and Seneca Foods.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dedicated Contract Transportation Comprehensive door-to-door supply chain solution in which Ruan owns and operates a private fleet dedicated to a single customer. Ruan provides drivers, equipment, maintenance, and routing while operating as a true extension of the customer's team with branded equipment. Priced via custom quoting based on market research at city/county level.
• Managed Transportation Full supply chain management service combining Ruan's logistics experts with a custom transportation management system to manage every aspect of the customer's supply chain with precision. Seamlessly integrates with customer operations to deliver industry expertise.
• Contract Distribution and Fulfillment Full range of customized warehousing solutions including value-added warehousing. Uses advanced operational analytics and continuous improvement practices to reduce costs and improve efficiency for customers.
• Freight Brokerage Capacity aggregation service combining Ruan's own fleet with a trusted network of carrier partners. Leverages more than 10 million backhaul miles and extensive carrier relationships to move freight reliably and efficiently across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
• Equipment Sales (Ruan Truck Sales) Sale of high-quality used trucks and trailers including certified inspected vehicles by DOT standards. Offers single axle and tandem axle tractors, sleeper trucks, day cabs, and various trailer types including dry vans, flatbeds, refrigerated, and pneumatic tankers. Prices range from $6,000 for trailers to $32,000 for trucks.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98%+ on-time delivery rate for retail operations
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• ClarioscoreTechnology or Integration · 27 October 2025Strategic fleet contract to deploy Clarios IdleLess™ solution across Ruan's fleet supporting sustainability and operational efficiency goals. Solution will be implemented in phases to reduce fuel consumption, extend battery life, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• TargetcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Foundational partner in Target's food network since inception. Ruan operates three yard locations in Southern California plus pop-up solutions in Sacramento, Bakersfield, and Topeka. Ranks among Target's top three Middle Mile providers. Leading in EDI compliance and backhaul on-time delivery. Won Middle Mile Yard Provider of the Year 2024 and Food Supply Chain Carrier Partner Award 2025.
• Dairy Farmers of AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Named Third-Party Provider of the Year in 2024 by Dairy Farmers of America, recognizing outstanding logistics partnership for dairy product transportation.
• Do it BestcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Ruan provides dedicated contract transportation for Do it Best's hardware distribution network, initially beginning with Milbank, SD distribution center RFP participation in 2023. Partnership expanded with Dixon, IL distribution lanes and True Value acquisition integration. Ruan retained 100% of Do it Best's drivers from previous carrier during transition. Operates fully branded fleet in Do it Best colors and logos, functioning as true extension of Do it Best team with nearly 9,000 store locations served.
• Vital FarmscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Leading producer of pasture-raised eggs with partnership starting in 2022 with 15 drivers, grown to 27 drivers. Ruan provides dedicated fleet operating as extension of Vital Farms team, hiring and training drivers to meet expanding needs. Developed shuttle driver solution for underground Cold Zone storage to eliminate wait times. Products sold in more than 24,000 stores nationwide.
• Charter SteelcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Partnership began in 2018 when Charter Steel selected Ruan through RFP process for dedicated contract transportation. Expanded in 2019 to include Managed Transportation services. Ruan supported 10% demand surge when tariffs were announced in 2025. Drivers dedicated to Charter Steel considered part of their team with long tenure. Ruan provides just-in-time manufacturing logistics support for engineer-to-order steel products.
• Seneca FoodscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShelf-to-table business producing canned and frozen vegetables. Ruan serves as physical link between interdependent processing facilities, ensuring production stays on track. Manages logistics for grocery chains, private labels, food service, and industrial baking organizations.
• AirgascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRuan manages all aspects of Airgas product transportation to industrial and commercial markets including equipment, driver recruitment and retention. Partnership allows Airgas to focus on core competencies while Ruan handles logistics operations for industrial, medical, and specialty gases and equipment.
• DaikincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's largest HVAC manufacturer. Ruan provides Dedicated Contract Transportation and Managed Transportation services. Partnership improved Daikin's bottom line and enhanced capacity and utilization through optimization and supply chain expertise.
• HNIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner30+ year partnership providing efficient transportation and logistics network for office furniture manufacturer. Received Outstanding Customer Support and Northeast Service Area awards. Ruan operates as extension of HNI team with dedicated driver and operations relationships.
• Iowa Alcoholic Beverages DivisioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDedicated contract transportation and value-added warehousing solutions managing complex transportation network and active warehouse delivering spirits to entire state of Iowa. Partnership features Leah from Ruan managing operations alongside Herb from ABD.
• Idaho State Liquor DivisioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelected as dedicated logistics partner for state liquor distribution operations, providing comprehensive transportation management services.
• VT IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding materials transportation partnership. Ruan driver Dean supports VT Industries ensuring products reach customers safely and on time. Professional drivers considered part of customer's team.
• Cold ZonecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier cold storage solutions provider partnering with Ruan for Vital Farms logistics. Cold Zone operates underground facility in Springfield, MO where Ruan delivers eggs from farms. Ruan and Cold Zone collaboration provides exceptional supply chain visibility.
• GeotabcoreTechnology or IntegrationElectronic Logging Device provider fully implemented across Ruan fleet in 2025. Provides daily oversight into compliance, maintenance, and safety reporting within the organization.
• Mastery LogisticscoreTechnology or IntegrationMasterMind platform partnership for fleet-based execution. First deployment launched in Nampa, ID with goal of building flexible, future-ready system enhancing visibility, automation, and performance across transportation network.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Echo Global Logistics: Tech-enabled freight brokerage and managed transportation provider serving similar retail and CPG customers. Asset-light competitor in the same enterprise logistics services category.
• J.B. Hunt Transport Services: One of the largest U.S. dedicated contract services providers, with a comparable mix of asset-based and intermodal capacity serving similar enterprise retail and industrial customers. Direct competitor in the dedicated contract carriage (DCT) segment.
• Schneider National: Operates a substantial dedicated trucking and managed transportation business with intermodal capabilities, serving retail, manufacturing, and CPG customers. Closely comparable service mix to Ruan, with similar scale and customer profile.
• Werner Enterprises: A leading dedicated truckload carrier focused on enterprise contract carriage with similar retail and consumer goods customer mix. Comparable fleet age profile and dedicated contract focus make this a direct peer.
• Penske Logistics: Penske's dedicated contract carriage business competes head-to-head with Ruan for large enterprise fleets, with similar supply chain solutions spanning warehousing and managed transportation for retail and manufacturing customers.
• NFI Industries: A privately held, family-owned dedicated transportation and warehousing provider serving similar retail, grocery, and industrial verticals. Closely matches Ruan's family-owned structure, integrated service model, and customer concentration.
• Hub Group: Provides intermodal, dedicated, and logistics services with comparable enterprise customer focus. Direct competitor for dedicated contract transportation and managed transportation services.

Broad incumbents

• Knight-Swift Transportation: Largest truckload carrier in the U.S., offering dedicated, brokerage, and LTL services. A broader incumbent with overlapping DCT capabilities but a much wider portfolio spanning multiple asset and non-asset segments.
• Ryder System: Major provider of dedicated transportation, fleet leasing, and supply chain solutions. Overlaps with Ruan on dedicated contract carriage and contract distribution/fulfillment but operates a much broader portfolio including fleet leasing.
• DSV (including Schenker): Global transport and logistics provider with North American road, contract logistics, and supply chain services. Overlaps with Ruan on integrated supply chain solutions for enterprise customers, particularly in North America following the DB Schenker acquisition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/RuanTransport
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCvJvCviNYpE7Gkb-qErvbzA
• Facebookfacebook.com/RuanTransportation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ruan-transport-corporation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RUAN