About Tucker Freight Lines
Tucker Freight Lines previously known as Art Pape Transfer, has been in transportation since 1956 and have worked with customers in open deck and dry van transportation sectors to find many solutions for transportation roadblocks. Trucking has been a core part of our owners’ lives with Sauny growing up with her dad and grandfather being truck drivers, marrying AJ, and working for Tucker Transport. AJ has enjoyed over 27 years in the trucking and transportation business and has had the benefit of sitting in nearly every position possible from a driver to the President as an owner of two companies.
With our family-oriented values, Tucker Freight Lines has grown over 300% from 2018 to 2022. Our wide array of transportation services offered includes dedicated services, dry van, open deck, truckload, logistics, and heavy haul. With our deep, rich history we have built a solid foundation of customer satisfaction and excellent service, all while focusing on providing the highest quality trucking and transportation experience possible for our drivers, customers, employees, and strategic partners.
Our Mission: Provide tailored transportation solutions that deliver exceptional value and drive client and employee loyalty.
Our Core Values:
- Safety
Our organization provides the resources to foster a proactive and preventative culture.
- Service
We collaborate to ensure external and internal customer needs are met.
- Positive Attitude
We use every opportunity to positively influence those around us.
- Respect
We are open, honest, empathetic, and receptive.
Awards:
2026 - Elite Fleet Certified: Best Fleets To Drive For | TCA
2025 - Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation | Women in Trucking Association
2024 - Safety Advocate of the Year (Cody McClain) | Iowa Motor Trucking Association
2024 - Human Resource Professional of the Year | Tri-State Human Resource Association
2024 - Top Woman-Owned Businesses in Transportation | Women in Trucking Association
2024 - Ovation Award for Excellence in Transportation & Logistics | Trimble
2024 - Better Together Collaboration Award | Trimble
2024 – Top Overall Safety Scorecard Ranking | Safe Trucking Insurance Limited
2024 – Dubuque Best Places to Work | Telegraph Herald
1956
Humble Beginnings
In 1956, Art Pape purchased a small livestock hauling operation in Cascade, IA. Livestock was hauled from Eastern Iowa to the Chicago area. The business expanded when we began to haul steel back to Iowa in the livestock trailers. In the early 60's we began hauling salt, fertilizer, and other bulk commodities.
1978
Dubuque Bound
In 1965, Art Pape Transfer moved to Dubuque, IA, where we have been ever since. In the 80's we transitioned away from the bulk business and focused entirely on van, flatbed, and specialized hauling.
2006
Next Generation
Art Pape Transfer became a third-generation business when Loras's sons Chris & Jordan purchased the business.
2018
New Beginnings
In 2018, AJ and Sauny Tucker acquired Art Pape Transfer and rebranded the company as Tucker Freight Lines. This marked the start of a new growth chapter built on a driver focused culture, strong operational leadership, and long term customer partnerships.
2020
Building for Sustainable Growth
Following the 2018 rebrand, Tucker Freight Lines focused on strengthening its foundation for long term growth. During this period, the company invested in people, operational structure, and internal systems to support expanding service offerings across truckload, open deck, and specialized freight. These efforts helped improve consistency, communication, and scalability while maintaining the service standards customers and drivers expect.
2022
Expanding Yard Operations with Sustainable Yard Management
In 2022, Tucker Freight Lines launched Sustainable Yard Management to support customers with dedicated yard spotting, shuttle services, and improved yard visibility. SYM was created to bring structure, consistency, and process driven solutions to yard operations, helping customers improve traffic flow, reduce dwell time, and streamline facility operations. This expansion allowed Tucker to better support complex facilities while building scalable, long term yard partnerships.
2026
Recognized for Operational Excellence and People First Culture
By 2026, Tucker Freight Lines had grown into a nationally recognized carrier while maintaining its family owned values. The company was named a TCA Elite Fleet, a designation that recognizes carriers who demonstrate excellence in safety culture, driver experience, and operational performance. This milestone reflects Tucker’s continued commitment to people, consistency, and long term stability for both customers and drivers.
Meet the Team
