DES MOINES, Iowa – Ruan Transportation Management Systems is proud to announce a new partnership with the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), a leading public university known for its strong academic tradition and competitive athletics, to serve as the official transportation provider for Panther Football equipment during all road games.
As part of this collaboration, fans can expect to see a custom Ruan trailer wrapped in UNI Panther branding on the road and on display. The trailer made its public debut at the corner of 27th Street and Panther Parkway at UNI’s season opener against Butler. It will hit the road for the first time on September 6, when the Panthers travel to Wyoming.
“This is more than a logistics partnership, it’s about supporting a program and a university that mean a great deal to our state and to many of us personally,” said Brad Gehring, Ruan’s Vice President of Procurement and Asset Management and a proud UNI graduate. “UNI and Panther Football represent values we share at Ruan: teamwork, reliability, and pride in doing the job right. We are excited to support their mission by providing a dedicated tractor, professional driver, and fully branded trailer to power their travels all season long.”
Ruan is honored to play a key role in supporting the UNI Football program by ensuring their essential gear arrives safely and on time, wherever the season takes them.
"Partnering with Ruan is going to make our equipment staff operate at a higher level than ever before," said UNI Director of Equipment Zac Reynolds. "They (Ruan) are giving us the ability to bring those extra resources that can help make the difference on game day. It puts my mind at ease knowing that when my staff and I arrive at any away venue that our truck will be there safe, waiting for us to get the Panthers set up for victory."
Ruan’s commitment to safety and service is backed by the company’s Megasafe Safety Program, ensuring every haul is executed with care and precision. Founded in 1932, Ruan employs more than 5,000 team members across 300+ nationwide operations, and continues to lead in dedicated contract transportation, managed logistics, and value-added services.
About the University of Northern Iowa (UNI):
The University of Northern Iowa, located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, is a nationally recognized public university known for its outstanding academic programs, vibrant campus community, and strong commitment to student success. With more than 90 majors across five colleges, UNI offers a personalized educational experience focused on hands-on learning, faculty engagement, and career readiness. The university is also home to a proud NCAA Division I athletics program, including the UNI Panthers Football team, competing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. UNI consistently earns high rankings for value, academic quality, and student satisfaction.