University of Northern Iowa Athletics
UNI Football: Panthers partner with Ruan Transportation Management Systems to haul football equipment
8/29/2025 9:20:00 AM | Football
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The UNI Panthers are proud to announce a new partnership with Ruan Transportation Management Systems, one of Iowa's most respected transportation and logistics companies, to handle equipment transport for all Panther football road games.
"We are thrilled to announce a deeply impactful partnership with Ruan for the betterment of the UNI Football Program," said UNI Athletic Director Dr. Megan Franklin. "Ruan embraced the concept of transporting essential football equipment across the country for Panthers football. While also practical, this partnership helps to instill pride in Panther Football and the University of Northern Iowa through a first-class visual trucking down the highway. Ruan's embrace of the Legacy Era of Panther Athletics signals that a top business in the State of Iowa embraces the vision of Panther Athletics through a meaningful and mutually beneficial partnership."
As part of the partnership, a Ruan trailer wrapped in UNI branding will deliver the Panthers' gear throughout the season. The custom trailer, showcasing Panther logos and marks, will debut on opening day on the corner of 27th street and Panther Parkway for fans to see and take photos with ahead of the Panthers' season opener against Butler. The trailer will first be in use on September 6, when UNI travels to Wyoming for its first road game of the season.
"As a football team, we constantly talk about the qualities and characteristics that all of the best teams and organizations in the world possess," said head coach Todd Stepsis. "We are thrilled to team up with one of those organizations in Ruan, and are deeply grateful for their commitment to our program. This partnership is a game-changer for our student-athletes and program, giving us the ability to elevate their experience and continue our pursuit of developing champions on and off the field. Ruan's passion for service and commitment to excellence mirrors the culture we're building here. I couldn't be more proud to be powered by Ruan and the momentum this will bring to our team, our university, and all of Panther Nation."
The collaboration highlights a shared commitment to community pride, tradition, and excellence. With deep Iowa roots, Ruan brings trusted reliability and hometown pride to UNI's football program, ensuring that the team's equipment arrives safely and on time while also turning heads on the road.
"Partnering with Ruan is going to make our equipment staff operate at a higher level than ever before," said 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."
ABOUT RUAN
Founded in 1932, Ruan is a family-owned transportation management company, providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-added Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services. Ruan uses our comprehensive Megasafe Safety Program to guide training and overall field safety operations. Ruan proudly employs over 5,000 team members in more than 300 operations nationwide. For more information about Ruan, visit www.ruan.com.
"As a UNI graduate, I'm especially proud to see Ruan teaming up with the Panthers," said Ruan Vice President of Procurement and Asset Management Brad Gehring. "They reflect the same values we believe in: teamwork, dependability, and a commitment to getting the job done. To support them, we're providing a professional driver, tractor, and branded trailer to make sure their equipment arrives safely at every away game. Ever Loyal."
"Ruan is proud to stand behind Panther Football as their official transportation partner," said Lance Cheney, Senior Vice President of Fleet Services. "Like the Panthers, we understand what it takes to go the distance: teamwork, dedication, and pride. We're honored to support UNI both on the road and throughout the community. Ever Loyal."
UNI football action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Football), X (@UNIFootball) and on Instagram (@unipantherfootball). The full 2025 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.