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USA Trucker Choice

Trucking in Arkansas

Owner-operator guide for Arkansas (AR) — rates, freight volume, regulations, top shippers, and everything you need to run profitable lanes through the Little Rock state.

Quick Stats

Freight Volume

high

O-O Friendly

8/10

Fuel Tax

24.8 c/gal

Parking

abundant

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/Mile
Dry Van$2.30
Reefer$2.60
Flatbed$2.80

Key Highways

I-40I-30I-49I-55

These corridors connect Arkansas's major freight cities: Little Rock, Fort Smith, Bentonville, Jonesboro. Knowing these routes is essential for planning efficient loads in and out of the state.

Top Industries

1Retail (Walmart HQ)
2Poultry processing
3Timber/paper
4Steel
5Rice/agriculture

Top Shippers

Walmart (Bentonville HQ + multiple DCs)

Tyson Foods (Springdale)

Dillards (Little Rock)

Riceland Foods

Trucking Regulations

  • Walmart compliance standards de facto standard here
  • 80,000 lbs GVW
  • Oversize permits through ArDOT
  • No state income tax on first $4,400

Toll Roads & Winter Conditions

Toll Information

Minimal tolls; some turnpike sections

Winter Conditions

Ice storms are the main hazard; Ozark mountain roads get treacherous

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Arkansas

In Arkansas, dry van rates average $2.30/mile, reefer rates average $2.60/mile, and flatbed rates average $2.80/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.
Arkansas scores 8/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has high freight volume with abundant truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Retail (Walmart HQ), Poultry processing, Timber/paper.
Key trucking regulations in Arkansas include: Walmart compliance standards de facto standard here. 80,000 lbs GVW. Oversize permits through ArDOT. No state income tax on first $4,400. The state fuel tax rate is 24.8 cents per gallon.
The major freight highways in Arkansas are I-40, I-30, I-49, I-55. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Little Rock, Fort Smith, Bentonville, Jonesboro. Minimal tolls; some turnpike sections.