Truck Driver Jobs in Little Rock, AR
Little Rock is one of the top trucking markets in Arkansas. CDL and non-CDL positions available. Average driver pay: $50,000 - $74,000.
Little Rock Driver Job Market
Avg Driver Pay
$50,000
to $74,000
Job Demand
High Demand
Major Employers
4
carriers hiring
Key Corridors
3
freight routes
Driving in Little Rock
Little Rock sits where I-40 and I-30 cross — the only point where those two Interstates intersect — making it a natural freight crossroads between Texas, Memphis, and the Midwest. The port on the Arkansas River handles barge-to-truck transload, and the industrial corridors along I-440 (east bypass) and Cantrell Road host the major distribution centers. The I-30/I-40 interchange downtown (known locally as "The Big Rock") backs up badly during rush hours; experienced drivers use I-440 or the I-530 connector to avoid it. North Little Rock, across the river, has the BNSF and UP rail yards generating steady drayage work.
Little Rock Trucking Market Intelligence
Population
750K metro
Cost of Living
14% below national average
Diesel Prices
Diesel runs $0
Weekly Miles
Local: 800-1,200
Industries Driving Freight in Little Rock
Best Equipment Types for Little Rock
Dry van — retail distribution from Dillard's and regional DCs
Flatbed — steel products from Big River Steel and Nucor
Reefer — Tyson poultry products moving east to Memphis
Tanker — chemical freight from Pine Bluff corridor
Market Outlook
Growing — Amazon opened a fulfillment center in Little Rock, and the port is expanding barge capacity. Dassault Falcon Jet's completion center at the airport generates specialized aerospace freight.
The I-40/I-30 junction is the only place in America where two major east-west/southwest corridors cross — drivers based here can pick loads in virtually any direction without deadheading.
Major Employers in Little Rock
These carriers and logistics companies are actively hiring CDL-A, CDL-B, and non-CDL drivers in the Little Rock area.
Freight Corridors Near Little Rock
These corridors provide consistent freight for drivers based in and around Little Rock.
Driver Logistics in Little Rock
Weather & Seasonal Factors
Ice storms in January-February are Little Rock's biggest weather hazard — the I-40 Arkansas River bridge gets shut down 3-5 times per winter. Summer heat (95°F+) and humidity are uncomfortable but manageable. Tornado season runs March-May.
Truck Parking
Good availability on I-40 east of the city — Love's at Exit 159 (Lonoke) and Pilot at Exit 153. The TA at I-30 Exit 98 (Benton) works for southwest-bound staging. Parking near the port is private lot only.
Local Restrictions
Trucks prohibited on Cantrell Road (AR-10) west of University Avenue. I-30 downtown has restricted lanes during peak hours. The Broadway Bridge across the Arkansas River has a 40-ton weight limit.
Nearby Trucking Hubs
- Memphis, TN (135 mi via I-40)
- Dallas, TX (320 mi via I-30)
- Tulsa, OK (260 mi via I-40)
- Springfield, MO (215 mi via US-65)
Typical Weekly Miles from Little Rock
Local
800-1,200
Regional
2,000-2,500
OTR
2,500-3,000
Available Positions by Equipment
Browse Little Rock driving jobs by equipment type.
CDL Training Near Little Rock
Most CDL programs take 3-7 weeks. Once you have your CDL, apply with O Trucking and start driving within 48 hours.
Apply for Driving Jobs in Little Rock
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More Driver Jobs in Arkansas
Truck Driver Jobs in Little Rock — FAQ
Have questions? We've got answers. If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.
How many truck driver jobs are available in Little Rock?
Little Rock is a high-demand market for truck drivers with a metro population of 750K metro. Major employers in the area include Dillard's Distribution, ABF Freight System, Maverick Transportation, USA Truck. Key freight corridors like I-40 East-West Corridor keep loads moving consistently. Across Arkansas, there are approximately 38,000+ active truck drivers. Growing — Amazon opened a fulfillment center in Little Rock, and the port is expanding barge capacity. Dassault Falcon Jet's completion center at the airport generates specialized aerospace freight.
How much do truck drivers earn in Little Rock, AR?
Truck drivers in the Little Rock area typically earn $50,000 - $74,000 annually, depending on equipment type, experience, and routes. The cost of living in Little Rock is 14% below national average, meaning your take-home pay stretches further here. The statewide average for Arkansas is $46,000 - $65,000. Little Rock's higher demand often pushes local rates above the state average. Typical weekly miles: Local: 800-1,200 | Regional: 2,000-2,500 | OTR: 2,500-3,000.
Who are the major trucking employers in Little Rock?
Major carriers and logistics companies hiring in Little Rock include Dillard's Distribution, ABF Freight System, Maverick Transportation, USA Truck. These companies hire CDL-A, CDL-B, and non-CDL drivers for a variety of positions — from local delivery to OTR routes. Key industries driving freight demand include logistics and distribution and steel manufacturing. O Trucking connects you with loads from these carriers and many others, letting you choose which freight to haul.
What freight corridors run through Little Rock?
Key freight corridors near Little Rock include I-40 East-West Corridor, I-30 Southwest Corridor, I-440 Little Rock Bypass. These routes carry retail (walmart hq) and poultry freight and provide consistent load availability for local, regional, and OTR drivers. Nearby trucking hubs include Memphis, TN (135 mi via I-40) and Dallas, TX (320 mi via I-30), giving you multiple directional options for outbound loads.
Where can I get CDL training near Little Rock?
CDL training facilities near Little Rock include Arkansas Trucking Academy and Diesel Driving Academy - Little Rock. Most CDL-A programs take 3-7 weeks to complete and cost $3,000-7,000. Some programs offer financing or payment plans. Once you have your CDL, apply with O Trucking and start driving within 48 hours — no weeks of mandatory orientation.
Do I need to live in Little Rock to drive here?
No — your CDL works in all 50 states, and many drivers based elsewhere run loads into and out of Little Rock. However, living near Little Rock gives you access to local routes (home nightly) and lets you build relationships with area shippers and receivers. Little Rock's cost of living is 14% below national average, which is worth factoring into your decision. If Little Rock isn't your home base, we can still match you with freight that routes through the area.
What equipment types are in demand in Little Rock?
The top equipment types for Little Rock are: Dry van, Flatbed, Reefer, Tanker. Dry van — retail distribution from Dillard's and regional DCs. The retail (walmart hq) sector drives specialized equipment demand. Tell us your equipment type and we'll show you what's available.
What's the truck parking situation in Little Rock?
Good availability on I-40 east of the city — Love's at Exit 159 (Lonoke) and Pilot at Exit 153. The TA at I-30 Exit 98 (Benton) works for southwest-bound staging. Parking near the port is private lot only. Diesel runs $0.08-0.12/gal below national average. Arkansas has among the lowest fuel taxes in the South. Best prices along I-40 east of the city.
Are there any truck route restrictions in Little Rock?
Trucks prohibited on Cantrell Road (AR-10) west of University Avenue. I-30 downtown has restricted lanes during peak hours. The Broadway Bridge across the Arkansas River has a 40-ton weight limit. Always check local signage for recent changes, especially in construction zones.
What's the weather like for trucking in Little Rock?
Ice storms in January-February are Little Rock's biggest weather hazard — the I-40 Arkansas River bridge gets shut down 3-5 times per winter. Summer heat (95°F+) and humidity are uncomfortable but manageable. Tornado season runs March-May. Plan your routes and schedule around these seasonal patterns for the best experience driving out of Little Rock.
Need dispatch services in Little Rock? See our dry van dispatch or browse reefer, flatbed, and more equipment types.
Start Driving in Little Rock
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