Arkansas's commercial transportation sector: Walmart headquarters logistics, poultry industry, I-40 corridor. 32,000+ heavy truck drivers serve the state.
32,000+
CDL Drivers
$48B
Freight Value
3.5%
Growth Rate
12%
Hispanic Workforce
| City | Drivers | Growth | Industry Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | 10,000+ | 3.2%/yr | Distribution hub, state capital |
| Bentonville/NW AR | 8,000+ | 6.8%/yr | Walmart/retail logistics |
| Fort Smith | 5,000+ | 3.0%/yr | Manufacturing, Oklahoma border |
| Jonesboro | 4,000+ | 3.5%/yr | Agricultural transport |
Average costs by metro area and program type
| Metro | Private School | Community College | Sponsored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | $2,500-$5,500 | $1,200-$3,000 | $0 (2-yr contract) |
| NW Arkansas | $3,000-$6,000 | $1,200-$3,500 | Walmart vendor programs |
| Fort Smith | $2,000-$5,000 | $1,000-$3,000 | $0 (2-yr contract) |
Arkansas Workforce Centers provide WIOA funding for CDL training.
Arkansas has 200,000+ veterans. Fort Chaffee area has VA-approved programs.
Free tuition for qualifying certificate programs at community colleges.
Administered by Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA)
Walmart HQ in Bentonville creates massive vendor compliance requirements
Poultry industry (Tyson, JBS) requires refrigerated transport and live animal haul training
I-40 corridor connects Memphis to Oklahoma City with high commercial traffic
Mississippi River barge-to-truck intermodal in eastern Arkansas
32,000+ drivers. 3.5% annual growth. Zero upfront investment.
“NW Arkansas retail logistics boom is incredible. Walmart vendors need compliant drivers fast. Revenue: $9,500/month.”
— Mark Davis, Razorback CDL Training
Compare DOT compliance requirements and training costs in states bordering Arkansas.
55,000+ drivers · 3.5% growth
Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR)
50,000+ drivers · 5.0% growth
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
28,000+ drivers · 3.0% growth
Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS)
40,000+ drivers · 3.5% growth
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV)
195,000+ drivers · 5.2% growth
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
35,000+ drivers · 3.2% growth
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS)