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Moderate Demand

Owner Operator Jobs in Arkansas

Browse owner-op trucking positions across Arkansas with top carriers hiring now.

Average Pay

$144,000 - $288,000+ gross

Demand Level

Moderate

Top Carriers

5+ Hiring

Key Cities

5+ Markets

Owner-Op Trucking in Arkansas

Arkansas is a strong market for owner-operators hauling petrochemical, agricultural, and port-related freight. The Gulf Coast's industrial base provides consistent freight volumes with competitive per-mile rates. The market for independent operators in Arkansas is moderate, with multiple freight brokers and load boards showing strong load availability.

Top Companies Hiring Owner-Op Drivers in AR

USA Truck (DB Schenker)

$50,000 - $75,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated
View Company

J.B. Hunt Transport Services

$55,000 - $95,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Intermodal, Local
View Company

Roadrunner Transportation

$58,000 - $88,000OTR, Regional, LTL, Owner-Operator
View Company

PAM Transport

$48,000 - $78,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Automotive
View Company

Landstar System

$150,000 - $300,000+ gross (owner-operators)OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
View Company

Top Cities for Owner-Op Jobs in Arkansas

Little Rock

Arkansas

Springdale

Arkansas

Bentonville

Arkansas

Fayetteville

Arkansas

Jonesboro

Arkansas

Key Freight Routes in Arkansas

1

I-40 (east-west through Little Rock)

2

I-30 (Little Rock to Dallas)

3

I-49 (Bentonville to Fort Smith)

Requirements for Owner-Op Driving in AR

  • Valid CDL-A license with 2+ years verifiable experience
  • Own or lease a truck meeting carrier/DOT specifications
  • Active motor carrier authority (MC number) or willingness to lease onto a carrier
  • Current IFTA registration and fuel tax compliance
  • Commercial auto liability insurance ($1M minimum for most carriers)
  • Clean CSA scores and satisfactory safety rating

Start Your Owner-Op Driving Career in Arkansas

Submit your application and get matched with companies hiring owner-op drivers in AR.

Owner-Op Trucking Jobs in Arkansas — FAQs

How much do owner-op truck drivers make in Arkansas?

Owner-Op truck drivers in Arkansas earn $144,000 - $288,000+ gross annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and carrier. While base pay in Arkansas is near the national average, the lower cost of living means take-home pay stretches further than in coastal states. Sign-on bonuses of $3,000 to $15,000 are common at major carriers actively hiring in AR.

Is Arkansas a good state to base an owner-operator business?

Arkansas offers moderate freight volumes for owner-operators, with balanced inbound and outbound freight that minimizes deadhead miles. Operating costs including fuel, permits, and insurance should be factored against the state's load-to-truck ratio when choosing a home base.

Are trucking companies in Arkansas hiring owner-op drivers in 2026?

Yes — owner-op driver demand in Arkansas is moderate heading into 2026. The owner-op segment in Arkansas is expanding, with carriers adding routes and increasing hiring as freight volumes grow. Check individual carrier listings for current openings and application requirements in AR.