CDL Schools in Arkansas (2026): FMCSA TPR-Registered Providers Directory
Last verified: 2026-04-20 against the FMCSA TPR. Neutral directory per CDL Editorial Policy.
Arkansas is one of the most trucking-concentrated states in the U.S. — Walmart Private Fleet (HQ Bentonville), J.B. Hunt (HQ Lowell), ABF Freight (HQ Fort Smith), Maverick Transportation (HQ Little Rock) all recruit heavily in-state.3 State median $52,120 (23,080 drivers). ELDT at 49 CFR §380 Subpart F requires TPR-registered training.12
Key Takeaways
- TPR search:
https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/→ State = Arkansas. - Typical AR tuition (2026): CC $1,500–$4,500; private $3,000–$7,000; company-sponsored $0 + 8–12 mo tenure.
- AR CDL agency: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) — Driver Services.
- Private career school oversight: Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education.
Provider Categories
Community colleges
- Pulaski Technical College (UA-PTC) — Little Rock.
- Arkansas State University-Mountain Home.
- National Park College — Hot Springs.
- Northwest Arkansas Community College — Bentonville/Rogers.
- University of Arkansas Community College at Hope.
Tuition $1,500–$4,500.
Private CDL schools
- 160 Driving Academy — AR campuses.
- Road Warrior CDL Training — regional.
Tuition $3,000–$7,000.
Company-sponsored programs
- J.B. Hunt Transport Services (HQ Lowell, AR) — multiple training pipelines.
- Walmart Private Fleet (HQ Bentonville) — hires experienced drivers; some CDL training partnerships.
- Maverick Transportation (HQ Little Rock) — flatbed specialty training.
- ABF Freight / ArcBest (HQ Fort Smith) — Teamster LTL career path.
- Prime Inc., Schneider, CR England — AR residents.
Endorsement-only upgrades
TPR-registered H/P/S theory; see Hazmat (H) endorsement guide.
Costs + Earnings
CC $1,500–$4,500 / private $3,000–$7,000. State median $52,120.3 Walmart PF + ABF Teamster experienced drivers exceed $95k. Full pay: Truck Driver Salary in Arkansas.
Arkansas CDL Licensing
FAQs
How much does CDL school cost in Arkansas in 2026? CC $1,500–$4,500; private $3,000–$7,000; company-sponsored $0 + 8–12 month tenure.
Does Walmart Private Fleet hire new CDL graduates? Walmart PF (HQ Bentonville) typically requires 24+ months of experience before hire. The common path is CDL school → 1–2 years at a starter carrier → apply to Walmart PF once tenure threshold is met.
Is Arkansas the best state for trucking career access? Arkansas has arguably the highest per-capita concentration of major trucking-carrier headquarters in the U.S. For driver career progression, it's hard to beat.
Who licenses Arkansas private CDL schools? Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education.
Sources
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FMCSA TPR. https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ ↩
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FMCSA 49 CFR §380 Subpart F. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-380/subpart-F ↩
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BLS OEWS Arkansas, May 2024. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ar.htm ↩↩
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Arkansas DFA Driver Services. https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/driver-services/ ↩