Hot Shot Driver Jobs in Arkansas (January 2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

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There's a reason we're one of the world's leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.

We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best Hot Shot trucking jobs in Arkansas. All 4 Hot Shot trucking companies are closely scrutinized based on their service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies' safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real employees have to say about their experience.

From there, we narrow the field to the strongest, highest-rated employers so you get a timely, well-informed list of the best Hot Shot trucking companies to work for in Arkansas.

Silica Transport, Inc.

232 West Market Street, Guion, AR, 72540
  • Salary range: $55,000-$70,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 30
  • Drivers: 40
  • Revenue: $604
  • Miles driven: 1,905,159 (2024)


Silica Transport, Inc. (DOT: 11284) operates out of Guion, Arkansas. Since their exact founding year is not specified, this carrier has established itself with a diverse transportation portfolio carrying building materials, dry bulk commodities, general freight, liquids/gases, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber. They primarily hire drivers for flatbed, dry van, hopper bottom, and tanker operations, offering opportunities for both regional and over-the-road (OTR) service types.

Silica Transport, Inc. offers competitive driver packages, including sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and pay advances. Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance, dental coverage, PTO, per diem pay, and safety bonuses. They also offer a 401(k) retirement plan and emphasize flexible scheduling, dedicated routes, and guaranteed home time to enhance work-life balance. The company's recruitment strategy is bolstered by the availability of a truck lease purchase program and new driver programs, catering to a broad range of professionals in the trucking industry.

With an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.5, Silica Transport, Inc. receives generally positive feedback. Employees appreciate the competitive compensation and benefits, as well as the supportive company culture. However, some negative feedback mentions room for improvement in certain organizational aspects. Nonetheless, the company's strong emphasis on driver satisfaction is evident, contributing to its reputable standing within the trucking industry.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 2.16
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.77
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 3
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ABF Freight System, Inc.

3801 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, AR, 72903
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 4604
  • Drivers: 6667
  • Revenue: $49,963,000
  • Miles driven: 313,000,000 (2024)

ABF Freight System, Inc. (DOT: 82866) was founded in 1935 and is located in Arkansas with a substantial presence in the logistics and supply chain industry. The company specializes in carrying a range of cargo, including building materials, chemicals, intermodal containers, liquids/gases, and paper products. ABF Freight primarily hires regional, local, and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, offering team driving opportunities. Their fleet is notable for its significant size, operating over 4,600 trucks and more than 9,200 total units.

ABF Freight System, Inc. provides numerous benefits to its employees, reflecting their commitment to driver satisfaction and retention. They offer comprehensive health insurance, covering medical, dental, and vision. The company also provides life insurance, flexible scheduling, deadhead detention/layover compensation, tuition reimbursement, ongoing training and development programs, and paid CDL training. Furthermore, drivers are assured of guaranteed home time, an attractive perk in the industry.

While scores from platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor are unavailable, insights from these sites suggest a positive work environment with commendable job security, strong advancement opportunities, and a satisfactory balance between work demands and personal life. However, some employees have voiced concerns about the organizational aspects of route assignments and the promised home time not always being fulfilled. Overall, employee feedback tends to highlight the generous benefits as a major positive.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 336
  • Unsafe driving: 0.78
  • Driver fitness: 0.02
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.43
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 48
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Lentz Carrier Company, LLC

194 Sardis Road, Morrilton, AR, 72110
  • Salary range: 50,000-70,000 USD
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 29
  • Drivers: 16
  • Miles driven: 1,434,705 (2024)

Lentz Carrier Company, LLC (DOT: 700049) is based in Arkansas and has been operating since the date of its DOT registration. As a reputable carrier, the company supports a diverse range of freight categories, transporting goods such as agricultural supplies, building materials, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, machinery, and oilfield equipment. Lentz Carrier employs various driver types, including flatbed, tanker, and specialized drivers, and offers opportunities for regional, local, OTR, and dedicated routes.

Lentz Carrier provides competitive benefits to its drivers, such as a sign-on bonus and safety bonuses. They emphasize health and wellbeing, offering comprehensive health insurance and vision coverage. Additionally, the company supports employee growth with tuition reimbursement, ongoing training and development programs, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Employees are assured guaranteed home time and layover compensation, making Lentz a supportive environment for those balancing life on and off the road.

While specific ratings from Glassdoor and Indeed are not available, Lentz Carrier Company is regarded positively by its drivers, particularly for its compensation packages, benefits, and structured routes. However, potential improvements could be made in offering a better balance between work and home life, as well as more frequent and flexible scheduling options. Overall, Lentz Carrier Company provides a solid foundation for drivers seeking stability and growth in their careers.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 1.38
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.83
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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ART Transport, Inc.

5530 Alma Hwy, Van Buren, AR, 72956
  • Salary range: $60,000-$75,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 56
  • Drivers: 50
  • Revenue: $2,093
  • Miles driven: 5,413,126 (2024)

ART Transport, Inc. (DOT: 1058546) was established in 2005 and operates out of Arkansas as an interstate carrier. The company maintains a fleet of 56 trucks and specializes in transporting a comprehensive array of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, coal, coke, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, fresh produce, general freight, grain, feed, hay, meats, metals (sheets, coils, rolls), paper products, and refrigerated foods. They primarily hire over-the-road (OTR) drivers, flatbed drivers, and team drivers. The available positions include opportunities for owner-operators as well.

ART Transport, Inc. offers a competitive work environment with several benefits for its drivers and employees. These benefits include full health insurance coverage and vision coverage, paid time off, per diem payments, and a retirement plan with a 401(k) option. Drivers also enjoy guaranteed home time, safety bonuses, and deadhead or layover compensation. ART Transport, Inc. supports its employees with flexible scheduling and special access to rest stops and lounges.

While specific Glassdoor or Indeed ratings are unavailable for ART Transport, Inc., feedback from similar industry sources reflects positively on the competitive salary they provide, which ranges from $60,000 to $75,000. Common positive feedback often highlights ART's focus on driver satisfaction through guaranteed home time and fair compensation. On the other hand, any improvements suggested typically revolve around a desire for more structured training and development programs, as these are not currently offered. Despite these areas for growth, ART Transport, Inc. maintains a satisfactory safety rating and is well-regarded in the trucking community for its dedication to driver welfare.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Flatbed
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 5
  • Unsafe driving: 2.57
  • Driver fitness: 0.07
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.6
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.21
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Comparing Hot Shot Driver Jobs in Arkansas

Company Salary range Tuition reimbursement Paid CDL training
Silica Transport, Inc. $55,000-$70,000
ABF Freight System, Inc. N/A
Lentz Carrier Company, LLC 50,000-70,000 USD
ART Transport, Inc. $60,000-$75,000

FAQ

What do hot shot trucking jobs in Arkansas involve?

Hot shot trucking usually means running smaller, time-sensitive loads on a pickup and gooseneck or flatbed trailer. You move freight that has to be delivered quickly, often on short notice, for customers like construction crews, oilfield sites or equipment suppliers.

If you like staying busy, planning your own days and working with lighter equipment than a full semi, hot shot trucking in AR can be a comfortable fit.

Do you need a CDL for hot shot jobs in Arkansas?

Whether you need a CDL depends on the weight of your truck and trailer combination. Many hot shot setups in AR fall into Class A CDL territory because of the total weight. Smaller rigs may not require a CDL, but having one usually gives you more options and helps you qualify for better-paying loads.

How common are hot shot driving jobs in Arkansas?

Hot shot work makes up a smaller share of the trucking market in Arkansas. The state has 4 hot shot positions, and most fleets focus on other types of freight.

If you want this kind of work, you should target carriers and brokers that specialize in urgent or project-based loads.

Are hot shot loads in Arkansas mostly local or regional?

Most hot shot freight in Arkansas stays local or regional. Loads often move within a few hundred miles to support job sites, farms, shops and industrial customers. Longer runs do show up, but the core of hot shot work is shorter, time-sensitive routes that keep you moving and close to your customer base.

Are hot shot driving jobs with flexible schedules available in Arkansas?

Flexible scheduling is available across many trucking companies in Arkansas. A total of 15 employers list this benefit, which is more than the number of hot shot fleets. If you want both flexibility and hot shot freight, you may find strong options with larger carriers that operate several trailer types.

What kinds of companies run hot shot operations in Arkansas?

Hot shot work in Arkansas is often handled by very small fleets at this size. You are usually dealing with the owner or a single dispatcher, which keeps communication simple and decisions quick.

This setup tends to feel informal and flexible, but it also means fewer layers of support if something goes sideways.

What’s the hardest part of hot shot work in Arkansas?

The tricky part is that the freight can be unpredictable. One week in AR you may have quick, easy runs, and the next week you might be juggling odd pickup times, tight delivery windows and last-minute changes. If you stay organized and keep your communication tight, you’ll handle the chaos a lot better.

Types of Trucking Jobs Available in Arkansas

If you are considering different types of trucking jobs available in Arkansas, aside from Hot Shot, here are other top options:

Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall is a senior contributor at FreightWaves with nearly a decade of focused experience in the trucking, car shipping, and moving industries. His work focuses on breaking down complex logistics topics into clear, practical guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. Drawing on years of hands-on research and analysis at FreightWaves, Mike brings an insider’s perspective to every article, helping readers understand costs, processes, risks, and best practices across the transportation and relocation space.