After evaluating Arkansas Drayage companies based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, Cal-Ark International, Inc. is our choice for the most reliable port-to-warehouse service.
If you’re a logistics provider, retailer, or manufacturer, explore our list of the top Drayage trucking companies to find the right one for your supply chain needs.
Top Drayage Trucking Companies in Arkansas
Why Trust FreightWaves Ratings?
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 trucking companies in Arkansas. Every Arkansas trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies’ safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.
From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies in Arkansas for your commercial shipping needs.
Cal-Ark International, Inc.
12103 Interstate 30, Mablevale, AR, 72103- Fleet age: late models
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Pneumatic
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Cal-Ark International, Inc. (DOT: 546354) is a reputable trucking company based in Arkansas with a robust fleet of 541 trucks. Specializing in Dry-Van Truckload transport, this company effectively manages a wide range of cargo types including beverages, building materials, chemicals, construction materials, general freight, household goods, machinery, metal sheets, and paper products.
Cal-Ark offers specialized support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, cross-docking, and drayage services. They also accommodate team and regional drivers while providing various employee benefits like health insurance, a retirement plan, and a truck lease purchase program. The company emphasizes safety with satisfactory ratings and additional safety measures, making it an excellent choice for businesses seeking reliable and comprehensive freight services.
Safety
- Crashes: 71
- Unsafe driving: 1.2
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.52
- Controlled substances: 0.04
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 497
- Revenue: $983,000
- Miles driven: 5,505,652
D.B. Schenker
3200 Industrial Park Road, Van Buren, AR, 72956- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Insurance: $3,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
D.B. Schenker (DOT: 213754) is a comprehensive trucking company that has been serving interstate customers since 1980. With a fleet size of over 6,122 units and 3,061 trucks, the company is well-equipped to handle a wide range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, garbage/refuse, and general freight. D.B. Schenker also provides specialized services such as hazardous materials transport and cross-border shipments, making it versatile for various commercial needs.
The company places a strong emphasis on driver safety and offers dedicated routes along with dry bulk commodities and container transport. Additionally, they support their operations with cross-docking facilities and managed transportation services, ensuring efficient logistics and timely delivery. D.B. Schenker also offers various employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement plans, making it a robust choice for businesses seeking reliable and comprehensive shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 149
- Unsafe driving: 0.92
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.02
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 11
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1899
- Revenue: $43,592,000
- Miles driven: 164,000,000
R L Smith Trucking, LLC
4301 West Barraque, Pine Bluff, AR, 71602- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
R L Smith Trucking, LLC (DOT: 258275) is a reputable freight trucking company established in 1977 based in Arkansas. This company handles a wide range of cargo including building materials, commodities, dry bulk, general freight, metals (sheets, coils, rolls), construction materials, and paper products. They have a satisfactory safety rating and operate a versatile fleet with specialized equipment including tankers, flatbeds, and dry vans.
R L Smith Trucking, LLC offers several notable services and support for commercial shipment, such as dedicated routes, power only, drayage, and cross-border transportation. They cater to both regional and over-the-road clients with specialized drivers for hazmat and reefer cargo. Additional commercial support includes driver wellness programs, direct deposit, retirement plans, comprehensive insurance options, and roadside assistance. Their commitment to safety and customer service makes them a reliable choice for businesses seeking efficient and secure shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 3.59
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.67
- Vehicle maintenance: 10.22
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 14
- Revenue: $783
- Miles driven: 1,438,857
George’s Farms, Inc.
402 West Robinson Ave, Springdale, AR, 72764- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Unsatisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Livestock feed
- Livestock
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
George’s Farms, Inc. (DOT: 333647) is a long-standing trucking company featuring specialized and flexible shipping solutions. Their extensive operations are supported by a robust fleet of 50 trucks and include services such as general freight, refrigerated foods, grain, feed, hay, livestock, and more. Despite a noted unsatisfactory safety rating, George’s Farms emphasizes flexible scheduling options and guaranteed home time, appealing to both customers and drivers.
George’s Farms provides several notable services tailored to commercial shipments, such as cross-border transportation, dry van, flatbed, and drayage. Additionally, the company supports specialized drivers and teams, ensuring efficient cargo handling and expedited delivery. They also offer extensive employee benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and comprehensive retirement plans, making them a reliable partner for your shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.42
- Driver fitness: 3.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 31
- Revenue: $12,317
- Miles driven: 461,204
Central Hauling Co
12103 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR, 72209- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Central Hauling Co (DOT: 740036) is a distinguished trucking company that has been operational for over 26 years in Arkansas. The company boasts a substantial fleet size of 206 vehicles and 103 drivers, demonstrating its capacity to handle significant logistical demands. Central Hauling Co specializes in general freight, machinery large objects, paper products, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, and beverages. Their versatility extends to flatbed, box truck, dry van, container, and drayage operations, ensuring a broad array of shipping options for business owners.
Central Hauling Co supports commercial shipments with critical services such as dedicated routes, power-only transport, and expedited driving. They also hold certifications to handle hazardous materials, with specialized hazardous material drivers. Additional highlights include a strong focus on driver well-being with benefits like health, dental, and life insurance, guaranteed home time, paid time off, flexible scheduling, and retirement plans. Their commitment to safety and high service standards makes them a reliable partner for business owners looking to ship their products efficiently and securely.
Safety
- Crashes: 14
- Unsafe driving: 3.22
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.11
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 103
- Miles driven: 10,900,000
Glory Transportation, Inc.
6601 S Ball Street, Fayetteville, AR, 72704- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
Glory Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 224200) is a reputable trucking company founded in 1997, based in Arkansas, with a fleet size of over 50 trucks and 40 trailers. Specializing in refrigerated transportation, they handle a diverse range of cargo, including fresh produce, meat, paper products, and general freight. Their focus on safety is evident from a satisfactory safety rating and zero reported crash injuries or fatalities, further supported by safety bonuses for drivers. The company places a strong emphasis on expedited and specialized transportation services.
Glory Transportation provides significant support for commercial shipments with dedicated routes, cross-border services, and lift gate support. Their comprehensive health and retirement benefits, including health and dental insurance, emphasize employee well-being. Additionally, they offer sign-on bonuses, roadside assistance programs, and paid time off, demonstrating their commitment to driver satisfaction and retention. With an average fleet age of just 5 years, Glory Transportation ensures reliability and efficiency in delivering top-notch trucking services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.72
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.35
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.62
- Controlled substances: 0.5
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 19
- Revenue: $7,947
- Miles driven: 1,766,184
Oakley Trucking, Inc.
3400 Gribble Street, North Little Rock, AR, 72114- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Coal coke
- Dry bulk commodities
- Trash
- Livestock feed
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Hopper bottom
- Oversized
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Oakley Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 3259) is a reputable trucking company established in 1968 and based in Arkansas. With a fleet size of 20 to 49 trucks, Oakley specializes in transporting a variety of cargo including coal, dry bulk commodities, garbage, grain, and metal sheets. The company is active in hauling hazardous materials, supported by dedicated hazmat drivers, and offers specialized trucking services such as flatbed and hopper bottom transport.
Oakley Trucking provides multiple supportive features for commercial shipments. These include dedicated routes, a sign-on bonus, direct deposit, per diem payments, retirement plans (401k), and guaranteed home time for drivers. They also support owner-operators and provide deadhead detention and layover compensation. Despite some reports of crashes, their trucking operations maintain a satisfactory safety rating, ensuring reliability and efficiency for businesses looking to ship their products.
Safety
- Crashes: 55
- Unsafe driving: 1.45
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.14
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 15
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 920
- Revenue: $10,927,000
- Miles driven: 81,100,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Arkansas
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Compliance, Safety & Accountability (CSA) program evaluates trucking companies using BASICS (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories)
Here’s a look at what each of the BASICS cover:
- Crashes: Trucking companies are required to report any accidents that result in injury or death. The FMSCA uses these state-reported crashes to determine any patterns of crash involvement and potential behaviors contributing to that pattern.
- Unsafe driving: This CSA category covers behaviors like texting and speeding that can lead to accidents
- Driver fitness: The FMCSA requires trucking companies to keep up-to-date records on their drivers. That includes identification and paperwork like CDLs, annual driving reviews, and any relevant medical certifications or documentation. Violations of this category will result in lower overall safety scores.
- Hours-of-service compliance: The FMCSA cites truckers and trucking companies that do not follow or enforce hours-of-service regulations that limit how much time a large commercial vehicle operator can be on the road without rest.
- Vehicle maintenance: Truckers are responsible for completing inspections before hitting the road on a route. They must also log any issues and have repairs to those identified problems completed before operating the truck.
- Controlled substances: As with all vehicle operators, truckers must be sober behind the wheel. This category accounts for violations issued to a trucking company’s driver(s) for being under the influence of or in possession of alcohol and street drugs or prescriptionor over-the-counter medicines that could impair judgement.
- Hazardous materials violations: Trucking companies and their drivers must exhibit proper loading and handling of hazardous materials, including labeling these items correctly, ensuring packaging meets regulations, and follows all restrictions and rules for the vehicle type.
Companies scoring a zero for any or all of the above categories did not receive any citations or other violations within a given month. Essentially, any trucking company that has multiple zeroes in these categories can likely be considered a safe freight shipper in compliance with all FMCSA standards and regulatory requirement.
Choosing the Right Arkansas Drayage Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Here’s how to find dependable Drayage services for short-haul moves:
- Proximity to ports and rail yards: Select a Drayage provider close to key terminals in Arkansas to minimize transit times and costs.
- Importing/exporting experience: Arkansas carriers that specialize in Drayage understand how to navigate port processes and reduce potential delays.
- Fleet capacity and availability: A carrier with a sufficient fleet of well-maintained trucks will be better-eqipped to handle fluctuating shipment volumes.
- Real-time tracking: Opt for Arkansas Drayage companies with GPS and tracking tools for better visibility into shipment locations and statuses.
- Compliance and safety standards: Ensure the company meets all FMCSA safety and regulatory requirements for port-related trucking.
- Efficient communication: Reliable customer service is key, particularly for urgent deliveries or high-volume Drayage needs.
FAQs: Arkansas Drayage Trucking Companies
What role does Drayage play in the shipping process for Arkansas businesses?
Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For Arkansas businesses, it acts as a vital link between large-scale transportation and local warehousing or distribution.
How does Drayage help streamline intermodal shipping?
Drayage is essential in intermodal shipping because it facilitates the transfer of goods between various transportation modes, such as rail to truck. It minimizes handling times, which in turn improves delivery efficiency and reduces overall shipping costs.
What types of goods are typically handled in Drayage shipping?
Drayage shipping typically handles containerized goods, including consumer products, machinery, electronics, and imported materials. These goods are transported from ports or rail hubs to warehouses or distribution points for further processing or delivery.
