Arkansas Commercial Truck Safety and Education Grant Program

The Arkansas Commercial Truck Safety and Education Program (ACTSEP) is administered by the Arkansas Department of Transportation through its Local Programs Division. The program was established under Act 1176 of 2013 to advance statewide roadway safety initiatives related to commercial trucking. The program reflects a collaborative effort between the state government and the trucking industry, representing one of the first structured partnerships of its kind in Arkansas aimed specifically at improving safety outcomes for commercial vehicle operations on public highways. The primary purpose of ACTSEP is to enhance the safety of the commercial trucking industry through coordinated public and private efforts. The program supports initiatives that focus on increasing enforcement activities, strengthening regulatory compliance, and delivering industry-specific training and educational programming. These efforts are designed to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods across Arkansas highways, recognizing the critical role of commercial transportation in the state’s economy. Funding for ACTSEP is derived from the first two million dollars collected annually from a fifteen percent registration fee increase applied to certain trucks operating in Arkansas under the International Registration Plan. These funds are restricted in use and may only be allocated toward activities that directly support truck safety and education. This includes programs that improve driver awareness, compliance with safety regulations, and enforcement capabilities related to commercial vehicle operations. The program is open to applicants proposing cooperative public-private initiatives aligned with ACTSEP’s mission. While specific eligibility categories are not explicitly detailed, the program’s structure suggests participation from entities involved in transportation safety, enforcement, training, and education. This may include government agencies, industry organizations, and other stakeholders capable of implementing safety-focused programs within the trucking sector. The application process is conducted through an online portal hosted by the Arkansas Department of Transportation. For the 2026 cycle, applications became available on February 17, 2026, and were required to be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time on April 30, 2026. Applicants were directed to access application materials via the official ACTSEP webpage and submit all required information by the stated deadline. No pre-application or letter of intent requirement was indicated. ACTSEP operates on a recurring annual cycle, with application periods typically opening in mid-February and closing at the end of April. As of the current cycle, the 2026 application period has concluded. Future cycles are expected to follow a similar timeline, with announcements made by the Arkansas State Highway Commission. For additional information or inquiries, applicants may contact the Local Programs Division via email at LocalPrograms@ardot.gov or by phone at (479) 360-7161.