Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Logistics Partner Since 1975
Founded in 1975, Cal-Ark has built its reputation on honesty, integrity, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Starting as a Dry-Van Truckload carrier, we expanded our services to provide comprehensive transportation solutions across the lower 48 states and Mexico. Our driver-centric culture, fostered by founder Tom Bartholomews hands-on leadership, has resulted in exceptional employee retention and industry recognition. With over 650,000 square feet of warehousing capacity and a fleet of late-model equipment, we combine technological innovation with personalized service.Our safety-first approach, featuring advanced driver training and real-time load tracking, ensures reliable deliveries while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Decades of experience in truckload transportation, local delivery, and logistics management position us as a trusted partner for businesses requiring consistent, cost-effective solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Services
Truckload Transportation
Warehousing
Local Delivery
Equipment Leasing
Safety Training
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- 45+ years of experience in truckload transportation and logistics
- Family-oriented culture with industry-leading driver retention rates
- Advanced safety training program reduces accidents and insurance costs
- Real-time load tracking through WebNTransit technology platform
- Strategically located 650,000 sq ft warehousing facility in Little Rock, AR
What people say
Strong camaraderie
Excellent safety program
Reliable delivery
Owner accessibility
Technological innovation
Services
Truckload Transportation
Our dry van truckload services cover the continental United States and Mexico with door-to-door delivery capabilities. Operating over 600 late-model tractors and 2,200 high-cube trailers, we specialize in irregular route general commodities transport. Real-time tracking through WebNTransit ensures complete shipment visibility while our safety-first approach minimizes disruptions and maintains insurance cost efficiency.
Warehousing
Cal-Ark's 650,000 sq ft Arkansas facility offers dry and temperature-controlled storage with 97 dock doors and 80 trailer parking positions. Our WMS system enables precise inventory management while value-added services include cross-docking, kitting, and pool distribution. Strategically located near major transportation corridors, our warehouse supports efficient distribution to expanding markets in the US and Mexico.
Local Delivery
Specializing in LTL deliveries within 300-mile radiuses of distribution centers, our local delivery division handles routed and ad-hoc freight requirements. Equipped with advanced notification systems, we provide proactive updates and industry-leading visibility. Services include white glove handling, residential deliveries, and pool distribution with the same operational excellence as our long-haul operations.
Equipment Leasing
Through Arkansas Equipment Leasing, we offer lease-to-purchase options for independent contractors seeking quality transportation assets. Our fleet features 53' swing-door trailers with air ride suspension and aluminum roofs. No down payment or balloon payments required (with approval), supporting owner-operators looking to establish or expand their business.
Safety Training
Our comprehensive safety program emphasizes defensive driving techniques and accident prevention strategies. Company-wide safety initiatives reduce operational risks while improving insurance premiums and retention rates. Training covers regulatory compliance, equipment inspection, and hazard mitigation, ensuring drivers meet our high standards for responsible commercial vehicle operation.
People
Tom Bartholomew
Owner
Founder of Cal-Ark with over 50 years in the trucking industry. Maintains an open-door policy and actively engages with drivers. His leadership established the company's core values of integrity and customer focus.
Michael Jernigan
CFO & President
Leads financial operations and strategic direction while upholding Cal-Ark's commitment to driver satisfaction and technological innovation. Works closely with founder Tom Bartholomew to maintain company values during growth phases.
Questions
What regions does CalArk serve?
We provide truckload transportation services throughout the continental United States and Mexico, with specialized routes from Texas hubs.
Do you offer warehousing solutions?
Yes, our 650,000 sq ft Arkansas facility provides dry and temperature-controlled storage with comprehensive logistics support services.
What driver benefits do you provide?
Competitive pay packages include medical insurance, 401(k) plans, sign-on bonuses, and no-violation inspection incentives.
How can I track shipments?
Our WebNTransit portal offers real-time load tracking with automated alerts for shipment status updates.
Are equipment leasing options available?
Yes, Arkansas Equipment Leasing offers no-down-payment lease-to-purchase arrangements for qualified independent contractors.
What safety programs do you have?
We maintain a top-down safety culture with defensive driving training, accident prevention initiatives, and advanced vehicle safety technologies.
