Little Rock, Arkansas – A new round of funding aimed at improving highway safety for commercial trucking is now open in Arkansas, giving organizations an opportunity to support programs that protect both drivers and the public. State officials announced that applications for the Arkansas Commercial Truck Safety and Education Program, known as ACTSEP, became available starting February 17.
The grant initiative is overseen by the Arkansas State Highway Commission and is designed to strengthen safety across the state’s transportation network. Through ACTSEP, funding is awarded to cooperative public and private programs that focus on enforcement efforts, compliance with regulations, industry training, and education campaigns aimed at reducing risks on highways.
At its core, the program reflects a long-standing partnership between government agencies and the trucking industry. ACTSEP was the first initiative in Arkansas to bring together industry stakeholders and the Arkansas Department of Transportation in a coordinated effort to improve commercial truck safety. Officials say that collaboration remains central to the program’s success.
Each year, approximately $2 million is collected to support ACTSEP grants. The funding comes from a 15 percent additional registration fee applied to certain commercial trucks operating in Arkansas and engaged in interstate commerce. State leaders emphasize that these funds are restricted by law and can only be used for safety and educational purposes related to trucking.
The program’s goals extend beyond enforcement alone. By supporting training sessions, awareness campaigns, and compliance initiatives, ACTSEP aims to create safer road conditions while helping trucking companies better understand regulatory requirements. In turn, officials say, this reduces accidents, protects cargo movement, and strengthens the reliability of Arkansas highways as key freight corridors.
Organizations interested in applying can access the application materials online through the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s official website. The deadline for submissions is set for 4 p.m. on April 30, giving applicants a little over two months to prepare proposals.
Transportation officials note that past ACTSEP-funded projects have included driver education programs, law enforcement training, and safety outreach efforts targeting both trucking professionals and the general public. These initiatives, they say, have played a meaningful role in promoting safer practices across the state’s busy highway system.
As Arkansas continues to rely heavily on commercial trucking to move goods and support economic activity, leaders view programs like ACTSEP as a critical investment in both safety and efficiency — ensuring that commerce flows smoothly while protecting everyone who shares the road.
