A large cargo ship sits in the harbor surrounded by towering cranes and other ships under a cloudy sky

    Little Rock Port Authority

    Arkansas
    Gulf

    Overview

    The Little Rock Port Authority operates the Port of Little Rock—recognized as America's Best Connected Inland Port—serving as a vital hub for intermodal transportation and industrial development in central Arkansas. Established in 1959 and operational since 1971, the port sits on the Arkansas River as a key node in the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, providing year-round access for barge traffic to the Gulf of Mexico. Encompassing a 2,600-acre industrial park, the port supports more than forty businesses and provides seamless logistic services through multiple modes of transport: waterway, rail, highway, and air. The Little Rock Port houses Foreign Trade Zone 14, enabling companies to efficiently manage international cargo and defer or reduce customs duties. Its two river terminals (including a slackwater harbor) and port-owned short-line railroad offer robust infrastructure, complemented by immediate access to major interstate highways and Class I railways. These assets make the Port of Little Rock a critical facilitator for regional and national trade, supporting economic growth and employment while connecting businesses to domestic and global markets.

    Facilities

    • Two river terminals (river port and slackwater harbor)
    • Port-owned short-line railroad (serving on-site businesses)
    • Foreign Trade Zone 14
    • Port warehouses
    • 2,600-acre industrial park with available sites and buildings
    • Immediate access to Interstates 30 and 40
    • Direct dual rail connection to Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe

    Operating Hours

    Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Individual terminal hours may vary.

    Shipping Lines

    Major carriers serving this port

    1
    Cargill Shipping
    2
    Logistics Management Systems
    3
    Gavilon
    4
    Watco Companies
    5
    Union Pacific Distribution Services