Any person who, by lease or otherwise, permits the use of a motor vehicle by other than a carrier holding authority from the Arkansas Department of Transportation and who furnishes in connection therewith a driver, either directly or indirectly, or in any manner whatsoever exercises any control, or assumes any responsibility over the operation of the vehicle, during the period of the lease or other device, shall be deemed a motor carrier.
Ark. Code § 23-13-259