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SC — 2026 Rankings

Best Trucking Companies in South Carolina

9 top-ranked carriers hiring in South Carolina. Compare pay, hiring status, and find the right fit for your driving career.

South Carolina Trucking Market Overview

South Carolina's trucking market is booming thanks to the Port of Charleston, which has invested heavily in infrastructure and is now one of the deepest harbors on the East Coast. BMW's Spartanburg plant is the largest BMW factory in the world, and Boeing, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz Vans all have major SC manufacturing facilities. The I-85 corridor from Greenville-Spartanburg to Charlotte and I-95 through the Lowcountry create strong freight lanes.

Top 9 Companies in South Carolina

1

SEFL is headquartered in Lexington, SC, and their home-state operations offer the best LTL coverage and company culture in the region.

Avg: $68,000/yrBest for: Regional LTL
2

ODFL's South Carolina terminals serve the Port of Charleston and inland distribution with premium LTL pay.

Avg: $76,000/yrBest for: Premium LTL
3

FedEx Freight's SC operations handle Port of Charleston freight and regional distribution with strong LTL positions.

Avg: $72,000/yrBest for: Priority freight
4

Schneider runs intermodal and dedicated freight through the Port of Charleston corridor and BMW's Spartanburg plant.

Avg: $66,000/yrBest for: Intermodal
5
Saia Inc.Hiring

Saia's expanding SC terminal network serves the state's growing distribution sector with competitive LTL rates.

Avg: $68,000/yrBest for: LTL drivers
6

Averitt provides Southeast LTL and truckload service throughout SC with a culture drivers consistently praise.

Avg: $64,000/yrBest for: Family-friendly
7

Knight-Swift covers SC's I-85 and I-95 corridors with OTR and regional positions for drivers at all experience levels.

Avg: $63,000/yrBest for: New drivers
8

Estes' SC terminals offer competitive LTL pay with ESOP ownership benefits and dock-to-driver career development.

Avg: $72,000/yrBest for: ESOP benefits
9

Ryder manages dedicated fleet contracts for SC's BMW, Boeing, and Volvo manufacturing operations.

Avg: $68,000/yrBest for: Automotive dedicated

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Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in South Carolina

What is the best trucking company to work for in South Carolina?

Based on our 2026 rankings, Southeastern Freight Lines ranks #1 in South Carolina with an average pay of $68,000 per year. They earned the top spot because sefl is headquartered in lexington, sc, and their home-state operations offer the best ltl coverage and company culture in the region. The best choice for you depends on your experience level, preferred driving type, and home time needs.

How much do truck drivers make in South Carolina?

Pay varies by carrier and position type. Among the top companies in South Carolina, average pay ranges from $68,000 to $68,000 per year for company drivers. Owner-operators and specialized drivers (tanker, HazMat) can earn significantly more. The state's top industries — Port & Drayage (Charleston), Automotive Manufacturing (BMW, Volvo), Aerospace (Boeing) — influence which types of driving pay the most.

Which trucking companies are hiring in South Carolina right now?

As of 2026, Southeastern Freight Lines, Knight-Swift Transportation are all actively hiring in South Carolina. 6 additional companies are also hiring at a steady pace. Companies marked as "Selective" are hiring but have stricter experience requirements.