Southeastern Freight Lines Review 2026

Pay, Benefits, Home Time & Driver Ratings

Founded 1950Lexington, SCFleet: 3,500+ tractors

Driver Rating

4/5 — Very Good

Annual Pay

$55,000 - $85,000

Solo CPM

Hourly: $22 - $30/hour (city); mileage-based for linehaul

Sign-On Bonus

Up to $5,000 (market-dependent)

Driver Rating

4/5 — Very Good

Southeastern Freight Lines Overview

Southeastern Freight Lines (SEFL) is a privately held LTL carrier that has built an exceptional reputation for service quality within its coverage area. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina, SEFL operates over 3,500 tractors from approximately 90 service centers serving the Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions.

SEFL consistently ranks at or near the top of LTL carriers for service quality within its footprint. The company has won numerous Mastio & Company quality awards and maintains one of the lowest claims ratios in the industry. This operational excellence creates a positive work environment where drivers take pride in their service standards.

As a privately held company, SEFL can take a long-term view of its operations without the pressure of quarterly earnings reports. The company offers a profit-sharing program, competitive pay, and a culture that values its employees. The main limitation is geographic — SEFL does not provide nationwide coverage, so positions are concentrated in the southeastern, central, and mid-Atlantic states.

Pay & Benefits

Solo CPM

Hourly: $22 - $30/hour (city); mileage-based for linehaul

Team CPM

N/A (LTL operations)

Annual Earnings

$55,000 - $85,000

Sign-On Bonus

Up to $5,000 (market-dependent)

Benefits Package

  • Health, dental, vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Profit sharing
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Employee assistance program
View full pay breakdown →

Equipment Used

Freightliner CascadiaVarious day cabs28' LTL pup trailers53' trailers

Home Time Policy

SEFL city drivers are home daily. Linehaul drivers are home daily or most nights. The company's regional footprint means linehaul runs are generally shorter than national carriers, resulting in better home time for overnight drivers.

Training Program

SEFL requires 1 year CDL-A experience and does not operate a CDL school. Dock-to-driver programs are available at some terminals. New hires complete orientation and LTL operations training.

Hiring Requirements

Minimum Age

21 years old

Minimum Experience

1 year CDL-A experience

CDL Required

Yes — CDL-A

Clean MVR Required

Yes

Endorsements

  • Doubles/triples endorsement preferred

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Consistently rated as one of the top LTL carriers for service quality
  • Profit sharing program adds to total compensation
  • Privately held company with long-term, employee-focused culture
  • Home daily for city drivers; strong home time for linehaul
  • Well-maintained equipment and strong safety programs

Cons

  • Limited geographic coverage — no presence in the western U.S. or far Northeast
  • Smaller terminal network means fewer position options compared to national carriers
  • Pay at some locations trails national LTL carriers like Old Dominion
  • Non-union with no collective bargaining for wages

Best For

Southeastern Freight Lines is recommended for:

  • Drivers in the Southeast wanting a top-quality regional LTL carrier
  • Those seeking profit sharing at a private company
  • LTL drivers who value service culture and pride in their work

Overall Driver Rating

4/5

Based on compiled driver feedback, industry reputation, and compensation analysis. Rating last updated March 2026.

Southeastern Freight Lines FAQs

What states does Southeastern Freight Lines serve?
SEFL serves the southeastern United States, parts of the Midwest, and the Mid-Atlantic region. Their coverage includes states from Texas to Virginia and from Florida to Indiana. They do not provide service to the far West, Pacific Northwest, or upper Northeast. Exact coverage can be confirmed on their service map.
How does SEFL compare to other LTL carriers?
SEFL is consistently rated as one of the top LTL carriers for service quality, competing with Old Dominion for the highest customer satisfaction scores. Pay is competitive but generally below Old Dominion and some national carriers. SEFL's advantages are its service-focused culture, profit sharing, and the benefits of working for a privately held, employee-focused company.
Does Southeastern Freight Lines offer profit sharing?
Yes, SEFL offers a profit-sharing program that distributes a portion of company profits to eligible employees. As a privately held company, SEFL's profit-sharing program reflects the company's commitment to sharing success with its workforce. This benefit can add meaningful value to total annual compensation.
How much do SEFL drivers make?
SEFL city drivers earn $22-$30/hour with annual earnings of $55,000-$72,000. Linehaul drivers earn mileage-based pay with annual earnings of $68,000-$85,000. Profit sharing adds additional value. Pay varies by terminal location and market conditions.
Is SEFL a good LTL company to work for?
SEFL is generally well-regarded by its drivers. The company's focus on service quality creates a positive work environment, and the profit-sharing program adds to compensation. The main limitation is geographic — if you live outside their coverage area, it's not an option. For drivers in the Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic, SEFL is one of the better regional LTL employers.

More About Southeastern Freight Lines

Southeastern Freight Lines Company Profile

Jobs, fleet size, and key info

Southeastern Freight Lines Pay Breakdown

Full salary, CPM, and benefits details

Southeastern Freight Lines Jobs in South Carolina

Openings and hiring info by state

Southeastern Freight Lines Jobs in Georgia

Openings and hiring info by state

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