Landstar System
$150,000 - $300,000+ gross (owner-operators)OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
High Demand
Owner Operator Jobs in South Carolina
Browse owner-op trucking positions across South Carolina with top carriers hiring now.
Average Pay
$145,000 - $291,000+ gross
Demand Level
High
Top Carriers
5+ Hiring
Key Cities
5+ Markets
Owner-Op Trucking in South Carolina
South Carolina offers owner-operators strong freight diversity with automotive, retail, and agricultural loads available year-round. Lower operating costs compared to the Northeast help maximize net income. The market for independent operators in South Carolina is high, with multiple freight brokers and load boards showing strong load availability.
Top Companies Hiring Owner-Op Drivers in SC
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Mercer Transportation
$150,000 - $280,000+ gross (owner-operators)OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
Roadrunner Transportation
$58,000 - $88,000OTR, Regional, LTL, Owner-Operator
Schneider National
$50,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Tanker, Intermodal
Heartland Express
$55,000 - $80,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated
Top Cities for Owner-Op Jobs in South Carolina
Florence
South Carolina
Charleston
South Carolina
Columbia
South Carolina
Greer
South Carolina
Greenville
South Carolina
Key Freight Routes in South Carolina
1
I-85 (Greenville-Spartanburg to Charlotte)
2
I-26 (Charleston to Columbia to Spartanburg)
3
I-95 (coastal corridor)
Requirements for Owner-Op Driving in SC
- Valid CDL-A license with 2+ years verifiable experience
- Own or lease a truck meeting carrier/DOT specifications
- Active motor carrier authority (MC number) or willingness to lease onto a carrier
- Current IFTA registration and fuel tax compliance
- Commercial auto liability insurance ($1M minimum for most carriers)
- Clean CSA scores and satisfactory safety rating
Start Your Owner-Op Driving Career in South Carolina
Submit your application and get matched with companies hiring owner-op drivers in SC.
Owner-Op Trucking Jobs in South Carolina — FAQs
How much do owner-op truck drivers make in South Carolina?
Owner-Op truck drivers in South Carolina earn $145,000 - $291,000+ gross annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and carrier. While base pay in South Carolina is near the national average, the lower cost of living means take-home pay stretches further than in coastal states. Sign-on bonuses of $3,000 to $15,000 are common at major carriers actively hiring in SC.
Is South Carolina a good state to base an owner-operator business?
South Carolina offers high freight volumes for owner-operators, with balanced inbound and outbound freight that minimizes deadhead miles. Operating costs including fuel, permits, and insurance should be factored against the state's load-to-truck ratio when choosing a home base.
Are trucking companies in South Carolina hiring owner-op drivers in 2026?
Yes — owner-op driver demand in South Carolina is high heading into 2026. Carriers operating in South Carolina are actively recruiting owner-op drivers with competitive pay packages and benefits to fill open positions. Check individual carrier listings for current openings and application requirements in SC.