Skip to main content

Trucking in South Carolina

Owner-operator guide for South Carolina (SC) — rates, freight volume, regulations, top shippers, and everything you need to run profitable lanes through the Columbia state.

Quick Stats

Freight Volume

high

O-O Friendly

7/10

Fuel Tax

28.75 c/gal

Parking

moderate

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/Mile
Dry Van$2.35
Reefer$2.65
Flatbed$2.90

Key Highways

I-85I-26I-95I-77I-20

These corridors connect South Carolina's major freight cities: Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg. Knowing these routes is essential for planning efficient loads in and out of the state.

Top Industries

1Automotive (BMW/Volvo)
2Port logistics
3Agriculture
4Tourism
5Manufacturing

Top Shippers

Port of Charleston

BMW (Greer)

Volvo (Ridgeville)

Amazon CAE1

Michelin

Trucking Regulations

  • Port of Charleston booming — drayage demand high
  • BMW/Volvo create year-round auto parts freight
  • I-85 Greenville/Spartanburg manufacturing hub
  • Hurricane season affects coastal loads

Toll Roads & Winter Conditions

Toll Information

Southern Connector toll; Cross Island Parkway

Winter Conditions

Mild; rare ice storms; hurricane season on coast

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in South Carolina

In South Carolina, dry van rates average $2.35/mile, reefer rates average $2.65/mile, and flatbed rates average $2.90/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.
South Carolina scores 7/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has high freight volume with moderate truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Automotive (BMW/Volvo), Port logistics, Agriculture.
Key trucking regulations in South Carolina include: Port of Charleston booming — drayage demand high. BMW/Volvo create year-round auto parts freight. I-85 Greenville/Spartanburg manufacturing hub. Hurricane season affects coastal loads. The state fuel tax rate is 28.75 cents per gallon.
The major freight highways in South Carolina are I-85, I-26, I-95, I-77, I-20. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg. Southern Connector toll; Cross Island Parkway.