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10 Best Trucking Companies in South Carolina

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Smith Dray Line as the best South Carolina trucking company for commerce shipments.

Depending on the size of your business and specific shipping needs, you may want to consider Smith Dray Line or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.

Why Trust FreightWaves Ratings?

There’s a reason we’re one of the world’s leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.

We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best trucking companies in South Carolina. Every South Carolina trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies’ safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.

From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies in South Carolina for your commercial shipping needs.

Smith Dray Line

320 Park Commerce Road, Greenville, SC, 29611
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory


Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Cross-border
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

Smith Dray Line (DOT: 122024) is a venerable trucking company established in 1911, based in South Carolina. With an active authority and a fleet of over 73 trucks, they specialize in handling various types of cargo, including household goods, hazardous materials, and dry van shipments. The company is well-regarded, maintaining a Google rating of 4.5 and an active presence on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor. They also offer cross-border transportation, ensuring broad service capabilities for different logistical needs.

Smith Dray Line provides essential commercial shipping support services such as drayage and full truckload options. Their fleet, consisting of flatbed and tanker trucks, is operated by skilled regional and OTR drivers. The company ensures the safety and satisfaction of its drivers with benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. Business owners can rely on Smith Dray Line’s robust experience and comprehensive service offerings for efficient and secure cargo transportation.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.57
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.75
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 59
  • Revenue: $5,557,000
  • Miles driven: 104,038

K&L Logistics, LLC

305 Garvey Circle, Columbia, SC, 29203
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • General
  • Liquids & gases
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery

K&L Logistics, LLC (DOT: 3261673) is a reputable logistics company operating out of South Carolina since 1979. With a total fleet size of 72 vehicles, they offer comprehensive services including full truckload (FTL), partial truckload (PTL), and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. The company handles a diverse range of cargo such as beverages, general freight, household goods, liquids and gases, and paper products.

K&L Logistics stands out for its dedication to driver wellness, providing benefits like health insurance, dental insurance, and paid time off. They ensure reliable service with a focus on safety, shown by their zero crash fatalities and injuries record. K&L Logistics supports various business owners by offering specialized services like regional and local drivers, dry van, and flatbed transportation, making them a versatile choice for commercial shipments.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
  • Drivers: 40
  • Revenue: $4,313,000
  • Miles driven: 50

Jack Gallman Trucking

4508 Saint Andrews Rd Ste 1 Pmb 1084, Columbia, SC, 29210
  • Fleet age: 4 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Trash
  • General
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed

Jack Gallman Trucking (DOT: 3374361) is an active and reputable trucking company based in South Carolina. With an impressive 4.5 Google rating and solid reviews on Indeed (4.2) and Glassdoor (4.0), they are noted for professionalism in handling various cargo types. Their fleet includes dry vans and flatbeds, enabling them to transport building materials, general freight, large machinery, and even US Mail across interstate routes.

Jack Gallman Trucking delivers full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, ensuring flexibility for different shipping needs. They support regional and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, thus offering wide geographical coverage. The company also provides essential benefits like health, dental insurance, paid time off, and direct deposit, which strengthens their commitment to employee welfare and customer satisfaction. While they don’t offer all specialized services, their focus on safety and efficient transportation makes them a reliable choice for commercial shipments.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 15.83
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 6
  • Miles driven: 130,000

Smooth Move

1461 Dave Lyle BLVD, Rock Hill, SC, 29730
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000


Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Last-mile delivery

Smooth Move (DOT: 2823802) is a reputable trucking company and carrier operating within South Carolina. They handle both household goods and other unspecified cargo, ensuring versatile shipping solutions. With a reliable fleet that includes box trucks, dry vans, and partial truckloads, Smooth Move has the equipment necessary to meet various commercial shipping needs.

Known for their superior customer ratings on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor, Smooth Move offers essential services such as regional and local driving options, life insurance, and health insurance plans. They also provide partial truckload services and last-mile delivery, making them an excellent choice for businesses seeking comprehensive shipping solutions. Despite their smaller fleet size, they maintain an active operational status with a commitment to safety, with no recorded crash incidents.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 6
  • Revenue: $207,000
  • Miles driven: 125,000

Deshields Trucking Company, Inc.

506 Old Easley Hwy, Greenville, SC, 29611
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $750,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • General
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Utility tools, parts & equipment

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed

Deshields Trucking Company, Inc. (DOT: 210176) operates from South Carolina with a modest fleet of 4 trucks and a total of 4 drivers. Despite its smaller size, the company specializes in handling full truckload (FTL) shipments, with a focus on general freight, building materials, construction, and large machinery. Established as a reputable carrier with satisfactory safety ratings, Deshields Trucking aims to provide reliable and professional service.

In terms of special support for commercial shipments, Deshields Trucking offers dry van services and local driving options, ensuring cargo reaches its destination efficiently. Additionally, their drivers enjoy benefits such as health and dental insurance, paid time off, and direct deposit for salary payments. Deshields Trucking Company is active in interstate operations and is known for its consistent and safe delivery practices, suitable for business owners seeking dependable freight transport solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 3.5
  • Driver fitness: 0.92
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 11.66
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 4
  • Revenue: $405,000
  • Miles driven: 113,391

TMX Intermodal Sc, Inc.

133 Cainhoy Rd, Charleston, SC, 29492
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Chemicals
  • General
  • Intermodal containers

Truck Types

  • Container
  • Drayage

TMX Intermodal Sc, Inc. (DOT: 1720364) is a moderately sized trucking company with a total fleet size of 210 units and 105 drivers based in South Carolina. This carrier, operational since 1994, specializes in handling a variety of cargo, notably chemicals and general freight, with a strong emphasis on intermodal containers, making it a versatile choice for businesses with diverse shipping needs.

TMX Intermodal Sc, Inc. provides specific commercial shipment support such as drayage services, which facilitate efficient transport between different modes of logistics. Their commitment to safety is indicated by relatively low scores in unsafe driving and controlled substance violations. However, this company does not offer additional perks like health insurance or paid time off for drivers.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 2
  • Unsafe driving: 0.11
  • Driver fitness: 0.47
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.43
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.64
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 105
  • Revenue: $3,091,000
  • Miles driven: 5,000,000

M Scott Logistics, LLC

1630 W Robinhood Dr, Charleston, SC, 29407
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • General

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery

M Scott Logistics, LLC (DOT: 2876937) is a versatile transportation company operating with a fleet of 5 trucks in South Carolina. They specialize in providing reliable shipping solutions, boasting a Google rating of 4.5 and favorable reviews on Indeed and Glassdoor. Although the company was started relatively recently, they have made a significant mark by offering services such as full truckload (FTL) and partial truckload (PTL), catering to general freight and various other cargo types.

M Scott Logistics supports commercial shipments with a range of benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a 401(k) retirement plan and PTO. Their safety record is strong, reflected by zero crash injuries and fatalities. They offer dedicated services, ensuring quality and reliability in managing interstate logistics operations while maintaining industry standards with an active operating status.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 5
  • Revenue: $255,000
  • Miles driven: 200,000

J & L Transport, LLC

910 Martha Street, Columbia, SC, 29203
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Dry bulk commodities
  • General
  • Intermodal containers

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery

J & L Transport, LLC (DOT: 2314742) is a dedicated freight trucking company operating in South Carolina, with a total fleet of 10 and an average fleet age of 3 years. Specializing in general freight, intermodal containers, dry bulk commodities, and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, they ensure diverse and efficient transportation solutions for various business needs. Their fleet includes flatbeds and dry vans, catering to multiple types of cargo, including dry bulk and general commodities.

J & L Transport provides numerous support options for commercial shipments, including full truckload services and local drivers for more immediate and regional deliveries. Despite a small-sized fleet and driver base, they emphasize reliable shipping services and maintain a commendable safety record with minimal crash incidents. Business owners looking for committed and versatile trucking options will find J & L Transport’s comprehensive service offerings advantageous.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 1.2
  • Driver fitness: 1.81
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 5.18
  • Vehicle maintenance: 14.83
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 6
  • Miles driven: 297,901

Randolph Transportation, Inc.

1667 Trimnal Lane, Rock Hill, SC, 29730
  • Fleet size: 11 to 25
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • General
  • Machinery & large objects

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed

Randolph Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 256018) is a South Carolina-based trucking company that specializes in offering comprehensive interstate transportation services. Established with a reputation for reliability and a diverse array of offerings, they handle multiple types of cargo, including building materials, construction, general freight, machinery, and other large objects. With a relatively young fleet size of 6 vehicles, Randolph Transportation offers services such as full truckload and less-than-truckload shipments.

For commercial shipments, Randolph Transportation, Inc. provides specialized support like team driving opportunities, regional and local drivers, and reefer services. They also have robust employee benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid CDL training and ongoing training and development programs. Freight safety is a priority, demonstrated by their satisfactory safety rating and minimal crash history.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 10.66
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.33
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 2
  • Revenue: $938,000
  • Miles driven: 110,000

JBH Trucking

2135 Neelys Creek Rd, Rock Hill, SC, 29730
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • General
  • Lumber
  • Metal materials

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed

JBH Trucking (DOT: 1429843) is a reputable freight trucking company based in South Carolina, known for its diverse cargo handling and extensive services. Established with a focus on excellence, JBH Trucking specializes in transporting general freight, building materials, and dry bulk commodities. They operate a fleet consisting of dry vans, flatbeds, and reefer trailers, ensuring versatility and reliability for various shipping needs.

JBH Trucking offers full truckload and less-than-truckload services, catering especially to commercial shipments with a range of health and insurance benefits for their drivers, including health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a retirement plan. With an emphasis on safety and efficiency, they maintain an active USDOT status and have made significant investments to ensure up-to-date vehicle maintenance and driver fitness.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 10.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 11.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 2
  • Revenue: $5,280,000
  • Miles driven: 15,000

How Safety Ratings Work in South Carolina

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Compliance, Safety & Accountability (CSA) program evaluates trucking companies using BASICS (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories)

Here’s a look at what each of the BASICS cover:

Companies scoring a zero for any or all of the above categories did not receive any citations or other violations within a given month. Essentially, any trucking company that has multiple zeroes in these categories can likely be considered a safe freight shipper in compliance with all FMCSA standards and regulatory requirement.

Choosing the Right South Carolina Trucking Company for Your Shipments

Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in South Carolina, there are a few key factors to consider when looking for the best trucking company:

  • Shipment volume and frequency: The total dimensional weight of your shipment can impact the company you choose, since some companies have minimum project size requirements. If your shipping order is on the smaller size, look for a company without any size restrictions that also offers a variety of options, including LTL and partial truckload shipping. Similarly, you’ll want to look for companies that will fit your anticipated ongoing volume. You may also want to consider companies that provide some surge capacity to accommodate unexpected growth.
  • Shipping destinations: If possible, try to determine how often you’ll need shipping for what distances. Knowing where in the U.S. you ship to most frequently — or if you need nationwide shipping — will help you select a carrier that provides the regions and haul distances you need.
  • Services: Consider looking for a trucking company in South Carolina with specialized support for businesses — like logistics and supply chain management and warehousing and distribution — as well as online shipment tracking or other helpful technological tools and resources.
  • Safety: While we verify that each trucking company we recommend has a DOT number and follows Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) safety standards, you may want to further consider the average fleet age and years of driver experience, ongoing training programs, and other steps a company takes to ensure your shipment will be delivered efficiently and without incident.

FAQs: South Carolina Trucking Companies

Which is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in South Carolina?

Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in South Carolina. In fact, nationwide, trucks transport more goods domestically than all other modes of commercial transportation combined. One reason for the popularity is affordability — road transport is typically the most cost-efficient shipping method. And a variety of vehicle options — like flatbeds, dry vans, and refrigerated trucks — makes it easier to move a variety of products.

What products are best transported by truck in South Carolina?

The products that are best transported by truck in the U.S. include commodities like:

  • Building materials
  • Food and beverages
  • Furniture
  • Clothing
  • Electronics

What is the disadvantage of transporting goods by truck in South Carolina?

While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in South Carolina and nationally, there are some minor disadvantages to consider, including weight and size restrictions and delays caused by inclement weather or traffic. Using a truck for your commercial shipments can also be expensive for longer-distance deliveries. And trucks require loading, unloading, and reloading of goods, which can add more time to and logistical management of your shipment.


Mike Marshall