After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Rtr, Inc. 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 Rtr, Inc. or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in South Carolina
Why Trust FreightWaves?
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.
Rtr, Inc.
7109 Cross County Road, North Charleston, SC, 29418- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Rtr, Inc. (DOT: 713044) is a reputable trucking company based in South Carolina, established in 1994. The company possesses a fleet of 45 trucks and offers shipping services for various types of cargo, including chemicals, general freight, and intermodal containers. Rtr, Inc. specializes in both less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) shipments, ensuring flexible solutions for businesses with different shipping needs. The company also offers flatbed and dry van services, making it suitable for handling a diverse range of cargo efficiently.
Rtr, Inc. places a strong emphasis on employee benefits and support, providing health, dental, and vision insurance to its drivers. They ensure a stable work environment with paid time off and direct deposit options. Additionally, Rtr, Inc. employs both regional and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, supporting commercial and industrial clients in various regions. The company’s moderate safety scores and a Google rating of 4.5 reflect their commitment to maintaining a dependable service standard.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.48
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.11
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: intrastate hazardous
- Drivers: 45
- Revenue: $2,647,000
- Miles driven: 1,170,000
Champion Coach, Inc.
145 Ben Hamby Lane, Greenville, SC, 29615- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Champion Coach, Inc. (DOT: 774431) is a reputable trucking company established in 1998 in South Carolina. Specializing in transportation services, Champion Coach operates a fleet of 43 buses and employs 68 drivers, including those designated for flatbed and dry van services. Their primary cargo focus is passenger transportation, ensuring a dedicated emphasis on safety and reliability, as indicated by their satisfactory safety rating.
Champion Coach excels in offering comprehensive health and dental insurance, life insurance, paid time off, and disability insurance, supporting the well-being of their employees. With a fleet age averaging three years and full-truckload capabilities, they are ideal for businesses seeking reliable and efficient transportation solutions. Champion Coach also provides OTR (over-the-road) services, making them a versatile choice for long-distance commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.13
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 68
- Revenue: $3,494,000
- Miles driven: 1,578,917
Prime Time Logistics, LLC
2819 Industrial Ave, North Charleston, SC, 29405- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
Prime Time Logistics, LLC (DOT: 3114604) is a modern trucking company established in 2018, based in South Carolina. They operate a small fleet with a total of 3 trucks and 3 drivers, focusing on a diverse range of cargo. Their fleet is equipped to handle general freight, intermodal containers, tankers, reefer units for temperature-sensitive goods, as well as specialized flatbed trailers. They are a reliable choice for shipping beverages, paper products, and U.S. Mail, among other types of cargo.
Prime Time Logistics stands out by offering full truckload (FTL) and partial truckload (LTL) services, providing flexibility to business owners with varying shipping needs. Although they don’t provide some specialized services like heavy haul or hazardous materials transport, they compensate with a solid commitment to safety, as indicated by their zero reported crash injuries and fatalities. Additionally, the company supports its drivers with benefits like health, dental, vision, and life insurance, alongside retirement plans, making Prime Time Logistics a reliable partner for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.33
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 3
- Revenue: $510,000
- Miles driven: 2,030
Connecting Elements, Inc.
1313 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC, 29201- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Last-mile delivery
Connecting Elements, Inc. (DOT: 1205270) is a reputable trucking company established in 1996 in South Carolina. With a total fleet size of 22 vehicles, including 11 power units and 6 trucks, they specialize in the transportation of general freight and property. Boasting a fleet age of only 5 years, the company provides both full truckload and less-than-truckload services while ensuring the efficiency and safety of their operations, as indicated by their zero crash incidents.
Connecting Elements, Inc. distinguishes itself with a range of supportive benefits for its employees, including health, dental, life, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off, disability insurance, and a 401k retirement plan. They are particularly adept at local deliveries and offer guaranteed home time, making them a reliable choice for businesses requiring consistent and local freight services. With a customer satisfaction rating of 4.5 on Google, the company is well-regarded for its professional service and commitment to client needs.
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: 13
- Revenue: $5,257,000
- Miles driven: 60,000
Hudson Trucking, LLC
23 Whiller Dr, Greenville, SC, 29605- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Hudson Trucking, LLC (DOT: 2259244) is an active freight trucking company based in South Carolina. With a fleet of 5 trucks and 4 drivers, they specialize in transporting a diverse range of cargo that includes beverages, building materials, construction materials, garbage/refuse, general freight, grain feed hay, metal sheets/coils/rolls, paper products, US mail, and utilities. Their fleet consists of both dry vans and flatbeds, capable of handling full truckload and less-than-truckload shipments.
Hudson Trucking offers a variety of services designed to support commercial shipments. They provide dental and health insurance, paid time off, and direct deposit for their employees, ensuring their drivers are well taken care of. The company’s vehicles have an average fleet age of 3 years, contributing to a reliable and modern transport service. With a reported Google rating of 4.5, Hudson Trucking, LLC demonstrates a reputable and dependable choice for businesses seeking efficient shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 16.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 4
- Miles driven: 92,000
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 a reputable trucking company headquartered in South Carolina, featuring a modest fleet of 4 trucks and 6 drivers. The company specializes in a variety of cargo including building materials, commodities dry bulk, construction materials, garbage/refuse, general freight, large machinery, metal sheets/coils/rolls, paper products, and US mail. Established recently with a focus on regional and OTR driving, they prioritize a variety of shipping needs, ensuring versatility in handling different types of freight.
Jack Gallman Trucking supports commercial shipments with several key services, including full truckload (FTL) deliveries and dry bulk commodities transport. They also offer a dedicated flatbed service, well-suited for large and heavy cargo. The company provides essential benefits for their drivers such as health insurance, dental insurance, direct deposit, and paid time off. With a strong commitment to safety, evidenced by zero crash injuries and fatalities, this company remains a reliable choice for business owners requiring dependable transportation services.
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
Whitesell Trucking, Inc.
3321 Steen Circle, Rock Hill, SC, 29730- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Whitesell Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 2451644) is a small yet capable trucking company based in South Carolina. With a fleet of four trucks and a total of eight trailers, they specialize in transporting various types of cargo, including construction materials, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, and other miscellaneous items. Established a few years ago, Whitesell Trucking is considered reliable with an average fleet age of three years.
Despite their size, Whitesell Trucking provides several commercial shipment services such as dry van, flatbed, full truckload, partial truckload, and less than truckload. They maintain a commendable safety record with no crash injuries or fatalities reported. Business owners looking for trustworthy trucking services might appreciate their additional support features, including dental and health insurance, vision coverage, direct deposit, and paid time off for their employees.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 4.5
- Driver fitness: 7.5
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2
- Revenue: $1,150,000
- Miles driven: 20,646
Liquid Box, Inc.
3135 Pacific Street, North Charleston, SC, 29418- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
Liquid Box, Inc. (DOT: 1794775) is a dynamic trucking company founded in 2008 in South Carolina. With a fleet of 19 trucks and 38 trailers, they specialize in handling a variety of cargo including building materials, chemicals, general freight, intermodal containers, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, and liquids/gases. They primarily operate dry vans and offer comprehensive support for full-truckload and less-than-truckload shipments, catering to diverse business needs.
Liquid Box, Inc. stands out with excellent service and corporate support. Noteworthy commercial shipment supports include direct deposit, paid time off, and health insurance for employees. With an active interstate authority and a solid safety record, they provide reliable shipping solutions for business owners aiming to transport their products efficiently and securely.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.42
- Driver fitness: 0.34
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.34
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.71
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 9
- Revenue: $4,308,000
- Miles driven: 841,075
Fast Freight Systems, Inc.
950 Houston Northcutt BLVD Suite 100, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Fast Freight Systems, Inc. (DOT: 897765) is a reputable trucking company based in South Carolina, known for their operational excellence and strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. Their services include the transportation of general freight, chemicals, and intermodal containers. With a fleet comprising 68 trucks and a total fleet size of 136, they capitalize on offering robust and reliable full truckload as well as less-than-truckload services.
Fast Freight Systems is dedicated to supporting commercial shipments with a special focus on safety and driver well-being. They provide their employees with various benefits, including health, dental, and life insurance, coupled with paid time off and vision coverage. Their performance metrics such as a satisfactory safety rating and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0, blend well with competitive driver salaries in the range of $60,000-$70,000, making them an ideal choice for business owners seeking top-tier trucking services.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 1.47
- Driver fitness: 0.16
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.31
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 68
- Revenue: $5,384,000
- Miles driven: 3,450,869
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 distinguished trucking company based in South Carolina, with a reputation for reliability and a satisfactory safety rating. They specialize in carrying a diverse range of cargo including building materials, construction supplies, general freight, machinery, and reefer goods. Their fleet comprises three trucks and various types of trailers, including flatbeds and dry vans, demonstrating their capacity to handle a wide array of shipping needs.
Randolph Transportation, Inc. supports commercial shipments with services such as full and less-than-truckload transport, team driving, and guaranteed home time for drivers. The company places a strong emphasis on employee benefits, offering health, dental, and vision insurance as well as a retirement plan. Additionally, they invest in ongoing training and development programs, ensuring their drivers are well-prepared and compliant with industry standards. Their dedicated approach to service makes them a reliable partner for business owners looking to ship their products efficiently.
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
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:
- Crashes: Trucking companies are required to report any accidents that result in injury or death. The FMSCA uses these state-reported crashes to determine any patterns of crash involvement and potential behaviors contributing to that pattern.
- Unsafe driving: This CSA category covers behaviors like texting and speeding that can lead to accidents
- Driver fitness: The FMCSA requires trucking companies to keep up-to-date records on their drivers. That includes identification and paperwork like CDLs, annual driving reviews, and any relevant medical certifications or documentation. Violations of this category will result in lower overall safety scores.
- Hours-of-service compliance: The FMCSA cites truckers and trucking companies that do not follow or enforce hours-of-service regulations that limit how much time a large commercial vehicle operator can be on the road without rest.
- Vehicle maintenance: Truckers are responsible for completing inspections before hitting the road on a route. They must also log any issues and have repairs to those identified problems completed before operating the truck.
- Controlled substances: As with all vehicle operators, truckers must be sober behind the wheel. This category accounts for violations issued to a trucking company’s driver(s) for being under the influence of or in possession of alcohol and street drugs or prescriptionor over-the-counter medicines that could impair judgement.
- Hazardous materials violations: Trucking companies and their drivers must exhibit proper loading and handling of hazardous materials, including labeling these items correctly, ensuring packaging meets regulations, and follows all restrictions and rules for the vehicle type.
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.