The right LTL — or “less-than-truckload” — carrier can help save on freight costs and provide flexible shipping solutions. After evaluating key factors like cost, customer satisfaction, service offerings, and safety ratings, we found Kupel Transport, LLC to be the best LTL trucking company in South Carolina.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in South Carolina
Shipping needs vary by company and product, so check out our other top picks for LTL for-hire carriers to see which one works best for your business.
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.
Kupel Transport, LLC
281 Quail Creek Rd, Inman, SC, 29349- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
- Water well
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Dump trailer
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
Kupel Transport, LLC (DOT: 1440888) was established in 2023 and operates out of South Carolina. Despite its relatively recent inception, it offers a comprehensive range of services for commercial shipments. The company is equipped to handle various types of cargo, including agricultural supplies, fresh produce, building materials, and chemicals. Kupel Transport specializes in handling specialized cargo such as refrigerated foods, machinery, and lumber with a fleet size of 28 vehicles dedicated to different shipment needs.
Kupel Transport fosters a strong emphasis on supporting its drivers and ensuring client satisfaction. The company provides dedicated routes and regional driving opportunities to bolster efficiency. Customers benefit from their expertise in handling hazardous materials and cross-border shipments. Additional services include driver referral bonuses, paid CDL training, and comprehensive benefits like health and dental insurance, making it an attractive partner for those seeking reliable and tailored freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 3.81
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.33
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.26
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 26
- Revenue: $1,630
- Miles driven: 1,318,728
Premier Logistics Solutions
904 Commerce Circle, Hanahan, SC, 29410- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Lumber
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Premier Logistics Solutions (DOT: 1220227) is a leading South Carolina trucking company with a rich history dating back to 1912. Specializing in the transportation of chemicals, paper products, and logs/poles/beams/lumber, they operate a range of vehicles, including dry vans, tankers, and flatbeds. With a fleet size of over 50 trucks, Premier Logistics is equipped to handle both regional and interstate shipments, emphasizing personalized and reliable service.
The company offers a variety of specialized services, including hazardous materials transport with no recorded violations, cross docking, and managed transportation solutions. Their commitment to employee satisfaction is evident through benefits like tuition reimbursement, paid CDL training, and health insurance. Premier Logistics Solutions prides itself on flexibility, offering dedicated routes and team driving opportunities, making it an attractive partner for business owners seeking efficient and safe transport solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.45
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 12.88
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 17
- Revenue: $14,114
- Miles driven: 598,308
Total Transportation Services
7225 Cross County Road, Charleston, SC, 29418- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
Total Transportation Services (DOT: 1345451) is a South Carolina freight carrier established in 1989. Operating a modern fleet of 51 trucks and 102 trailers, they specialize in transporting fresh produce, refrigerated foods, building materials, chemicals, and agricultural supplies. They offer various cargo solutions, including dry van, flatbed, tanker, and lowboy trailers, ensuring they can meet diverse shipping needs efficiently.
The company supports commercial shipments with services like power-only solutions, cross-docking, and consolidation. They provide dedicated and local routes, with a focus on safety and reliability, underscored by their “Satisfactory” safety rating. As an employee-centric organization, Total Transportation Services offers employee stock ownership, health, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan, demonstrating a commitment to workforce development through tuition reimbursement and new driver programs. With competitive driver salaries, they are a reliable partner for businesses seeking dependable transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.12
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 54
- Revenue: $1,057
- Miles driven: 276,249
Paper Logistics, Inc.
100 South Harris Road, Piedmont, SC, 29673- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
Paper Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 863563) is a reputable carrier and shipper based in South Carolina. Specializing in transporting a diverse array of cargo such as beverages, chemicals, commodities, dry bulk, construction materials, and paper products, they ensure reliable service with a fleet size of 85 units. Established with an active USDOT status, Paper Logistics, Inc. emphasizes safety, reflected in their satisfactory safety rating.
Offering specialized services, they provide dedicated routes, team drivers, and regional driving opportunities. Additionally, they support intermodal container shipments and cross-border operations, making them a versatile choice for businesses with varied shipping needs. The company values its drivers by offering competitive benefits, including health insurance, a safety bonus, and paid time off, ensuring a committed workforce to handle shipments efficiently.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 4.52
- Driver fitness: 0.3
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.44
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.56
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 16
- Revenue: $329
- Miles driven: 1,860,500
Palmetto State Transportation, LLC
1050 Park West BLVD, Greenville, SC, 29611- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
Palmetto State Transportation, LLC (DOT: 536919) is a prominent South Carolina-based trucking company established in 1991. With a fleet size exceeding 160 vehicles and a strategic focus on the transportation of diverse goods, the company excels in transporting fresh produce, dry bulk commodities, and general freight. Their services include flatbed operations, dry van transportation, and refrigerated freight, catering to businesses with diverse shipment needs.
Palmetto State Transportation distinguishes itself by providing dedicated routes and expedited services, ensuring timely deliveries for commercial clients. The company offers a variety of special support services, including hazardous materials handling with a satisfactory safety rating. Emphasizing driver well-being and retention, they provide benefits such as sign-on and driver referral bonuses, health and dental insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and direct deposit, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining a professional and motivated workforce.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 3.21
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.61
- Controlled substances: 0.03
- Hazardous materials violations: 11
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 90
- Revenue: $20,208,000
- Miles driven: 8,122,159
Acme Logistics, Inc.
327 A West Phillips Rd, Greer, SC, 29650- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Oversized
- Tanker
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Hazardous materials
Acme Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 489319) is a reputable freight trucking company that has been serving businesses since 1963 in South Carolina. With a fleet size ranging from 1 to 10 and an emphasis on safety, Acme Logistics offers specialized drivers and reefer services to transport various types of cargo, including general freight, paper products, and US mail, across state lines. Their commitment to reliable service is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and guaranteed home time for drivers.
Acme Logistics caters to businesses with unique needs such as hazardous materials and oversized shipments, supported by team drivers and regional services. They provide additional support like paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including health and life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and retirement plans. This well-rounded focus on both service and workforce makes Acme Logistics an ideal choice for commercial shipment solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.13
- Driver fitness: 0.55
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.58
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.14
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 19
- Revenue: $662
- Miles driven: 1,521,839
Plumley Trucking, Inc.
210 Tucapau Road, Duncan, SC, 29334- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Cross-border
Plumley Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 1053808) is an active South Carolina-based carrier with a fleet of 43 trucks and operates across interstate routes. The company specializes in transporting an array of goods such as agricultural supplies, building materials, intermodal containers, and large machinery, showcasing their versatility in handling diverse freight categories.
Plumley Trucking supports its workforce with offerings such as paid CDL training and a truck lease purchase program, attracting both new and experienced drivers. The company maintains a satisfactory safety rating with no crash-related injuries or fatalities reported. With favorable reviews on platforms such as Indeed and Glassdoor, Plumley Trucking is committed to reliable service and employee satisfaction, making it a dependable choice for businesses seeking comprehensive freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 3.04
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.23
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.17
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 31
- Revenue: $991,000
- Miles driven: 3,375,274
B W Mitchum Trucking Co, Inc.
237 Farmington Road, Summerville, SC, 29486- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Dump trailer
- Alcohol-insured
B W Mitchum Trucking Co, Inc. (DOT: 391855) has been an established player in the trucking industry since 1965, with an active fleet of over 200 trucks and 456 pieces of equipment, headquartered in South Carolina. They specialize in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including fresh produce, meat, paper products, refrigerated foods, intermodal containers, and metal components.
Offering services such as dry van, flatbed, and dump trailer operations, they also provide dedicated and regional driving routes. The company supports their drivers with features like sign-on bonuses, a truck lease purchase program, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training development. B W Mitchum prioritizes competitive compensation with additional benefits like health insurance, a retirement plan, and tuition reimbursement, highlighting their commitment to driver welfare and customer satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 17
- Unsafe driving: 1.02
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.32
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 200
- Revenue: $9,409,000
- Miles driven: 12,100,000
Williams Trucking, Inc.
711 Produce Lane Suite 305c, West Columbia, SC, 29172- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Williams Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 776954) is a South Carolina-based carrier with a satisfactory safety rating, operating nine trucks and specializing in a range of freight services since their establishment. They handle a variety of cargo including beverages, fresh produce, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain feed hay, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food. They emphasize safety and service reliability with offerings such as flatbed, dry van, and tanker services, making them a versatile choice for business owners seeking efficient freight solutions.
Williams Trucking stands out with services that support commercial shipment needs, such as drayage, ensuring seamless transportation for complex logistics requirements. They offer direct deposit, health insurance, and paid time off for their drivers, with additional incentives like sign-on and safety bonuses. With guaranteed home time and ongoing training and development programs, they aim to maintain both employee satisfaction and a high standard of service for their clients.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.96
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $355
- Miles driven: 366,249
Riga Trucking, LLC
1633 Bishop Rd, Inman, SC, 29349- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Riga Trucking, LLC (DOT: 971484) is a South Carolina-based trucking company established in 2016. With a fleet of 20 vehicles, they offer various services including reefer, tanker, and dry van transport. Specializing in interstate operations, Riga Trucking efficiently handles diverse cargo such as beverages, building materials, machinery, metal sheets, and intermodal containers. They are particularly adept at transporting logs, poles, beams, and lumber, demonstrating versatility in their freight capabilities.
Riga Trucking supports commercial shipments with dedicated routes and is equipped for both flatbed and dry bulk commodities transportation. They place an emphasis on safety with a remarkable incident record—no crash injuries or fatalities to date—enhanced by sign-on and safety bonuses. In addition, they provide flexible scheduling, paid CDL training, and a variety of benefits, making them a reliable choice for business owners seeking dependable logistics partners.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 2.32
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.33
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 10
- Revenue: $397
- Miles driven: 1,168,557
How Safety Ratings Work in South Carolina
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) 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 LTL Trucking Company in South Carolina for Your Shipments
Whether you’re a small business or a larger operation, finding the best LTL trucking company ultimately comes down to a few key factors:
- Freight volume and shipment size: LTL carriers typically handle shipments of more than 150 pounds and less than 15,000 pounds. Choose a carrier that accommodates smaller loads and offers options for varying freight volumes.
- Frequency of shipments: Find a carrier with the capacity to handle your regular and peak season demands but that also has a variety of truck types to allow for flexibility in case your volume increases or needs change.
- Service areas: Ensure the carrier’s network covers your most common shipping destinations effectively, whether for local, regional, or national deliveries.
- Delivery speed: Look for carriers that offer multiple transit times, such as standard and expedited LTL services, so you can balance delivery speed with cost according to each shipment’s urgency.
- Technology and tracking tools: Companies with real-time shipment tracking, digital document handling, and other logistics tools provide a layer of transparency that should provide you with some peace of mind during the shipping process.
- Customer support: Choose a company with a responsive customer service team experienced in handling LTL freight issues, including tracking updates, claims, and scheduling changes.
- Safety and reliability: Consider carriers with strong safety records and modern fleets. Check for certifications and safety programs that reflect the company’s commitment to secure and efficient freight handling.
- Pricing and transparency: Review pricing structures to avoid hidden fees. Choose carriers that provide upfront quotes and a transparent cost breakdown to help manage your shipping budget effectively.
FAQs
What is LTL and how can it benefit my business in South Carolina?
LTL — or less-than-truckload — shipping allows businesses to share truck space with other shipments, paying only for the portion they use. That increased efficiency means reduced shipping costs for South Carolina businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for South Carolina?
LTL involves combining multiple shipments from different businesses to fill a truck, while FTL (full truckload) shipping dedicates an entire truck to a single shipment. For small businesses in South Carolina, LTL is likely more affordable and it allows you to send smaller shipments on a more frequent basis. If you have large shipments or need quicker transit times, FTL is the more efficient shipping method.
What types of products are ideal for LTL shipping in South Carolina?
LTL is best suited for smaller products that are durable, non-perishable, and not overly time-sensitive in terms of transit times. LTL is a popular freight shipping method for e-commerce businesses, manufacturers, and retailers in South Carolina that sell packaged goods, electronics, furniture, and automotive parts.
Other Types of Transport Options for Your Shipments
Depending on the types of products your business retails or manufactures, you may have several shipping options to choose from.
- Hopper Bottom Shipping Services
- Beverage Shipping Services
- Box Truck Shipping Services
- Drayage Shipping Services
- Dry Bulk Shipping Services
- Dry Van Shipping Services
- Flatbed Shipping Services
- Hot Shot Shipping Services
- Intermodal Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
