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Power Only Shipping Services & Transport in South Carolina (2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

For businesses in South Carolina with trailers ready to go, power only trucking companies provide the necessary hauling power without the need for a dedicated truck fleet. We’ve analyzed power only carriers in South Carolina based on services, affordability, and reliability, and Antler Transport, LLC rose to the top as the best choice for businesses looking for a cost-effective shipping solution.

Power Only Shipping Services & Transport in South Carolina

Explore our other top recommended power only trucking companies to find the right fit for your business’ needs and budget.

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.

Antler Transport, LLC

950 Houston Northcutt Ste 100, Mt Pleasant, SC, 29464
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Coal coke
  • Construction equipment
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Farm supplies
  • Produce
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Intermodal containers
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Meat
  • Metal materials
  • Utility tools, parts & equipment
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Step deck
  • Lowboy
  • Pneumatic
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van

Antler Transport, LLC (DOT: 951978) is a dynamic trucking company, active in South Carolina, with a diverse fleet of 192 trucks specializing in interstate freight transportation. Since its establishment, Antler has built a reputation for handling various cargo types, such as fresh produce, general freight, construction materials, and meat. Their services include flatbed, dry bulk commodities, and dry van shipments, among others, showcasing their ability to cater to a wide range of logistical needs.

Noteworthy for their dedicated drivers and regional routes, Antler Transport provides several commercial shipment supports, including power-only and drop trailer services. With a focus on driver welfare, they offer benefits such as health insurance and tuition reimbursement. Despite holding a satisfactory safety rating, the company remains committed to ongoing training and development programs. With a large corporate employment size, Antler Transport is poised to accommodate diverse transportation demands efficiently.

Safety

  • Crashes: 14
  • Unsafe driving: 1.92
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.3
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.87
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 96
  • Revenue: $5,384,000
  • Miles driven: 5,408,322
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Sherwood Trucking

9040 Elina Rd, Turbeville, SC, 29162
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Farm supplies
  • Produce
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Intermodal containers
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Lowboy
  • Oversized
  • Pneumatic
  • Power only
  • Tanker
  • Dump trailer
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Drayage
  • Cross-docking
  • Hazardous materials

Sherwood Trucking (DOT: 464247) is a prominent trucking company operating in South Carolina, dedicated to providing extensive freight services. They specialize in handling a variety of cargo, including refrigerated foods, construction materials, agricultural and farm supplies, and metal sheets. With an active status and satisfactory safety rating, Sherwood Trucking ensures reliable and secure transportation solutions for businesses seeking efficient logistics support.

The company offers specialized services such as cross-docking, drayage, and heavy haul shipping, ideal for commercial shipments requiring precision and expertise. Sherwood Trucking supports flexible scheduling and guarantees home time for drivers, emphasizing work-life balance. Additional benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan and tuition reimbursement. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their zero crash record and ongoing training and development programs for drivers.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 6.66
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 5
  • Revenue: $321
  • Miles driven: 230,000
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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
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Lewis Truck Lines

4328 Anderson Road, Aynor, SC, 29511
  • Insurance: $750,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Farm supplies
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Intermodal containers
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Step deck
  • Power only
  • Last-mile delivery

Lewis Truck Lines (DOT: 1403513) is a renowned freight carrier operating in South Carolina, known for handling a variety of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, grain, machinery, metal sheets, and paper products. With a fleet size of 312 vehicles, including 156 trucks, they specialize in general freight and offer services like dedicated routes and interstate operations. Their operation is marked by a satisfactory safety rating, underscored by their attention to driver fitness and low incident rates.

Lewis Truck Lines provides value-added services for commercial shippers, offering power-only transport and managed transportation solutions. They are committed to employee benefits with offerings in health and dental insurance, life and vision coverage, and retirement plans. The company is active in providing driver incentives, such as sign-on bonuses and pay advances, ensuring a stable and satisfying experience for its team of drivers. Their focus on both reliability and employee satisfaction makes them a strong contender for businesses seeking comprehensive freight solutions.

Safety

  • Crashes: 15
  • Unsafe driving: 2.42
  • Driver fitness: 0.14
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.24
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.73
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 143
  • Miles driven: 10,100,000
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VLS Spartanburg, Inc.

210 Alice Street, Spartanburg, SC, 29303
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Chemicals
  • Construction equipment
  • Trash
  • General
  • Liquids & gases
  • Machinery & large objects

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Auto carrier
  • Step deck
  • Lowboy
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van
  • Dump trailer
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Consolidation
  • Hazardous materials

VLS Spartanburg, Inc. (DOT: 418458) stands as a reputable trucking company with an active status in the cargo transport industry. VLS offers a versatile range of trucking services including power-only, dry van, and specialized hauling of hazardous materials. Their fleet, including sprinter vans and the capability for oversized and lowboy transport, allows them to handle diverse cargo like chemicals, machinery, building materials, and liquids/gases efficiently.

Balancing customer service with driver support, VLS Spartanburg provides various incentives such as sign-on bonuses, driver referral bonuses, and ongoing training and development programs. They cater to both regional and interstate operations, emphasizing safety with a satisfactory safety rating. The company supports owner-operators and ensures health benefits, including life insurance, and retirement plans. With initiatives like fuel cards and managed transportation, VLS Spartanburg offers a comprehensive logistics solution for businesses seeking reliable freight services.

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: 11
  • Miles driven: 269,768
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Dedicated Transportation Solutions

100 Augusta Arbor Way, Greenville, SC, 29605
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • General
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Container
  • Power only
  • Tanker
  • Hot shot
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

Dedicated Transportation Solutions (DOT: 1219712) is a reputable trucking company operating out of South Carolina. Known for managing a total fleet size of 294 vehicles, the company is adept at handling diverse cargo types, including building materials, dry bulk commodities, general freight, paper products, and other specialized items. With a strong focus on commercial shipments, they offer services such as power only, flatbed, and dry van transportation.

Their commitment to specialized commercial support is evident through their array of services, including hazmat, tanker, and drayage operations, complemented by a comprehensive managed transportation program. Drivers at Dedicated Transportation Solutions benefit from a variety of bonuses, flexible scheduling, health insurance benefits, and ongoing training, reinforcing their dedication to employee satisfaction and safety. The company’s “Satisfactory” safety rating and experienced team ensure reliable service, making it a top choice for business owners seeking efficient and secure transportation solutions.

Safety

  • Crashes: 12
  • Unsafe driving: 2.34
  • Driver fitness: 0.07
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.68
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.9
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 2

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 165
  • Miles driven: 11,900,000
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Phillips Recoveries, Inc.

450 Cherokee Road, Pelzer, SC, 29669
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $2,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Chemicals
  • Construction equipment
  • Trash
  • General
  • Liquids & gases
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials
  • Water well

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Box truck
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate

Phillips Recoveries, Inc. (DOT: 585217) is a reputable trucking company established in 1995, based in South Carolina. They operate a modest fleet of up to 30 vehicles, including sprinter vans and box trucks. The company specializes in carrying various cargo types such as chemicals, construction materials, garbage, and general freight, with a focus on power-only services. They provide dedicated routes and aim for reliable and timely deliveries.

Phillips Recoveries, Inc. is committed to driver support, offering a range of employee benefits such as health and dental insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, flexible scheduling, and more. Safety is a priority, with satisfactory ratings and no reported crash injuries or fatalities. Their comprehensive service offerings make them a dependable choice for businesses in need of thorough and specialized freight transportation solutions.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.79
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.51
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 7
  • Miles driven: 426,395
Compare Rates

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 Power Only Trucking Company in South Carolina for Your Shipments

Whether you operate a distribution center, manufacturing business, or retail operation in South Carolina, here are some key factors to consider when picking the best power only trucking company to haul your trailers:

  • Trailer compatibility: The carrier’s tractors will need to be compatible with your trailer types, particularly if your cargo requires specialized connections or handling.
  • Availability and flexibility: Look for South Carolina Power Only carriers with the flexibility to handle your schedule. This is especially important for businesses that have high-volume or seasonal shipping needs that require additional capacity.
  • Coverage area: Choose a Power Only carrier in South Carolina with experience in your preferred shipping lanes, whether you require regional, national, or cross-border transportation.
  • Driver experience: Experienced drivers are crucial for managing a variety of trailer types and ensuring your loads are handled professionally.
  • Fleet maintenance: A well-maintained fleet reduces the risk of breakdowns or delays.
  • Tracking and communication: South Carolina carriers offering real-time tracking and reliable communication make it easy to monitor your shipment’s progress.
  • Insurance and liability coverage: If you’re shipping hazardous or fragile materials, make sure the Power Only carrier’s insurance covers high-value or sensitive loads.
  • Pricing transparency: Look for clear and upfront pricing without hidden fees, so you can manage costs effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
  • Safety record: A history of safe transportation reinforces a carrier’s commitment to protecting your cargo and ensuring smooth transit, especially with high-stakes shipments.

FAQs

What are the main advantages of Power Only trucking for South Carolina businesses with multiple locations?

Power Only trucking provides a cost-effective shipping solution for businesses. With Power Only shipping, you can move trailers between sites without haveing to invest in your own tractor fleet. It also makes managing regional distribution and warehousing easier and more efficient.

What types of loads are suitable for Power Only trucking?

Power Only is suitable for a wide range of loads, including dry van, reefer, and flatbed trailers.Power Only is a good option for businesses that need the flexibility to move various cargo types, including high-volume shipments and oversized loads.

Can power-only services support seasonal or high-demand periods?

Yes, many power-only providers offer flexible, on-demand services to support seasonal peaks or high-demand periods. This flexibility gives businesses in South Carolina the ability to scale up operations as needed without investing in additional trucks.

Other Types of Transport Options for Your Shipments


Mike Marshall