South Carolina business is booming. Government is the largest business in the state, employing an estimated 19% of the state’s non-farm workforce. Many industries help employ truck drivers, too. The SC automotive industry is third in the nation and home to more than 250 automotive and automotive-related companies including the large BMW plant located in Greer.
There are over 100 aerospace-related companies. Boeing expanded its operations in SC to create a second final assembly line for the 787 Dreamliner. The recycling market is really expanding with more than 500 companies that broker, collect, and transform materials into new products (SOURCE).
South Carolina is also home to the seventh largest container port in the U.S. – the Port of Charleston.
Perhaps The Palmetto State will soon change its name to Hauling Heaven.
South Carolina CDL Truck Driver Salary and Job Growth
The trucking industry is expected to grow 9% between 2014 and 2024 whereas the U.S. growth comes in a bit lower at 6%.
South Carolina is also home to hundreds of years of history. Fort Sumter is another sea port in the state known for two battles during the Civil War. The USS Yorktown is a 5-acre aircraft carrier used by the Navy during WWII.
When you want to kick back and enjoy life there’s Hilton Head Island, Fripp Island, Kiawah Island, Isle of Palms, and more along the SC coast.
The average salary for a truck driver in South Carolina is $41,110 per year and an average $19.76 per hour. The average high salary is $61,110 and the average low is $26,260. Your salary will fall in there somewhere depending on your driving record and experience. Cities with the largest populations are often the best place to find a job. There’s more opportunity. These are the top 5 for SC:
- Columbia: 129,272
- Charleston: 120,083
- North Charleston: 97,471
- Mount Pleasant: 67,843
- Rock Hill: 66,154
Median wages vary, too depending on the city:
- South Carolina (state median): $38,340
- Spartanburg: $41,250
- Florence: $41,060
- Charleston: $40,540
- Greenville: $38,200
- Columbia: $37,840
- Myrtle Beach: $30,230
South Carolina CDL License Information and Insights
When you apply for a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you need to provide information on any previous driver’s licenses, such as:
- Your commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
- If you’re moving from a CLP to a first-time CDL
- Renewing a CDL or CLP
- Transferring your out-of-state CLP or CDL to South Carolina
- Upgrading or downgrading your CDL class or endorsement(s)
Database Checks
The SCDMV will check your driving history in other states looking for any traffic violations you committed over the past ten years using the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) and the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS).
These checks happen whenever you apply for an original CDL, renew a CDL, retest for a CDL, or move from a CLP to a CDL. Your CDL may be suspended or revoked if there are unresolved or disqualifying violations.
You will not be able to hold a commercial driver’s license if you have committed any of the following:
- Drove a commercial vehicle without a CDL
- Drove a commercial vehicle without a CDL with you
- Drove without a required endorsement
- Drove a commercial vehicle with a revoked, suspended, or canceled CDL
- Caused a death through the negligent or criminal operation of a commercial vehicle
Medical Examiner’s Certificate
If you’re a commercial driver, you must maintain a medical examiner’s certificate that complies with FMCSA regulations. The medical examiner you use must be a professional listed on the FMCSA’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
Every time you apply for a CLP, a CDL, upgrade or renew a CDL license, change your address, or order a duplicate CDL, you must submit proof that you are medically qualified to drive. You can fax your certificate to 803-896-2676 or scan and email it to the SCDMV if it’s replaced before you need a new CDL.
Social Security Verification
The SCDMV uses the Social Security Number Verification System to verify your name, date of birth, and social security number against your Social Security Administration (SSA) record. If the information you provide doesn’t match your SSA record, you will need to correct or verify the information with the SSA before we can issue you a CDL (SOURCE).
This will happen whenever:
- You’re applying for your first commercial learner’s permit (CLP) or CDL.
- You’re a new resident switching your out-of-state CLP or CDL for an SC CLP or CDL.
- You’re applying for a change in CDL class A, B, or C.
New Drivers in South Carolina
A little known trucking job that’s ideal for beginning drivers goes by many names – yard truck switcher, yard hostler, yard driver or trailer jockey. To be considered for a yard truck switcher position you need to have a current Class A CDL. Some employers may hire drivers who are working on getting a CDL and those who have recently earned one but have little commercial driving experience.
Operating & Inspecting Equipment
You need to be able to maneuver a semi with a trailer, and able to back the trailer up to dock doors, even when there are other trailers on both sides. Be prepared to perform pre- and post-trip inspections on tractors and trailers.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Sometimes you’ll have to clean out trailers before or after you move them. If you’re working with refrigerated trailers, you should know how to monitor and adjust the temperature for each load’s specific requirements.
Working Conditions
As a yard driver you need to be physically fit since you’ll be climbing in and out of tractors to hook, unhook and inspect trailers. The job is definitely not sitting throughout your shift because you’ll be doing a good deal of walking, lifting, bending and you’ll be exposed to the elements.
Yard drivers usually have a set schedule so you’ll always know when you’ll be working. Because many warehouses and trucking companies are 24/7 operations there are different shifts available (SOURCE).
Trucking Companies Local to South Carolina
G & P Trucking
G & P Trucking is a transportation company founded in 1936. They are headquartered in Greenwood, SC. They began hauling cotton to the Grendel and Panola Textile Mills and that is how G & P Trucking got their name. Their services are considered as the best in the industry and they offer a wide range of them. Domestic and international truckloads, intermodal, dedicated routes, cross-border, and brokerage solutions are among the services they offer. They use technology to allow their customers to track their loads and this makes them one of the best companies in South Carolina.
Bulldog Hiway Express
Bulldog Hiway Express was founded in 1959 is now considered one of the most reliable trucking companies in South Carolina. Their services consist of intermodal, flatbed, and heavy haul transportation. They have been recognized by the ATA (American Trucking Associations), CMCA (Charleston Motor Carriers Association), TCA, Truckload Carriers Association, FTA (Florida Trucking Association), GMTA (Georgia Motor Trucking Association), NATMI (North American Transportation Management Institute), and SCRA (Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association). They are committed to having happy employees and offer great benefits like free health insurance, dental insurance, paid vacation, paid life insurance, identity theft protection, and bonuses.
South Carolina Trucking in the News
In South Carolina almost half of commercial drivers are over 52 years of age and many of the state’s trucking companies have driver shortages. What’s a company to do? The need for more drivers is critical, and the problem is not confined to South Carolina only.
Some incentives to get new drivers include scholarship programs and tuition reimbursement for training. Also an assessment of the state’s technical colleges to ensure there are enough instructors in the CDL courses.
One big way the General Assembly can assist with the issue is by having public agencies use their truck fleets for entry-level jobs for newly licensed CDL drivers. Because government agencies have limited liability, with supervised, in-state drivers who generally don’t travel at top speeds, they could hire these inexperienced drivers and provide them with invaluable skills.
However, insurance can be difficult to get for entry-level CDL drivers due to their lack of experience. It’s the old Catch 22; Drivers can’t get experience, and companies can’t hire them, because they can’t be insured.
The truck driving industry in South Carolina almost always has numerous openings because trucks transport 84% of manufactured freight in the state (SOURCE).
Address:
2010 WESTBROOK ROAD
29712
Business Phone Number: (803) 789-5004
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
426 MCALISTER RD
29697
Business Phone Number: (864) 723-3680
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1040 KOON RD
29063
Business Phone Number: (843) 376-7077
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
209 JEFFRIES ST
29379
Business Phone Number: (864) 441-4417
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3026 CRESTVIEW LANE
29720
Business Phone Number: (803) 804-5710
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3026 CRESTVIEW LANE
29720
Business Phone Number: (803) 804-5710
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1412 AVERY LANE
29720
Business Phone Number: (803) 286-5266
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
105 CUTLIFF LANE
29625
Business Phone Number: (864) 224-9448
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
188 CREEKWOOD LANE
29693
Business Phone Number: (864) 245-5449
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
188 CREEKWOOD LANE
29693
Business Phone Number: (864) 245-5449
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
627 PIEDMONT GOLF COURSE ROAD
29673
Business Phone Number: (864) 201-1673
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2717 ALLIGATOR ROAD
29541
Business Phone Number: (843) 601-1817
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
191 MISHOE LN
29118
Business Phone Number: (803) 531-6418
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
191 MISHOE LN
29118
Business Phone Number: (803) 531-6418
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2287 ARABIAN LANE
29745
Business Phone Number: (803) 684-0079
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4607 CHARLOTTE HWY STE 20
29710
Business Phone Number: (704) 208-4794
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2332 WAGON BRANCH LOOP
29936
Business Phone Number: (843) 226-1758
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
115 WOOD DRIVE
29073
Business Phone Number: (803) 520-4430
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
247 HODGES DR
29118
Business Phone Number: (803) 308-0759
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
247 HODGES DR
29118
Business Phone Number: (803) 308-0759
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
10666 OLD # 6 HIGHWAY
29163
Business Phone Number: (803) 492-3259
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
319 COUSAR STREET
29010
Business Phone Number: (803) 459-3393
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2736 ATLANTA DRIVE
29466
Business Phone Number: (405) 283-0698
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2736 ATLANTA DRIVE
29466
Business Phone Number: (405) 283-0698
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
115 VIRGIL WALL ROAD
29824
Business Phone Number: (803) 480-3480
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
161 ELAINE FARM RD
29927
Business Phone Number: (843) 784-3818
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
11 WOODBEND CT
29662
Business Phone Number: (864) 517-8956
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
10817 TWO NOTCH RD SUITE B
29045
Business Phone Number: (803) 553-2131
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
10817 TWO NOTCH RD SUITE B
29045
Business Phone Number: (803) 553-2131
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
77 HUBB KEILEY RD
29032
Business Phone Number: (803) 428-3716
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
161 CREAM PUFF CIR
29047
Business Phone Number: (803) 974-0049
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
305 TRANTHAM CT
29349
Business Phone Number: (864) 202-0204
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
305 TRANTHAM CT
29349
Business Phone Number: (864) 202-0204
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2501 GREEN HILL RD
29045
Business Phone Number: (803) 553-5909
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2501 GREEN HILL RD
29045
Business Phone Number: (803) 553-5909
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
121 N KNIGHTSBRIDGE COURT
29445
Business Phone Number: (843) 442-3892
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
404 PARNELL STREET
29169
Business Phone Number: (912) 656-2123
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
114 FRIENDLY ST
29644
Business Phone Number: (864) 982-9576
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
709 SEABOARD RD
29510
Business Phone Number: (843) 221-7467
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
623 RENSU LANE
29817
Business Phone Number: (803) 259-3583
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6448 GREENPOND RD
29645
Business Phone Number: (864) 872-9393
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
174 GRAHAM HALL N
29936
Business Phone Number: (843) 441-4032
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
8 BARKER CT
29927
Business Phone Number: (912) 303-9923
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
10 THERESA DR
29605
Business Phone Number: (405) 283-0698
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1111 GAUSETOWN RD
29556
Business Phone Number: (843) 382-4973
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
201 RED OAKS WAY
29936
Business Phone Number: (843) 208-2433
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1972 JORDAN RD
29718
Business Phone Number: (843) 622-4488
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4980 WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY HWY SOUTH
29590
Business Phone Number: (843) 201-6117
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4980 WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY HWY SOUTH
29590
Business Phone Number: (843) 201-6117
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5668 HWY 28N
29620
Business Phone Number: (864) 348-7274
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
100 CHRISTY MARIA LANE
29673
Business Phone Number: (864) 505-4203
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1015 VEREEN DRIVE
29566
Business Phone Number: (843) 280-3333
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
116 C PIDGEON BAY RD
29483
Business Phone Number: (843) 821-9797
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1725 CEDAR LANE RD
29617
Business Phone Number: (864) 991-8580
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1190 MCCALLA PARK RD
29659
Business Phone Number: (864) 940-1063
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
190 CHARTER OAK RD
29072
Business Phone Number: (803) 422-2019
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
11230 POWELL ROAD
29440
Business Phone Number: (843) 546-6789
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2714 SENATOR GASQUE RD
29574
Business Phone Number: (843) 423-9541
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
18 FURMAN DRIVE
29803
Business Phone Number: (803) 646-1530
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
16 TEMPLEWOOD DRIVE
29611
Business Phone Number: (864) 373-1995
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
614 BRIGHAM ROAD
29841
Business Phone Number: (803) 279-6346
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5076 HOLLOW CREEK RD
29137-9057
Business Phone Number: (803) 564-6375
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
567 BECKER ROAD
29520
Business Phone Number: (843) 537-4109
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
161 SUMMER VALLEY RD
29321
Business Phone Number: (864) 426-5066
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
501 MT OLIVE RD
29330
Business Phone Number: (864) 463-6083
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
52 PARK PLACE
29108
Business Phone Number: (803) 321-3073
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
820 BOLGER LN
29436
Business Phone Number: (843) 753-2351
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5265 BLACK RIVER ROAD
29128
Business Phone Number: (803) 499-4861
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
30 RIVERWOOD CIRCLE
29617
Business Phone Number: (864) 884-7444
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
10 D DUDLEY ROAD
29376
Business Phone Number: (864) 310-4222
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
445 GENERETTE STREET
29555
Business Phone Number: (843) 621-0160
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
37 DASH RD
29945
Business Phone Number: (843) 846-6250
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
104 ASHINGTON DRIV
29680
Business Phone Number: (864) 325-1593
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
157 OAKLAND DR
29860
Business Phone Number: (706) 726-6800
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3670 W POINTE DRIVE
29501
Business Phone Number: (843) 662-5624
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
514 BURKE RD
29135
Business Phone Number: (803) 874-1653
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1400 MALONE DR
29154
Business Phone Number: (803) 481-5315
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
7812 INDIGO HILL RD
29438
Business Phone Number: (843) 869-2423
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
71 AIRPORT ROAD
29306
Business Phone Number: (864) 303-1098
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
601 CHESTER AVE
29055
Business Phone Number: (803) 482-5391
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
601 CHESTER AVE
29055
Business Phone Number: (803) 482-5391
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
121 MT ELON CHURCH ROAD
29061
Business Phone Number: (803) 783-3699
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
27 MERRYBELL LN
29135
Business Phone Number: (803) 378-2917
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
263 FRONTVIEW DRIVE
29349
Business Phone Number: (864) 208-5486
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
412 FOREST HILLS BLVD
29127
Business Phone Number: (803) 665-7059
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
137 MAID STONE RD
29063
Business Phone Number: (803) 404-7895
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
137 MAID STONE RD
29063
Business Phone Number: (803) 404-7895
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
111 TELFAIR ST
29644
Business Phone Number: (864) 862-3053
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
301 LITTLE VALLEY DR
29673
Business Phone Number: (864) 845-9447
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
107 AZALEA DR
29135
Business Phone Number: (803) 600-6357
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2180 HWY 292
29349
Business Phone Number: (941) 786-6493
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2180 HWY 292
29349
Business Phone Number: (941) 786-6493
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
8817 HWY 81 SOUTH
29684
Business Phone Number: (864) 352-6297
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1208 MAHONEY RD
29125
Business Phone Number: (803) 509-1542
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
136 FOLGERS LANE
29113
Business Phone Number: (803) 263-4931
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3176 HWY 9 EAST
29566
Business Phone Number: (843) 734-0114
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
74 JENNINGS RD
29906
Business Phone Number: (843) 321-1199
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
512 CHEROKEE RD
29669
Business Phone Number: (864) 947-8100
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
80 BRIGHTON HILL RD
29223
Business Phone Number: (803) 543-2218
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
320 W COLEMAN BLVD STE O
29464
Business Phone Number: (843) 763-6329
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers: