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Moderate Demand

Owner Operator Jobs in South Carolina

Browse owner-op trucking positions across South Carolina with top carriers hiring now.

Average Pay

$143,000 - $285,000+ gross

Demand Level

Moderate

Top Carriers

5+ Hiring

Key Cities

5+ Markets

Owner-Op Trucking in South Carolina

South Carolina offers owner-operators strong freight diversity with automotive, retail, and agricultural loads available year-round. Lower operating costs compared to the Northeast help maximize net income. The market for independent operators in South Carolina is moderate, with multiple freight brokers and load boards showing strong load availability.

Top Companies Hiring Owner-Op Drivers in SC

Landstar System

$150,000 - $300,000+ gross (owner-operators)OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
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Mercer Transportation

$150,000 - $280,000+ gross (owner-operators)OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
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Roadrunner Transportation

$58,000 - $88,000OTR, Regional, LTL, Owner-Operator
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Anderson Trucking Service

$65,000 - $95,000OTR, Regional, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
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Covenant Transport

$50,000 - $80,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Team, Expedited
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Driving jobs we are recruiting for in South Carolina

Each of these is a live posting with the pay, home time and requirements set out in full. Applying takes about a minute.

Top Cities for Owner-Op Jobs in South Carolina

Charleston

South Carolina

Columbia

South Carolina

Greenville

South Carolina

Spartanburg

South Carolina

Greer

South Carolina

Key Freight Routes in South Carolina

1

I-85 (Greenville-Spartanburg to Charlotte)

2

I-26 (Charleston to Columbia to Spartanburg)

3

I-95 (coastal corridor)

Requirements for Owner-Op Driving in SC

  • Valid CDL-A license with 2+ years verifiable experience
  • Own or lease a truck meeting carrier/DOT specifications
  • Active motor carrier authority (MC number) or willingness to lease onto a carrier
  • Current IFTA registration and fuel tax compliance
  • Commercial auto liability insurance ($1M minimum for most carriers)
  • Clean CSA scores and satisfactory safety rating

Start Your Owner-Op Driving Career in South Carolina

Submit your application and get matched with companies hiring owner-op drivers in SC.

Owner-Op Trucking Jobs in South Carolina — FAQs

How much do owner-op truck drivers make in South Carolina?

Owner-Op truck drivers in South Carolina earn $143,000 - $285,000+ gross annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and carrier. While base pay in South Carolina is near the national average, the lower cost of living means take-home pay stretches further than in coastal states. Sign-on bonuses are widely advertised in this market, but the amount, the qualifying period and the clawback terms differ by carrier — read the offer letter rather than the recruiting ad, and ask when the money actually lands.

Is South Carolina a good state to base an owner-operator business?

South Carolina offers moderate freight volumes for owner-operators, with balanced inbound and outbound freight that minimizes deadhead miles. Operating costs including fuel, permits, and insurance should be factored against the state's load-to-truck ratio when choosing a home base.

Are trucking companies in South Carolina hiring owner-op drivers in 2026?

Yes — owner-op driver demand in South Carolina is moderate heading into 2026. The owner-op segment in South Carolina is expanding, with carriers adding routes and increasing hiring as freight volumes grow. Check individual carrier listings for current openings and application requirements in SC.