Quick Answer: South Carolina follows federal FMCSA minimums. Workers' comp is required for employers with 4+ employees. SC is a growing freight state with the Port of Charleston driving drayage demand and I-85/I-95 corridors.
South Carolina Trucking Insurance Requirements
Federal FMCSA minimums apply: $750,000 BIPD for general freight, $1,000,000 for hazmat, $5,000,000 for explosives. Underwriters typically require $1M minimum.
The South Carolina Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates intrastate motor carriers. You need PSC authority for intrastate for-hire operations. Insurance filing requirements follow federal standards.
Workers Compensation for Trucking in South Carolina
South Carolina requires workers' comp for employers with 4 or more employees. Employers with fewer than 4 are exempt. Owner-operators without employees don't need WC. South Carolina uses NCCI for classification and rating.
WC premiums in South Carolina are below the national average — $3,500–$7,000 per driver annually. The state's business-friendly environment extends to workers' comp costs.
Additional Coverage Requirements
South Carolina doesn't mandate UM/UIM for commercial vehicles, though insurers must offer it. No PIP or no-fault requirements — SC is a tort state. You can reject UM/UIM in writing.
What Truck Insurance Costs in South Carolina
Single-truck operations in SC pay $7,500–$12,000 annually. The state's moderate costs, growing infrastructure, and business-friendly environment make it attractive for carriers. Charleston and Greenville-Spartanburg metros are slightly higher. New authorities: $10,000–$16,000.
I-95 (the main north-south corridor), I-85 (Greenville-Spartanburg to Charlotte), I-26 (Charleston to Columbia to Spartanburg), and I-77 (Columbia to Charlotte) are the major corridors.
South Carolina Trucking Industry Overview
South Carolina's freight economy is booming. The Port of Charleston is one of the fastest-growing container ports on the East Coast — the new Hugh Leatherman terminal significantly expanded capacity. BMW's largest global factory is in Spartanburg, and Volvo Cars has a plant in Charleston, driving automotive logistics demand. The Upstate (Greenville-Spartanburg) is a major manufacturing and distribution hub.
Contact the SC PSC at (803) 896-5100 or visit psc.sc.gov for motor carrier authority.
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