Intermodal Trucking in Charleston, SC

Market rates, top lanes, earnings estimates, and freight insights for intermodal owner-operators in Charleston.

$2.03

Rate / Mile

$17,255

Est. Gross / Month

$11,216

Est. Net / Month

Southeast

Market Region

About Intermodal Trucking

Intermodal drayage involves hauling containers between rail yards, ports, and distribution centers. Short-haul but high-frequency work, concentrated around major rail hubs and port cities.

Statewide Intermodal Overview

Intermodal rates, lanes, and regulations across all of South Carolina

Intermodal Earnings in South Carolina

Detailed earnings data for intermodal owner-operators in SC

Intermodal Market in the Southeast

The Southeast is one of the nation's strongest dry van markets, fueled by Atlanta's role as a distribution hub and Florida's massive consumer base. Savannah and Charleston ports generate steady import freight, while automotive manufacturing in Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina adds reliable contract lanes. Deadhead rates are generally favorable thanks to high freight density along the I-75 and I-85 corridors.

Top Intermodal Lanes from Charleston

Atlanta GA → Charlotte NC

Jacksonville FL → Nashville TN

Savannah GA → Memphis TN

Miami FL → Atlanta GA

Why Charleston for Intermodal

Key Industries

Port operations and international trade
Automotive manufacturing
Aerospace (Boeing)
Military (Joint Base Charleston)
Tourism and hospitality

Key Highways

I-26I-526 (Mark Clark Expressway)US-17US-52US-78SC-61

Top Shippers

SC Ports Authority
Volvo Cars
Mercedes-Benz Vans
Boeing

Distribution Centers Near Charleston

Amazon CHS1 (West Columbia, services Charleston)

Walmart DC #6057 (Ridgeville)

Target Import Warehouse (North Charleston)

ILA container freight stations (port area)

Need Intermodal Dispatch in Charleston?

Compare top dispatch services for intermodal carriers operating in the Charleston, SC market. Find the right partner for your lanes and equipment.

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Intermodal Trucking in Charleston — FAQ

The modelled intermodal rate for Charleston is $2.03 per loaded mile. This is a regional baseline for the Southeast region adjusted for metro size — it is an estimate, not observed lane data, and real rates vary significantly by lane, broker, season, and load specifics. Check a load board for live rates before pricing a load.

Based on current market estimates, a intermodal owner-operator based in Charleston can expect approximately $17,255 gross monthly revenue and around $11,216 net after typical expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance). Actual earnings depend on miles driven, load selection, and operating efficiency.

Top intermodal lanes from the Charleston market include: Atlanta GA → Charlotte NC, Jacksonville FL → Nashville TN, Savannah GA → Memphis TN, Miami FL → Atlanta GA. These lanes reflect the Southeast freight patterns and may vary by season.

Charleston sits in the Southeast freight region, and its freight base is driven by port operations and international trade, automotive manufacturing, aerospace (boeing). It is served by I-26, I-526 (Mark Clark Expressway), US-17, so reloads are generally easier to find than in markets off the interstate network. Whether it works for intermodal depends on which of those industries actually ship your equipment type — check a load board for live outbound volume.

Key highways for intermodal freight in Charleston include I-26, I-526 (Mark Clark Expressway), US-17, US-52, US-78, SC-61. These corridors connect to major distribution centers and freight lanes across the Southeast region.