Florence, SC: A Career Guide for Heavy Truck Drivers

Look, I’ve lived in the Pee Dee Region for years. I know the smell of the pecan orchards off Highway 52, the constant hum of the trucks on I-95, and the way the local economy really pulses through the logistics hubs. Florence isn't the biggest city in South Carolina, but for Heavy Truck Drivers (Class A CDL holders), it’s a solid, stable market. It’s a place where you can make a respectable living without getting drowned in the cost of living that plagues Charleston or Greenville.

This guide isn't a sales pitch. It's a breakdown of the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the reality of driving for a living in the "Magic City." If you're thinking about parking your rig here, this is what you need to know.

The Salary Picture: Where Florence Stands

First, let's look at the money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the financial outlook for Heavy Truck Drivers in Florence is steady but slightly below the national average. However, the low cost of living here acts as a powerful equalizer.

Median Salary: $51,178/year
Hourly Rate: $24.6/hour
National Average: $53,090/year
Jobs in Metro: 160
10-Year Job Growth: 4%

While the $51,178 median is $1,912 less than the $53,090 national average, Florence's Cost of Living Index (88.0) means your dollar stretches further. The job market is tight—only 160 positions are typically listed in the metro area at any given time—and growth is projected at a modest 4% over the next decade. This suggests a stable but competitive environment where experience and a clean record are king.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salaries generally break down by experience level in the Florence market. Note that these are estimates based on local trends and the provided median.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Florence)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $48,000	Local/Regional routes, assisting senior drivers, learning specific freight (e.g., produce from Darlington County).
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$51,178 (Median)	Over-the-road (OTR) routes, handling specialized freight, independent route planning.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$55,000 - $62,000	Training new drivers, managing complex logistics for major clients (e.g., McLeod Health), preferred for hazardous materials.
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$65,000+	Oversized loads, tankers, or dedicated fleet management for companies like Southeastern Freight Lines.

Comparison to Other SC Cities

Florence sits in a middle ground. It’s not booming like Greenville, but it’s more affordable and offers a quality of life that many drivers prefer over the congestion of larger hubs.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Job Market Size (Est.)	Vibe
Florence	$51,178	88.0	Small (160 jobs)	Stable, regional hub.
Greenville-Spartanburg	$54,500	95.0	Large (300+ jobs)	Fast-paced, growing manufacturing.
Charleston	$53,800	112.0	Large (250+ jobs)	Port-heavy, high traffic, high cost.
Columbia	$52,200	94.0	Medium (200 jobs)	Government & distribution focus.

Florence’s advantage is the Cost of Living Index of 88.0. While a driver in Greenville might earn $3,322 more pre-tax, their rent and expenses are significantly higher. In Florence, your $51,178 goes further.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. We’ll use the median salary of $51,178 and the average 1BR rent of $792/month.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Income: $51,178
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): 22% ($11,259)
• Net Annual Income: $39,919
• Net Monthly Income: $3,327

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single Driver:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apartment)	$792	Average for Florence metro.
Utilities (Elec, Water, Gas)	$150	SC summers are hot; AC costs money.
Groceries	$400	For a single person.
Auto Insurance (Truck & Personal)	$300	CDL holders pay more; rates vary.
Fuel (Personal Vehicle)	$200	Assuming a daily commute to a local yard.
Phone/Internet	$100	Essential for logistics apps.
Health Insurance	$250	If not covered by employer.
Misc/Discretionary	$300	Eating out, entertainment, savings.
TOTAL	$2,492	Remainder: ~$835/month

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Florence is around $180,000 - $210,000. With a monthly surplus of $835, a driver could comfortably handle a mortgage payment of $1,100 - $1,200 (including taxes/insurance) if they have a solid down payment (20% is $36,000 - $42,000). Building that down payment would take 3-4 years of disciplined saving. The low cost of living makes homeownership a realistic goal here, unlike in coastal SC cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Florence's Major Employers

Florence’s economy is anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. Major employers are always looking for reliable Class A drivers. Here are the key players:

1. Southeastern Freight Lines: Headquartered in Florence, this is a huge deal. They are the largest regional LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) carrier in the Southeast. They have a massive local terminal. They hire for linehaul, city delivery, and road drivers. Insider Tip: They offer excellent benefits and have a strong local reputation. Getting on here is competitive but worth it for the stability.
2. McLeod Health: The region's largest healthcare system. They need drivers for their medical supply chain, moving equipment and supplies between their main hospital on Cheves Street and their other facilities (like McLeod Health Dillon and Loris). These are often dedicated routes with regular hours.
3. PepsiCo / Frito-Lay: The Pepsi distribution center off I-95 services the entire Pee Dee. They hire drivers for local route delivery (vending machines, stores). It’s physical work (loading/unloading) but offers steady pay and benefits.
4. Walmart Distribution Center: Located in nearby Darlington (15 miles), this is a massive employer. They need drivers for regional hauling and some local switching. The commute is short, and pay is competitive.
5. Meyer Distributing: A major automotive parts distributor. Their Florence facility needs drivers for regional runs to auto shops and dealerships across the Carolinas. Good for drivers who want consistent, predictable freight.
6. Local Produce & Agriculture: The Darlington and Florence counties are agricultural hubs. Companies like Pearl River Farms or Lancaster Farms often need drivers for seasonal harvest transport or regional deliveries of produce to grocery chains. This is often local, day-cab work.
7. C & S Wholesale Grocers: Servicing major grocery chains in the region, their Florence operations require drivers for both OTR and local delivery to stores. It's fast-paced warehouse work.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. With only 160 jobs, turnover is low. Employers are desperate for drivers with clean records and 2+ years of experience. New CDL holders often start with local or regional carriers before moving to OTR with a national company.

Getting Licensed in SC

South Carolina’s Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) handles CDLs. The process is straightforward but requires time and money.

State-Specific Requirements:

• Age: 21 for interstate driving (18 for intrastate only).
• Permit: You must pass a general knowledge test, plus endorsements for your vehicle (e.g., Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles).
• Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): Federally mandated since 2022. You must complete a certified ELDT course from a provider registered with the FMCSA. This is not optional.
• Skills Test: Includes pre-trip inspection, basic control skills (backing), and an on-road test.

Costs & Timeline (Estimate):

• CDL School (Private): $3,500 - $5,000. (Florence has several schools, like those partnering with Florence-Darlington Technical College).
• CDL School (Company-Sponsored): Often free or low-cost, but you sign a contract to drive for them for 1-2 years. Common with mega-carriers (though many have moved away from this model).
• Permit/Testing Fees (SCDMV): ~$125 (including permit fees and road test).
• Medical Exam (DOT Physical): $75 - $150 (must be done by a certified medical examiner).

Timeline: From zero experience to a CDL in hand: 4 to 8 weeks for a full-time school. Add 1-3 months of job hunting. Plan for a 3-6 month total timeline to start earning.

Best Neighborhoods for Heavy Truck Drivers

Living in Florence means balancing commute, parking (if you can't park a rig at home), and cost. Here are the top spots:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Est.)	Why It Works for Drivers
West Florence	Suburban, quiet. Close to I-95, I-20.	$800 - $900	Easy highway access for early morning departures. Low traffic. Close to Southeastern's terminal.
Downtown Florence	Walkable, historic. Near hospitals, restaurants.	$850 - $1,100	Good if you have a local job (e.g., McLeod). Parking a rig is a challenge; better for day-cab drivers.
Medical District	Near McLeod, Tuomey. Quiet, professional.	$750 - $900	Ideal for hospital supply chain drivers. Very close to I-95 for OTR runs.
Timmonsville (15 min NE)	Small town, rural. Very low cost.	$600 - $750	Great for saving money. Commute to Florence is easy via Highway 76. Less competition for apartments.
Darlington (15 min N)	Historic, tight-knit. Home to NASCAR track.	$650 - $800	Close to Walmart DC and other Darlington industries. A strong community feel.

Insider Tip: Many OTR drivers choose to live in West Florence or Timmonsville to maximize their per-diem pay and minimize rent. If you’re home daily, Downtown or the Medical District offers a better lifestyle.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Florence, career growth means specialization or moving into management.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Hazmat (H): +$0.10 - $0.25 per mile or $2,000 - $5,000 annual premium. Essential for fuel, chemical haulers.
  • Tanker (N): +$0.15 - $0.30 per mile. Common for liquid fertilizers or food-grade tankers in the agricultural sector.
  • Doubles/Triples (T): +$0.20+ per mile. Less common in SC but available with certain LTL carriers.
  • Flatbed (Oversized): +$0.20 - $0.40 per mile. Used for construction materials, machinery. Requires more skill and tarping.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Trainer: Senior drivers can train new hires for a premium pay rate.
  2. Dispatcher/Logistics Coordinator: Moving off the road into an office role at a company like Southeastern or a local freight broker.
  3. Fleet Manager: Overseeing a team of drivers for a local company (e.g., managing 10 drivers for Meyer Distributing).
  4. Owner-Operator: This is the ultimate goal. Leasing a truck to a company like Southeastern or buying your own rig to run independent contracts. The low cost of living in Florence makes the startup overhead more manageable.

10-Year Outlook (4% Growth): The 4% growth is modest. It won't explode, but it won't disappear. Automation will impact drayage and long-haul eventually, but the regional and local "last-mile" delivery in and around Florence is safe for the foreseeable future. Specializing in tankers or hazmat will provide the most job security.

The Verdict: Is Florence Right for You?

Florence is a pragmatic choice. It’s not glamorous, but it’s practical for a working driver. It’s a place to build a career, buy a house, and raise a family without the financial strain of a coastal city.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living (88.0) stretches your $51,178 salary.	Limited Job Market (160 jobs) means less choice.
Strategic Location: I-95 & I-20 intersection. Easy OTR access.	4% job growth is slow; opportunities are won by experience.
Stable Employers: Southeastern, McLeod, Walmart offer good jobs.	Summers are hot and humid – tough for unloading in summer.
Homeownership is Attainable.	Cultural Scene: Smaller than Columbia or Charleston.
Less Traffic & Congestion than major metros.	Public Transport: Non-existent; you need a personal vehicle.

Final Recommendation:
Florence is highly recommended for experienced drivers (3+ years) looking for stability and affordability. It's an excellent place for owner-operators looking to minimize overhead. For new drivers, it’s a good place to start if you land a local job, but be prepared for competition. If you value a quiet, low-stress environment over a bustling city life, Florence is a perfect fit.

FAQs

1. Can I live in Florence and drive OTR for a national carrier?
Yes. Many Florence drivers work for companies like Schneider, Werner, or CR England. The key is finding a carrier that picks up/drops off in the region. You’ll be home most weekends, and the easy access to I-95 and I-20 makes it a convenient home base.

2. What’s the parking situation like?
If you live in an apartment, parking a rig is a huge challenge. Most local jobs (Pepsi, McLeod) provide a yard for your tractor. For OTR drivers, you’ll need a home with a large driveway or rent a spot at a local truck stop (like the Pilot off I-95). Always verify parking before renting.

3. Are there union jobs in Florence?
Union presence is limited. Southeastern Freight Lines is a non-union LTL carrier. Some local delivery drivers (e.g., for grocery chains) may be part of the Teamsters, but it’s not the norm. Most jobs here are right-to-work.

4. How does the weather affect driving?
Florence has mild winters but can get occasional ice/snow. Summers are brutally hot and humid. Your tractor will run air conditioning constantly. The main hazard is thunderstorms and the rare hurricane (though Florence is inland, tropical systems bring heavy rain and wind).

5. What’s the best way to find a job here?

1. Check company websites directly (Southeastern, McLeod, Walmart DC).
2. Use local job boards like Florence-Darlington Technical College’s career site.
3. Network at the truck stops along I-95 (Pilot, Love’s). Talk to other drivers.
4. Attend job fairs at the Florence Civic Center—they often feature major employers.

---

Sources:

• Salary & Employment Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW).
• Cost of Living: Sperling’s BestPlaces, SC Department of Commerce.
• Licensing: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), FMCSA.
• Local Employer Insights: Company websites, local news (The Florence Morning News), and industry reports.