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Frame The Importance of

Commercial Truck Insurance in Charleston, SC

  • Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
  • Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
  • That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.

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percent The Commercial Truck

Insurance Agency in Charleston, SC You Can Trust

Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.

As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.

Commercial Truck Insurance Charleston, SC

We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't

 Truck Insurance Charleston, SC

Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.

At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.

One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.

Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.

If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:

  • Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
  • Exemplary Customer Service
  • Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
  • A+ Carriers Across the Country
  • Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
  • Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
  • Truck Insurance for New Ventures

Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.

chart The Commercial Truck

Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Charleston, SC

At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.

As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.

Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.

For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.

While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.

Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.

Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.

Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:

  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Reefer Breakdown Insurance
  • Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
  • Rental Reimbursement Insurance
  • Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
  • Towing Insurance
  • Electronics Insurance
  • Much More

Three plus 3 Safe Driving Tips to

Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Charleston, SC

Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.

Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.

Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

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 Trucking Insurance Charleston, SC

Practice Defensive Driving

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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 Commercial Liability Insurance For Truckers Charleston, SC

Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

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 Commercial Truck Insurance Quote Charleston, SC

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

 Low Priced Commercial Truck Insurance Charleston, SC phone Call Now

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Commercial Truck Insurance Charleston, SC phone Call Now

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

 Truck Insurance Charleston, SC phone Call Now

check light FAQs About

Independence Insurance Agency

If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.

Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.

Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.

We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.

Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.

Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry

There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Charleston, SC that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.

 Trucking Insurance Charleston, SC

Latest News in Charleston, SC

What to do the week of March 28

The Fly Fishing Film Tour, the largest fly fishing event of its kind, is back for its 18th annual event with a top-notch selection of short films to get you fired up for the season ahead. This year’s films will take you on a journey through the science of the Costa Marlin Project and into the depths of the jungle to explore the massive Peacock Bass. Join for a captivating Steelhead story featuring characters as unique and rare as the fish itself, plus many more. Doors open an hour before the show.March 31. 7 p.m....

The Fly Fishing Film Tour, the largest fly fishing event of its kind, is back for its 18th annual event with a top-notch selection of short films to get you fired up for the season ahead. This year’s films will take you on a journey through the science of the Costa Marlin Project and into the depths of the jungle to explore the massive Peacock Bass. Join for a captivating Steelhead story featuring characters as unique and rare as the fish itself, plus many more. Doors open an hour before the show.

March 31. 7 p.m. $15/advance; $17/day-of. Charleston Music Hall. 37 John Street. Downtown.charlestonmusichall.com

Gather your friends, and sample over 50 varieties of wine, along with mimosas and a small beer selection. Experience live music and a DJ performance keeping the festivities alive. Tickets include all drinks along with a souvenir acrylic glass to sip your wine in. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or day-of at the event. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.

March 30. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Johnson Hagood Stadium. 68 Hagood Ave. Downtown. charlestonwinefestivals.com

Stop by the taproom and shop from local vendors like Something Blue vintage clothing, Bolso Wayuu artisan bags and accessories, Gold Bird Collective permanent jewelry, Mimi Onofrey’s handmade jewelry plus more. Savor a sour beer and grab a delicious bite from Seol Ahs Korean Corn Dogs.

April 3. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free. Snafu Brewing Company. 3280 Industry Drive. North Charleston. snafubrewingcompany.com

Channel your inner Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte or Samantha for a Sex and the City themed trivia at Firefly Distillery. Indulge in chic cocktails and put your knowledge of this iconic series to the test while celebrating the luxurious world it embraced. Enjoy happy hour cocktail specials and enjoy bites from the in-house Rocket Burger food truck. Check out options for beverages feature boozy milkshakes and a Firefly twist on the classic cosmopolitan or Manhattan.

April 2. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free. Firefly Distillery. 4201 Spruill Ave. North Charleston.fireflydistillery.com

The College of Charleston Orchestra presents the world-renowned violinist Augustin Hadelich for an unforgettable performance. Hadelich’s global performances with leading orchestras have earned him acclaim across the world. Sit back, and relax with an additional segment of Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto performed by music major Katie Banish from the College of Charleston.

April 1. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $20. Sottile Theatre. 44 George St. Downtown. cofc.evenue.net

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Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season

The Charleston Open has announced its collection of wildcards for the 52nd edition of the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America.Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 and 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, Charleston’s own Shelby Rogers and 2023 Wimbledon girls singles champion Clervie Ngounoue.Wozniacki had announced her formal retirement in January 2020 in order to raise a family.The mother of two retur...

The Charleston Open has announced its collection of wildcards for the 52nd edition of the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America.

Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 and 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, Charleston’s own Shelby Rogers and 2023 Wimbledon girls singles champion Clervie Ngounoue.

Wozniacki had announced her formal retirement in January 2020 in order to raise a family.

The mother of two returned to professional tennis in Montreal in August 2023.

She made it to the fourth round of the US Open not long after her return. Since then, she has advanced to Indian Wells’ quarter-finals in her best performance of the campaign.

She is a two-time US Open finalist and the 2018 Australian Open champion. Thirty WTA championships are under her belt, with her Charleston victory coming in 2011 in a career resume that speaks for itself.

Her win/loss record at the Charleston tournament is 20-5, and she will be competing there for the eighth time.

She advanced to the event semi-finals in 2010; quarter-finals in 2013 and 2017; and finals in 2019 and 2009.

Haddad Maia will be part of Charleston’s main draw for the second time in her career and first since 2018 thanks to her wildcard.

Rogers recently returned from a long injury layoff that has put her on ice since Wimbledon 2023.

This will be Rogers’ 10th appearance in the Charleston main draw, where her best effort has been making the quarterfinals in 2017.

“We are excited to have an impressive lineup of wild cards this year, including former World No. 1 and past champion Caroline Wozniacki, Brazil’s Top 20 trailblazer Beatriz Haddad Maia, and the incredibly promising American young talent, Clervie Ngounoue,” said Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment.

“Caroline’s return to the courts in Charleston adds a layer of anticipation and nostalgia for our fans, while Beatriz’s breakthrough performances on the tour last year signal she’s a significant contender.

“Clervie represents the bright future of tennis at just 17 years old, and we can’t wait to see her compete on this grand stage.

“Their commitments emphasize our tournament’s reputation as a platform where legends, current champions, and future stars converge, promising a week of exciting tennis action for our fans.”

“Welcoming Shelby Rogers back to the courts at an event that holds special significance for her as a local player, means a great deal to our tournament and our fans,” said Moran. “Shelby’s determination to return to the game she loves is truly inspiring. It’s a moment of pride for us to see her compete in her hometown, and we look forward to supporting her throughout the tournament.”

Charleston’s Pat Kelsey headed to Louisville

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Pat Kelsey, who led the College of Charleston Cougars to two back-to-back stints at the NCAA Tournament, is heading to Louisville.While rumors began circulating online Wednesday, the University of Louisville made its decision official on Thursday afternoon after the University of Louisville Athletic Association Board of Directors...

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Pat Kelsey, who led the College of Charleston Cougars to two back-to-back stints at the NCAA Tournament, is heading to Louisville.

While rumors began circulating online Wednesday, the University of Louisville made its decision official on Thursday afternoon after the University of Louisville Athletic Association Board of Directors approved Coach Kelsey’s contract.

The contract with the Cardinals lasts five years through the 2028-29 season.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Pat Kelsey as our new men’s basketball coach,” said Director of Athletics Josh Heird. “Pat has proven his ability to build multiple programs to an elite level. He garners great respect as a coach, manager, communicator and motivator who will build strong bonds with his student-athletes, coaches and our fan base. Pat understands the expectations of this storied program and will attack this opportunity with unmatched enthusiasm and work ethic. We’re looking forward to having him, his wife Lisa and their children become part of the best community in college athletics.”

“I am humbled and honored to be named the head coach at the University of Louisville,” Kelsey said. “I would like to thank Josh Heird, President Schatzel, the Board of Trustees and ULAA Board, former UofL players and all of Card Nation for entrusting me to lead one of the great programs in all of college basketball. Coaching giants that I have tremendous respect and reverence for led Cardinal basketball to national prominence during their era. It is my charge to help this great program return to its rightful place as one of college basketball’s best.”

Kelsey was selected as the college’s head basketball coach in March 2021, replacing former head coach Earl Grant. He left Winthrop University for the job after nine seasons.

Under Kelsey’s leadership, the Cougars went to the NCAA Tournament in 2023 losing to San Diego State in the first round, and again in 2024 losing to Alabama.

Collegiate Sports Associates will assist the College of Charleston in an immediate national search.

“Coach Kelsey is an amazing talent and model leader,” said Andrew Hsu, president of the College of Charleston. “He brought so much energy and excitement to Our City and his impact goes far beyond basketball. His success reignited a premiere basketball school in a premiere city.”

“We are grateful for the record-breaking success Pat brought to the College of Charleston. His teams were not only tremendous on the court but in the community and in the classroom. Pat is a great coach but an even better father, husband, and friend,” said director of athletics Matt Roberts. “Louisville just got a significant upgrade to its men’s basketball program. We wish Pat, Lisa and the Kelsey family all the best in this new chapter of their lives.”

Known for his big energy, Kelsey was named Big South Conference Coach of the Year in 2021 and Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year in 2023.

City of Charleston providing opportunity to small business owners

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Charleston is hosting a small business opportunity expo to help small businesses grow, expand and thrive.The expo is about assisting small business owners whether their business already exists or are just looking to start a business. The event will focus on under-represented, disadvantaged, veteran, minority and women-owned businesses.Minority and Women-Owned Business Office Manager Ruth Jordan says they want to focus on these groups because they know how important access to opportunity is....

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Charleston is hosting a small business opportunity expo to help small businesses grow, expand and thrive.

The expo is about assisting small business owners whether their business already exists or are just looking to start a business. The event will focus on under-represented, disadvantaged, veteran, minority and women-owned businesses.

Minority and Women-Owned Business Office Manager Ruth Jordan says they want to focus on these groups because they know how important access to opportunity is. She says that they understand, statistically, that small business owners, and these groups in particular, usually do not have the same access or knowledge as bigger corporations, but they mean a lot to the city. Jordan says she encourages anyone looking to improve or start their business, to come out to the expo.

“This expo is designed to assist small businesses. It doesn’t matter whether you’re on front street or back street, it doesn’t matter that you own a startup business or an existing business. Our goal - focus on this is to help these businesses scale and grow. If you’re looking for an opportunity to increase your business or start up a business, this is where you need to be,” she says.

Jordan says she is looking forward to what comes from this expo.

“I’m excited because I was a small business owner. And I know some of the challenges and successes of being a business owner. So being able to assist and help small businesses is what we do. It is my ethos. It is the fiber of the City of Charleston, my office, the Office of Women, Minority-Owned business. That’s what we do,” she says.

This is the fourth year they are holding this opportunity expo. The expo will be held Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gaillard Center. They will be hosting workshops throughout the entire day. The workshops will go over different topics such as digital marketing, legal basics, access to capital and will even include some bilingual sessions.

Registration is not required for the event. Walk-ins are welcome; however, the City is encouraging those interested to register online so they can keep track of who all is coming. They already have over 500 people registered to attend and almost 150 volunteers and exhibitors planning on attending. Registration will be open up until the event begins. This event is bringing in people not just across the Tri-County, but the entire state.

Some exhibitors in attendance will include Mayor William Cogswell, city leaders, municipal partners, nonprofit resources partners and local business owners. Organizations and municipal partners, such as contractors, government agencies, schools and housing authorities, will be in attendance to showcase their services, contractual needs and upcoming opportunities. They want to show small business owners what opportunities are available to them and how they can do business with these types of organizations.

The event is completely free and open to anyone interested in participating. The only cost associated with the event will be $5 to park in the parking garage. Those in attendance can access the exhibitor area directly from the garage.

Jordan says she wants to emphasize the importance of highlighting these small business owners.

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community. Matter of fact, they’re the backbone of our community. So here at the City of Charleston, we want to ensure that all businesses are successful. So many times people concentrate on big businesses, but we concentrate on small businesses,” she says.

Jordan also says that the city is planning on making a huge, never-been-done-before announcement at the expo at around 3:30 p.m.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Charleston Co. provides public update on Palmetto Commerce Interchange

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County project managers are providing an update on a project meant to improve traffic mobility for the growing metro area.The county is meeting with community members at the Northwoods Gym and Community Center to address the progress made and what to expect in the months ahead for the Palmetto Commerce Interchange project.In the next phase, project managers say they will focus on five initiatives: concrete culvert installation, utility relocation, earthwork operation, storm drainage i...

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County project managers are providing an update on a project meant to improve traffic mobility for the growing metro area.

The county is meeting with community members at the Northwoods Gym and Community Center to address the progress made and what to expect in the months ahead for the Palmetto Commerce Interchange project.

In the next phase, project managers say they will focus on five initiatives: concrete culvert installation, utility relocation, earthwork operation, storm drainage installation and MSE wall construction.

“We have to work with the city and Department of Transportation. We are putting together preliminary concepts and ideas to try and see how we can work with the community to address their concerns,” Project manager Mackenzie Kelley says.

With a growing population in Charleston, the county believes roads will need to adjust to handle the traffic. This project is meant to reduce travel times, improve access options and increase traffic mobility.

The interchange will go between the exits of Ashley Phosphate Road and Highway 78 on I-26. The overpass will connect travelers directly to the Palmetto Commerce Parkway from the busy interstate.

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Since August, early construction has produced various changes to the surrounding landscape, including tree-clearing and the increased presence of cement pillars and construction vehicles.

Commuters on the highway itself have experienced alterations to their daily routine as construction continues.

Those living in Northwoods Estates, Deerhaven Mobile Home Park and other surrounding neighborhood communities have felt direct impacts from the project’s early construction started.

“They’re an aged population,” Northwood Estates homeowner Karen Thrower says. “They’re not going to live in their houses much longer. Because the reality is your thoughts for them and their property is they’re not going to be here long enough to live in it.”

The project has created mixed feedback for homeowners. Those on Northside Drive are pushing for the project’s completion to relief traffic in their neighborhoods. Others in the Northwoods Estates area are experiencing higher noise levels due to the recent tree clearing.

“District three is very underfunded for infrastructure-based projects, and we don’t have adequate sidewalks. We don’t have adequate stop signs. We don’t have adequate funding,” homeowner Monica Mumme says.

The Palmetto Commerce Interchange does not offer any noise reduction measures.

Kelley says the group is planning to look into the frustrations people had and hopes to provide an update at the next public meeting.

“We want to be transparent, hear their concerns. We know there’s a lot of concerns and try to work together to find resolutions,” Kelley says.

Several community members are expected to be in attendance. The meeting is not drop-in style and will lead with a presentation from the county.

The project is in the first quarter 2024 phase. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2026.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

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