Last Updated: April 21, 2026
Old Dominion Freight Line Application — How to Apply Online
Quick Answer: Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) is one of the largest less-than-truckload (LTL) freight carriers in the United States, known for its on-time delivery performance and service quality. Apply at jobs.odfl.com. CDL-A truck drivers earn between $75,000 and $100,000 annually. Dock worker positions start around $20 to $26 per hour. ODFL promotes from within and many drivers and managers started in dock roles.
About Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion Freight Line is a publicly traded, national less-than-truckload freight carrier headquartered in Thomasville, North Carolina. LTL carriers combine multiple customers’ shipments into shared trailer loads, providing an efficient and cost-effective freight solution for businesses shipping pallets and partial loads. Old Dominion operates an extensive network of service centers across the United States that serve as loading, unloading, and transfer points in its freight network. The company has consistently ranked among the highest-rated LTL carriers for on-time delivery and low claims ratios in industry surveys.
Old Dominion employs thousands of CDL truck drivers, dock workers, mechanics, and operations personnel across its service center network. The company is widely regarded as one of the better employers in the trucking industry, with competitive pay, strong benefits, and a culture that emphasizes internal promotion. Many Old Dominion service center managers and regional directors started in entry-level dock or driving roles. The company offers a driver training program that allows qualified dock workers to earn their CDL and transition into a driving career.
How to Apply at Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion hiring is managed through its online careers portal with applications reviewed by local service center management.
Step 1: Visit jobs.odfl.com
Go to jobs.odfl.com and search for openings by location and job category. Categories include CDL drivers, dock workers, mechanics, and service center and corporate positions. Filter by your nearest service center location.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Create a careers account and apply for your target role. CDL driver applicants provide their license class, endorsements, driving history, and years of experience. Dock worker applicants provide work history and physical availability for early morning and overnight freight shifts.
Step 3: Recruiter or Service Center Manager Contact
Qualified applicants are contacted by the local service center manager or a regional recruiter. CDL driver applicants typically receive faster outreach given ongoing demand. Response times vary but most active applications receive a call within one to two weeks.
Step 4: Interview at the Service Center
Attend an interview at your local Old Dominion service center. CDL drivers may be asked to complete a road skills test or observe a brief orientation to the terminal. Dock worker interviews focus on your physical readiness, availability, and prior material handling experience.
Step 5: Pre-Employment Screening
All candidates complete a background check and drug screen. CDL drivers undergo a DOT-mandated drug test and motor vehicle record review. Physical examinations for DOT compliance are required for driver positions and may be required for dock roles depending on the specific service center.
Step 6: Onboarding and Training
New hires attend service center orientation covering ODFL’s safety culture, freight handling procedures, and company policies. CDL drivers complete over-the-road training with an experienced ODFL driver before operating routes independently.
Old Dominion Positions and Pay
Old Dominion offers strong compensation relative to the industry for both driving and dock roles.
| Position | Pay Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dock Worker (Part-Time) | $20–$26/hr | Typically early AM or overnight shifts |
| Dock Worker (Full-Time) | $22–$28/hr + benefits | Full benefits after probation |
| CDL-A City Driver | $75,000–$95,000/yr | Local pickup and delivery routes |
| CDL-A Road Driver | $80,000–$100,000/yr | Linehaul routes between service centers |
| Diesel Mechanic | $28–$40/hr | Service center shop roles |
| Service Center Supervisor | $60,000–$80,000/yr | Salaried management |
Application Requirements
Dock worker positions require applicants to be at least 18 years old and physically capable of loading and unloading freight weighing up to 75 pounds. No CDL or prior freight experience is required for dock roles, though forklift experience is a plus. CDL-A driver positions require a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License, a clean driving record meeting DOT standards, and at least one year of verifiable CDL-A driving experience for city and linehaul routes. Some positions accept recent CDL graduates through Old Dominion’s driver development program. All positions require a background check and drug screen. CDL positions require a DOT-mandated drug test and physical examination.
Benefits at Old Dominion
Old Dominion offers a comprehensive benefits package that is considered one of the stronger offerings in the trucking industry. Medical, dental, and vision insurance is available after a qualifying period. The company’s pension plan and profit-sharing program provide retirement income beyond the standard 401(k). Paid vacation, personal days, and holiday pay are provided for full-time employees. CDL drivers receive per diem pay for overnight linehaul runs, assigned equipment, and consistent route patterns that minimize time away from home for city drivers. Old Dominion’s dock-to-driver CDL training program allows motivated dock workers to earn their Class A CDL with company support and transition to driving careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Old Dominion hire CDL drivers without experience?
Old Dominion prefers experienced CDL-A drivers but operates a driver development program that allows dock workers to earn their CDL and transition to driving. Recent CDL graduates should ask about the development program during the application process.
What shifts do dock workers work at Old Dominion?
Most dock worker positions involve early morning or overnight shifts when freight is loaded and unloaded between linehaul runs. Part-time dock positions are common and often serve as entry points into the company.
Does Old Dominion have a pension?
Yes. Old Dominion offers a company-funded pension plan in addition to a 401(k) and profit-sharing program, which is relatively rare in the trucking industry today.
How does the dock-to-driver program work?
Old Dominion’s dock-to-driver program supports dock workers in obtaining their Class A CDL through paid training and testing. After earning the CDL and meeting performance standards, program participants transition to city or linehaul driving positions.
How much can a CDL driver earn at Old Dominion?
City drivers typically earn $75,000 to $95,000 annually. Linehaul drivers who run overnight routes between service centers often earn $85,000 to $100,000 or more, including per diem and overtime.