Old Dominion Freight Line got its start in 1934 as a family-run business with one truck running between Richmond and Norfolk, VA. The company grew during the post-war years, and benefited from truck deregulation in the 1980s. After a series of acquisitions and mergers, Old Dominion extended its coverage throughout the US and into Canada.
The company is now based in Thomasville, North Carolina. It is a non-union organization with 213 service centers, more than 10,000 employees, 5,513 tractors, 15,694 pup trailers, and 5,655 vans.
Pickup and delivery (P&D) is the local driving job with Old Dominion. P&D drivers make several stops throughout the day along their route, but they stay in the same local area and get excellent home time. Because many people want these coveted jobs, they generally go to more experienced drivers with an established record, but Old Dominion does offer a driver training program to some candidates.
The line haul opportunity at Old Dominion is the entry level driving opportunity. Candidates for this job must be at least 22 years old and eligible for a CDL-A with hazmat and double-triple endorsements. According to the Old Dominion website, the company prefers to hire people with one year of driving experience, but they will consider candidates who have completed certain CDL driving programs (be sure to ask the recruiter which programs they accept). Old Dominion also has its own driver training program. Line haul drivers for Old Dominion should be able to load and unload their trailers with a forklift, dolly or by hand.
Old Dominion also contracts with owner operators who have at least one year of verifiable OTR experience and a clean driving record. Drivers must have a valid CDL-A with hazmat or hazmat and tanker endorsement.
If you don’t have your CDL yet, but are interested in working in the freight industry, Old Dominion also hires dock workers in its service centers. These jobs are often part-time, but they give you the opportunity to get familiar with the company and shipping procedures from the inside.
In addition to the wide range of driving opportunities at Old Dominion, the company also has opportunities for dispatchers, sales personnel, office workers and maintenance mechanics.
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