ABF Freight (ArcBest) vs Old Dominion Freight Line
ABF is a Teamsters union LTL carrier under ArcBest. Old Dominion is non-union with profit sharing. ABF offers union protections and pension; Old Dominion offers higher total compensation.
ABF Freight (ArcBest)
- Pay
- $60,000 - $95,000
- Fleet
- 4,000+ tractors
- Rating
- 3.9/5
Old Dominion Freight Line
- Pay
- $65,000 - $100,000+
- Fleet
- 10,000+ tractors
- Rating
- 4.5/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
ABF Freight (ArcBest)
ABF pays $60K-$95K under Teamsters contract with union-scale wages.
Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion pays $65K-$100K+ with substantial profit sharing.
Home Time
ABF Freight (ArcBest)
City drivers home daily; road bids determined by union seniority.
Old Dominion Freight Line
City drivers home daily; linehaul on predictable weekly schedules.
Benefits
ABF Freight (ArcBest)
ABF offers Teamsters health and welfare, pension, paid holidays, seniority protections.
Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion provides profit sharing, 401(k), stock purchase, and health coverage.
Training/Support
ABF Freight (ArcBest)
ABF requires 1 year; union seniority governs route and shift selection.
Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion requires 1 year; merit-based advancement culture.
Equipment/Technology
ABF Freight (ArcBest)
ABF's fleet is adequate; ArcBest has been investing in modernization.
Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion operates modern equipment across 250+ service centers.
Where they actually differ
The scores above are our reading. This part is just the two carriers' profiles side by side — divisions, what they ask of a new hire, where they run, and which benefits only one of them lists.
ABF Freight (ArcBest)
- Founded
- 1923
- Fleet
- 4,000+ tractors
- Drivers
- 5,000+
- Divisions
- Local, Regional, LTL
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A
- Strongest states
- Arkansas, Texas and Ohio
ABF Freight is the LTL division of ArcBest Corporation. With Teamsters representation, ABF offers strong union wages and benefits. The company has operated since 1923 and maintains a nationwide service center network.
Only ABF Freight (ArcBest) is strong in: Arkansas and Ohio — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by ABF Freight (ArcBest) and not by Old Dominion Freight Line
- • Teamsters union contract
- • Union-scale wages
- • Health and welfare fund
- • Pension plan
- • Paid holidays and vacation
Old Dominion Freight Line
- Founded
- 1934
- Fleet
- 10,000+ tractors
- Drivers
- 11,000+
- Divisions
- Local, Regional, LTL
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A
- Strongest states
- North Carolina, Virginia and Texas
Old Dominion is consistently rated as the top LTL carrier in the industry for service quality. The company has over 250 service centers nationwide and is known for excellent driver compensation and a strong safety record.
Only Old Dominion Freight Line is strong in: North Carolina and Virginia — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Old Dominion Freight Line and not by ABF Freight (ArcBest)
- • Industry-leading LTL compensation
- • Profit sharing and 401(k)
- • Full health, dental, and vision
- • Company stock purchase plan
- • Home daily for city drivers
Our Verdict
Old Dominion is the better total compensation package with profit sharing and stock purchase. ABF is the choice for drivers who value union representation and pension. If union membership matters, ABF delivers. If maximizing income matters, Old Dominion wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is union at ABF worth it vs non-union ODFL?
Depends on priorities. ABF gives seniority, pension, collective bargaining. ODFL gives higher total pay through profit sharing.
Which has better retirement?
ABF has Teamsters pension. ODFL has profit sharing + 401(k) + stock. ODFL likely comes out ahead total, but pension is guaranteed.
Which is harder to get into?
Old Dominion. Their low turnover means fewer openings.