Estes Express Lines vs Old Dominion Freight Line
Estes and Old Dominion are both premier LTL carriers with roots in Virginia. Estes is the largest privately held LTL carrier with an ESOP, while Old Dominion is publicly traded and widely regarded as the best-operated LTL carrier.
Estes Express Lines
- Pay
- $58,000 - $90,000
- Fleet
- 8,000+ tractors
- Rating
- 4.2/5
Old Dominion Freight Line
- Pay
- $65,000 - $100,000+
- Fleet
- 10,000+ tractors
- Rating
- 4.5/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Estes Express Lines
Estes pays $58K-$90K with competitive hourly rates and ESOP contributions.
Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion pays $65K-$100K+ with profit sharing adding $5K-$10K+ annually.
Home Time
Estes Express Lines
City drivers home daily; linehaul has scheduled runs with regular home time.
Old Dominion Freight Line
City drivers home daily; linehaul on predictable weekly schedules.
Benefits
Estes Express Lines
Estes offers ESOP, 401(k) match, full health coverage, and dock-to-driver programs.
Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion provides profit sharing, 401(k), stock purchase, and comprehensive health benefits.
Training/Support
Estes Express Lines
Estes has a well-known dock-to-driver program that promotes from within.
Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion requires 1 year experience and is more selective in hiring.
Equipment/Technology
Estes Express Lines
Estes maintains a large, well-kept fleet across its national service center network.
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.
Estes Express Lines
- Founded
- 1931
- Fleet
- 8,000+ tractors
- Drivers
- 9,000+
- Divisions
- Local, Regional, LTL
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A (dock-to-driver programs available)
- Strongest states
- Virginia, Ohio and Georgia
Estes Express is the largest privately held LTL carrier in the U.S. Family-owned since 1931, the company is known for its strong corporate culture, driver-friendly policies, and extensive service center network covering all 50 states.
Only Estes Express Lines is strong in: Ohio and Georgia — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Estes Express Lines and not by Old Dominion Freight Line
- • Health, dental, and vision insurance
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
- • Paid time off and holidays
- • Dock-to-driver career path
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 Texas — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Old Dominion Freight Line and not by Estes Express Lines
- • 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 edges ahead on total compensation thanks to profit sharing. Estes counters with its ESOP and stronger dock-to-driver program. Both are among the best LTL employers. Estes may be easier to get into, while Old Dominion's lower turnover means fewer openings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Estes ESOP vs ODFL profit sharing?
Estes ESOP gives employees ownership shares at no cost. ODFL profit sharing pays cash bonuses based on company performance.
Which is easier to get hired at?
Estes, especially through their dock-to-driver program. Old Dominion's low turnover means fewer positions.
Are both financially stable?
Yes. Old Dominion is Fortune 500. Estes has been family-owned since 1931.