Old Dominion Freight Line vs ABF Freight (ArcBest)
The best non-union LTL carrier vs a respected Teamsters LTL carrier. Old Dominion pays more with profit sharing. ABF offers union protections and pension.
Old Dominion Freight Line
- Pay
- $65,000 - $100,000+
- Fleet
- 10,000+ tractors
- Rating
- 4.5/5
ABF Freight (ArcBest)
- Pay
- $60,000 - $95,000
- Fleet
- 4,000+ tractors
- Rating
- 3.9/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Old Dominion Freight Line
ODFL $65K-$100K+ with profit sharing.
ABF Freight (ArcBest)
ABF $60K-$95K Teamsters scale.
Home Time
Old Dominion Freight Line
City daily; linehaul weekly.
ABF Freight (ArcBest)
City daily; road by seniority.
Benefits
Old Dominion Freight Line
Profit sharing, 401(k), stock purchase.
ABF Freight (ArcBest)
Teamsters pension, health, seniority.
Training/Support
Old Dominion Freight Line
1 year, selective hiring.
ABF Freight (ArcBest)
1 year, union seniority system.
Equipment/Technology
Old Dominion Freight Line
Modern fleet, 250+ terminals.
ABF Freight (ArcBest)
Adequate; modernizing.
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.
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
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
Our Verdict
Old Dominion for maximum pay and modern operations. ABF for union protections and Teamsters pension. The union vs non-union question is the deciding factor -- both are good careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ODFL profit sharing worth more than ABF pension?
Annually, likely yes. Long-term retirement, depends. Profit sharing gives cash now; pension gives guaranteed income later.
Do I need to join the union at ABF?
Yes, ABF is a Teamsters carrier. All drivers are union members and pay dues.
Which has better equipment?
Old Dominion, with a larger and more modern fleet.