Old Dominion Freight Line is a less-than-truckload carrier that moves partial shipments across the United States

Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) is a publicly traded trucking company that specializes in less-than-truckload (LTL) freight — meaning it combines multiple shipments from different customers into a single truck rather than requiring you to rent an entire truck. The company operates more than 250 service centers across North America and handles shipments that typically weigh between 100 and 10,000 pounds.

Old Dominion moves freight for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and small businesses. If your shipment is too large for parcel carriers like UPS or FedEx but too small to justify a full truckload, Old Dominion is one of the carriers that can move it. The company also offers specialized services for freight that requires temperature control, hazardous material handling, or expedited delivery.

Key Takeaways

  • Old Dominion combines your shipment with others heading in the same direction, which costs less than renting a full truck but takes longer than direct service.
  • You can request a pickup from your location or drop your freight at a local service center; pricing depends on weight, distance, freight class, and current demand.
  • Shipments typically arrive within two to five business days for regional routes and five to seven days for cross-country routes, depending on the service level you choose.
  • Old Dominion publishes a freight class guide and requires accurate weight and dimension information; misclassifying your shipment can result in additional charges.

How Old Dominion's pricing and service levels work

Old Dominion charges based on four main factors: the weight of your shipment, the distance it travels, its freight class, and the service level you select. Freight class is a standardized system that rates shipments from Class 50 (the lightest, most dense cargo) to Class 500 (the heaviest, least dense cargo). Your shipment's class affects the rate per hundredweight (cwt) that Old Dominion charges.

The company offers different service levels. Standard LTL service moves your freight on a scheduled route with other shipments, taking longer but costing less. Expedited or may provide service moves your shipment faster, sometimes with a dedicated truck or priority handling, and costs more. You can request a quote through Old Dominion's website by entering your origin, destination, weight, and freight class, or by calling a local service center directly.

Pricing varies by lane (the route between two points), season, and fuel surcharges. Old Dominion publishes a general rate guide, but actual rates depend on current demand and your account status. If you ship regularly, negotiating a contract rate with a dedicated account manager may lower your per-shipment cost.

Pickup, delivery, and tracking options

You have two main options for getting your freight to Old Dominion. You can request a pickup at your location, and a driver will arrive during a scheduled window to collect your shipment. Alternatively, you can deliver your freight to the nearest Old Dominion service center yourself. Pickup requests typically cost more than self-delivery but save you the trip.

Old Dominion provides tracking information through its website and mobile app. You can enter your bill of lading number (the document that identifies your shipment) to see the current location and estimated delivery date. The company also sends email or SMS notifications at key points: when the shipment is picked up, when it arrives at a distribution hub, and when it is out for delivery.

Delivery is typically made to a dock or loading area. If your location does not have a dock, you may need to arrange for a lift gate (a hydraulic platform on the truck that lowers freight to ground level), which Old Dominion offers for an additional fee. Residential deliveries and inside delivery (carrying freight into a building) are also available but cost more than standard curbside delivery.

Freight classification and documentation requirements

Accurate freight classification is critical because it directly affects your rate. Old Dominion uses the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system, which assigns a class based on your shipment's density, stowability, handling, and liability. A pallet of steel weighs a lot but is dense and straightforward to handle, so it might be Class 50. A pallet of pillows weighs little and takes up space, so it might be Class 400.

You must provide Old Dominion with the correct weight and dimensions of your shipment before pickup or drop-off. If the actual shipment differs significantly from what you declared, Old Dominion can charge a correction fee or reclassify the freight at a higher rate. The company publishes a freight class guide on its website that shows examples of common shipments and their classes.

You will also need to prepare a bill of lading, which is the contract and receipt for your shipment. Old Dominion provides a template, or you can use your own if it includes required information: shipper name and address, consignee (receiver) name and address, weight, dimensions, freight class, and any special handling instructions. If your shipment contains hazardous materials, you must declare that on the bill of lading and follow DOT labeling and packaging rules.

Special services and restrictions

Old Dominion offers temperature-controlled service for freight that must stay within a certain temperature range, such as food products or pharmaceuticals. This service costs more than standard LTL and requires advance notice so the company can assign an appropriate trailer.

The company also handles hazardous materials (chemicals, batteries, flammable liquids, and similar items) but requires proper DOT classification, labeling, and packaging. Not all service centers accept hazardous freight, so you must confirm with your local center before shipping.

Old Dominion does not accept certain items, including live animals, perishable food without temperature control, and items that are improperly packaged or labeled. Oversized freight (items wider than 8.5 feet or longer than 40 feet) may require special routing and cost significantly more.

Claims and liability for damaged or lost freight

Old Dominion's liability for damage or loss is limited by federal law and the terms of your bill of lading. The company's standard liability is $0.50 per pound per article, which is often far less than the actual value of your shipment. You can declare a higher value on the bill of lading, and Old Dominion will charge an additional fee to cover the increased liability.

If your shipment arrives damaged or does not arrive at all, you must file a claim with Old Dominion within a set timeframe (usually 30 days). The company will investigate and may request photos, repair estimates, or other documentation. Claims are often settled for less than the declared value, so keeping detailed records of what you shipped and its condition is important.

To protect yourself, pack your freight securely, use appropriate packaging materials, and declare the full value of your shipment. If the item is fragile or valuable, consider purchasing additional insurance through Old Dominion or a third-party carrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Old Dominion to deliver my shipment?

Standard LTL service typically takes two to five business days for regional shipments and five to seven days for cross-country routes. Expedited service is faster but costs more. The exact timeframe depends on the specific route, current volume, and whether your shipment requires special handling. You can request an estimated delivery date when you get a quote.

What happens if my shipment is heavier or larger than I declared?

Old Dominion will reweigh and remeasure your shipment at pickup or drop-off. If the actual weight or dimensions differ significantly from what you declared, the company may reclassify the freight at a higher rate and charge you the difference. This is why providing accurate information upfront is important.

Can I track my shipment in real time?

Yes. You can track your shipment through Old Dominion's website or mobile app using your bill of lading number. The company provides updates when your freight is picked up, arrives at distribution hubs, and is out for delivery. Email and SMS notifications are also available if you request them.

What is the difference between LTL and full truckload freight?

LTL (less-than-truckload) combines multiple shipments from different customers into one truck, which costs less per shipment but takes longer. Full truckload (FTL) means you rent an entire truck for your shipment alone, which costs more but moves faster and directly to your destination. Old Dominion primarily handles LTL, though some carriers offer both.

Do I need insurance for my shipment?

Old Dominion's standard liability is limited to $0.50 per pound per article, which is usually much less than the actual value of your freight. If your shipment is valuable, you should declare a higher value on the bill of lading (for an additional fee) or purchase separate insurance to cover the full replacement cost.