ODFL Careers Guide: Roles, Benefits & How to Apply

If you’re exploring ODFL careers, this blog brings together roles, culture, benefits, and the exact steps to apply. You can move from research to action with confidence.

Start by identifying your path below. Then visit the ODFL careers portal to search live openings and apply.

Overview

Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) is a leading less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier known for reliability, safety, and customer service. This ODFL careers blog is built for job seekers who want a clear, candid guide to getting hired.

Whether you’re a CDL-A driver, dock/warehouse professional, office/IT/PMO candidate, student, or veteran, you’ll find what roles look like day-to-day. You’ll see how the hiring process works, what benefits to expect, and where we’re hiring now.

Use the role snapshots to pick your track. Follow the application steps to apply. Check the FAQs to get quick answers to common questions.

As you read, note any requirements to prepare (e.g., CDL for most driving roles, background screening timelines, or internship application windows). When you’re ready, search current ODFL jobs by location and function to take the next step.

Why work at ODFL: reliability, safety, and growth culture

Your next team should be one you trust. ODFL’s culture centers on reliability—keeping promises to customers and to each other. Safety is the non‑negotiable foundation.

Leadership and frontline teams align on clear standards, consistent training, and practical tools. That alignment helps you do your best work and get home safe.

We follow the core elements of strong safety programs—management leadership, worker participation, and finding and fixing hazards—outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). See OSHA’s guidance at https://www.osha.gov/safety-management.

The result is a predictable operation where effort is recognized and growth is earned. What this means for you: reliable equipment, structured training, and fair, consistent processes that respect equal opportunity. We comply with laws enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Learn more at https://www.eeoc.gov/laws-guidance.

“ODFL keeps its promises—the freight’s on time, the equipment’s safe, and so are we.” — ODFL driver

Safety and compliance you can count on

Safety at ODFL is practical and specific. Expect clear pre-trip routines, equipment checks, and disciplined operations guided by federal and state rules.

For drivers, that includes following the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Hours of Service. Examples include a limit of 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty and a required 30‑minute break after 8 hours of driving. See the FMCSA summary at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations.

Warehouse and dock teams work to engineered processes that reduce strain and prevent damage. These routines keep freight moving without shortcuts.

Compliance isn’t just a rule book—it’s the way we protect each other and our customers. Expect coaching, peer accountability, and leaders who remove obstacles so you can do the job right. When safety is consistent, the workday becomes more predictable and growth becomes sustainable.

ODFL job categories and career paths

Choosing your lane is easier when you can see the work and where it leads. Each category offers entry points for different experience levels plus training designed to help you advance.

Drivers (CDL‑A): Local pickup and delivery (P&D), regional, and linehaul positions with modern tractors and safety technology; steady freight and home‑time patterns that match the route.
Dock and warehouse: Load/unload LTL freight, prevent damage, and use handheld scanners and forklifts; multiple shifts with paths into lead, dispatch, and driver roles.
Office and customer operations: Customer support, dispatch/linehaul planning, billing, and claims; teamwork across service centers with clear performance metrics and training.
IT and PMO: Software engineering, data/analytics, cybersecurity, and project/program management that power daily operations; agile tools and cross‑functional collaboration.
Sales and maintenance: Field sales representatives who grow accounts and shop technicians who keep fleets road‑ready; both tracks offer certifications and leadership paths.

A typical progression might start with a dockworker earning forklift credentials and cross‑training for city P&D. You can obtain a CDL with company support, then move into linehaul or dispatch leadership.

Office and IT professionals can step into senior analyst, project lead, or people leadership. Advancement follows results and mentorship of others.

Driving (CDL-A) roles

ODFL drivers move LTL freight with precision—safely, on schedule, and with customer service in mind. Local P&D drivers make multiple stops, interact with customers, and return home daily. Regional and linehaul roles cover longer legs with planned schedules and set bid runs in many markets.

Expect well‑maintained equipment and consistent pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections. Digital tools simplify communication and routing.

Pay varies by location, experience, and shift. It is often structured by mileage, hourly, or activity pay depending on the role. Talk with recruiting about local vs. linehaul options to align pay structure and home time with your priorities.

Bring a safety‑first mindset and a clean motor vehicle record. You’ll find a predictable routine with room to grow.

Dock and warehouse operations

Dock professionals are the heartbeat of LTL—building safe, tight loads that arrive damage‑free. You’ll sort, stage, and load freight using forklifts and pallet jacks. You’ll scan labels for exact routing and follow best practices for weight balance and securement.

Shift options often include days, evenings, and nights. This helps you match the schedule to your life and earn shift differentials where available. You’ll work within clear quality standards that prioritize safety and on‑time performance.

Training covers equipment operation, hazard recognition, and freight handling standards. Expect quick feedback loops to improve efficiency and safety.

Many dockworkers cross‑train into yard jockey or driver apprentice roles. Strong performers often step into lead, trainer, or dispatch positions.

Office, IT, and PMO

Office and customer operations roles connect the network. You’ll resolve shipment questions, coordinate pickups, plan linehaul loads, and ensure billing accuracy.

Success here looks like clear communication, system fluency, and problem‑solving that keeps freight moving smoothly. You’ll collaborate daily with dock and driver teams to turn plans into reality.

IT and PMO teams build and manage the systems that power routing, visibility, safety tech, and customer portals. Engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and project managers work in agile sprints and ship improvements.

Teams partner with operations to roll out tools that scale. As you deliver, expect opportunities to lead projects, mentor teammates, and step into people leadership.

How to apply at ODFL: step-by-step

If you’re ready to move from research to results, here’s the fastest way to navigate the ODFL application process and set accurate timeline expectations.

Search current openings by location and job family (drivers, dock, office/IT/PMO, sales, maintenance).
Create your candidate profile and submit a tailored resume that matches the posting’s requirements.
Complete any role‑specific questions or screenings (e.g., CDL and MVR consent for driving).
Interview with recruiting and the hiring team—virtual or onsite depending on the role.
Complete background checks, employment verification, and a drug screen as applicable.
Receive your offer, review pay/shift details, and accept in the portal.
Begin onboarding: paperwork, safety orientation, and training/schedule assignment.

After you apply, watch your email for next‑step instructions and respond quickly to keep momentum. If you’re applying to multiple locations, note that timelines can vary by service center and role demand.

Timeline and screening expectations

Most candidates can expect one to three weeks from application to offer. The timeline depends on role, location, and screening complexity.

Drivers and safety‑sensitive roles may include multiple interviews and a road test or skills check. Office/IT/PMO candidates typically see a short panel interview and a practical question set aligned to the job.

Screenings commonly include a motor vehicle record (MVR) review for driving roles, a background check, employment verification, and a drug screen where required. ODFL is an equal opportunity employer, and hiring follows laws enforced by the EEOC—learn more at https://www.eeoc.gov/laws-guidance.

If you have questions about a specific posting’s requirements, ask recruiting early. You can prepare documents in advance.

Pay, benefits, and schedules at a glance

A good decision balances pay with predictability, benefits, and growth. Here’s a quick snapshot to compare. Pay structures vary by role and market, and your recruiter will outline the specifics for your location and shift.

Benefits typically include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and holiday pay.
Additional programs may include safety incentives, tuition assistance, and training/certifications for eligible roles.
Schedules: P&D drivers are commonly home daily; linehaul often runs evenings/nights with predictable bid runs; dock/warehouse offer multiple shifts; office/IT/PMO follow business-hour core blocks plus project-driven flexibility.
Safety programs align with OSHA’s recommended elements for strong safety and health management systems (see https://www.osha.gov/safety-management).
For market pay context in trucking, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2023 median of $49,920 for heavy and tractor‑trailer truck drivers (source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm).

Use these reference points to frame questions for your recruiter about location‑specific pay ranges, shift premiums, and training pay for apprenticeships or internships. Clarity up front helps you choose the right role and schedule for your life.

Internships and early-career programs

Students and early‑career professionals can build real projects that ship. Think PMO timelines for a service‑center rollout, a data dashboard for freight visibility, or a code contribution to routing software.

Typical candidates study business, supply chain, computer science, data/analytics, or related fields. Many internships include mentorship, cross‑functional exposure, and the chance to present outcomes to leaders.

Apply early in each recruiting season. Highlight coursework, club projects, or part‑time work that shows ownership and collaboration.

ODFL designs internships to be educational and compliant with fair standards. For transparency on best practices, see the U.S. Department of Labor’s Fact Sheet #71 on internships at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/71-flsa-internships.

Strong interns may receive return offers or convert to full-time roles in operations, IT, analytics, or PMO based on performance and business needs. Ask your recruiter about intern‑to‑full‑time pathways and the timing for your campus or region.

Veterans and career changers at ODFL

Your military or prior‑career experience maps well to logistics. Structured operations, safety discipline, and mission‑focused teamwork are everyday strengths here.

Veterans often step into driving, dock leadership, dispatch, maintenance, or security and compliance roles. Career changers from manufacturing or field service thrive in dock operations, sales, and shop technician positions.

Skill translations: logistics and motor transport to CDL driving; aviation or ground maintenance to diesel tech; operations leadership to dispatch/supervision; intel/IT/cyber to data, network, and security roles.

If you’re exploring training or GI Bill options, the VA’s transition resources are a strong starting point (visit https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/veteran-resources/transition-assistance/). For earn‑while‑you‑learn pathways—especially for non‑CDL entrants—explore registered apprenticeships at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/.

A common success story: a veteran begins on the dock, enters a driver apprenticeship while earning a paycheck, then moves into a city driver role with predictable home time. Later, they mentor new hires.

Locations and where we’re hiring

ODFL operates through a network of service centers across the U.S. The fastest way to find live roles is to search the careers portal by city, state, or region.

You can also filter by job family—drivers, dock, office/IT/PMO, sales, or maintenance—to see what’s open near you right now. Hiring needs tend to be strongest where freight volumes are growing, including major metro areas, manufacturing corridors, and port‑adjacent markets.

If you’re open to relocation, ask recruiting about transfer policies and support for high‑need locations. Flexibility can speed your timeline and broaden your options.

Either way, set job alerts by location and role so you’re first in line when a new posting goes live.

Interview and application tips

Interviews are your chance to show safety mindset, problem‑solving, and customer focus. These skills cut across every ODFL job family.

Prepare short, specific stories that show how you handled a safety decision, met a tight deadline, or resolved a customer issue. Tailor your resume to the posting’s must‑have requirements.

Checklist: match your resume to the job posting; list relevant licenses/certifications (e.g., CDL‑A, forklift); bring clean, specific safety examples; prepare a brief “day‑in‑the‑life” understanding of the role; have questions about schedule, training, and progression; confirm references and documents (CDL, medical card) if applicable.

After interviews, send a concise thank‑you that recaps your fit and any follow‑up items. If you’re applying to multiple locations, maintain one resume per posting tailored to that service center’s schedule and requirements to speed reviews.

FAQ: ODFL careers

Does ODFL hire non‑CDL applicants to become drivers? Yes—many locations offer apprentice or dock‑to‑driver pathways where you can earn your CDL while working; ask recruiting about current availability and training pay.
How long is the ODFL hiring process? Most candidates move from application to offer in one to three weeks, depending on role, screenings, and location demand.
What screenings should I expect? Expect a background check, employment verification, and drug screen where applicable; drivers also complete a motor vehicle record (MVR) review and may have a road or skills test.
What shift types are common? P&D drivers are typically home daily on daytime runs; linehaul often runs evenings/nights; dock roles offer day/evening/night shifts; office/IT/PMO follow business‑hour cores with some flexibility by team.
What training exists for warehouse and dock roles? New hires receive equipment and safety training, plus on‑the‑floor coaching; strong performers can enter lead, dispatch, or driver‑apprentice tracks.
What’s the difference between local, regional, and linehaul driving? Local P&D serves city routes with daily home time; regional covers longer multi‑state runs with planned returns; linehaul moves freight between service centers, often on night bids with predictable schedules.
Is ODFL a good place to work for safety‑minded drivers? Yes—safety is built into daily routines and aligned to OSHA guidance, with FMCSA Hours of Service compliance and reliable equipment to support safe operations.
How does driver pay compare? Pay varies by market, experience, and role; for market context, the BLS reports a 2023 median of $49,920 for heavy and tractor‑trailer truck drivers (not an ODFL guarantee).
Are internships available, and can they convert to full time? Yes—ODFL offers internships in operations, IT, analytics, and PMO, and strong performers may receive return or full‑time offers based on business needs; see DOL internship guidance at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/71-flsa-internships.
Do you support veterans and career changers? Yes—ODFL values military experience and offers training paths; explore VA transition resources at https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/veteran-resources/transition-assistance/ and apprenticeships at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/.
Which locations are hiring now? Hiring shifts with freight demand; search the careers portal by city or region and set job alerts to see live openings.
Can I transfer between service centers? Transfers may be available based on business needs and performance; discuss timing and eligibility with your manager and HR.