Old Dominion (OD) is a true American success story. Our family story started in 1934 with Earl and Lillian Congdon and one truck. Today OD has grown to more than 260 locations, 22,000 employees with more than 11,000 trucks. From our humble beginning to becoming the premier transportation solutions company, our story continues as we deliver promises. Apply today to start your personal story and see where your future takes you with our wide array of career opportunities. OD’s continued growth provides uncommon opportunity and security for thousands of employees, who are writing the next chapter of OD’s story.
Follow OD’s history of progress in leading the LTL freight industry led by OD People:
- Earl and Lillian Congdon founded Old Dominion Freight Line in 1934 with a single truck running between Richmond, VA and Norfolk, VA.
- OD leads the way as WW II creates a boom in traffic between Richmond and Norfolk. OD has grown to employ 45 people at three service centers. OD builds its first new service center in Norfolk, VA in 1948.
- Founder Earl Congdon, Sr. dies. The company is incorporated and Lillian Congdon assumes the presidency. She is joined by sons Earl, Jr. and Jack.
- OD goes public in 1991. OD focuses on LTL, building density and improved profitability using a super-regional operating model. Founder Lillian Congdon Crowder passes away. David Congdon is named President and CEO.
- OD moves to its current headquarters in Thomasville, NC. The new facility allows OD to expand its computer network and implement improved technology. OD continues to grow internationally.
Timeline
1934: Earl and Lillian Congdon founded Old Dominion Freight Line with a single truck running between Richmond, VA and Norfolk, VA.
1935-1939: Congress regulates the trucking industry. OD receives an operating certificate from the Interstate Commerce Commission to transport goods only between Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia.
1940s: OD leads the way as WW II creates a boom in traffic between Richmond and Norfolk. OD has grown to employ 45 people at three service centers. OD built its first new service center in Norfolk, VA in 1948.
1950s: Founder Earl Congdon, Sr. dies. The company is incorporated and Lillian Congdon assumes the presidency. She is joined by sons Earl, Jr. and Jack. In 1957, OD extended operations to most major markets in North Carolina and southern Virginia with the acquisition of Bottoms-Fiske Truck Line.
1960s: In 1962, OD moved its corporate offices to High Point and merged with Bottoms-Fiske. Earl Congdon, Jr. assumes the presidency. Lillian Congdon becomes the Chairman of the Board. OD acquires Barnes Truck Line, Nilson Motor Express, and White Transport.
1970s: OD acquires Star Transport which vaults the company into the Northeast. Lillian retires and John Congdon becomes Chairman. Earl, Jr. remains president and continues driving unprecedented growth.
1980s: Congress partially deregulates the motor carriers, granting nationwide operating authority to all applicants. OD extends services to Florida, Tennessee, California, Dallas and Chicago.
1990s: OD goes public in 1991. OD focuses on LTL, building density and improved profitability using a super-regional operating model. Founder Lillian Congdon Crowder passes away. David Congdon is named President and COO.
2000s: OD moves to its current headquarters in Thomasville, NC. The new facility allows OD to expand its computer network and implement improved technology. OD continues to grow internationally.
2010-Present: OD experienced unprecedented growth, from stock price to the total number of employees. During this period, OD drove continuous increases in revenue and tonnage, successfully expanding its network and reducing operating costs.