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ABF Freight (ArcBest) vs Old Dominion Freight Line

ABF is a Teamsters union LTL carrier under ArcBest. Old Dominion is non-union with profit sharing. ABF offers union protections and pension; Old Dominion offers higher total compensation.

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

Pay
$60,000 - $95,000
Fleet
4,000+ tractors
Rating
3.9/5

Old Dominion Freight Line

Pay
$65,000 - $100,000+
Fleet
10,000+ tractors
Rating
4.5/5

Head-to-Head Comparison

Pay

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

8/10

ABF pays $60K-$95K under Teamsters contract with union-scale wages.

Old Dominion Freight Line

9/10

Old Dominion pays $65K-$100K+ with substantial profit sharing.

Home Time

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

9/10

City drivers home daily; road bids determined by union seniority.

Old Dominion Freight Line

9/10

City drivers home daily; linehaul on predictable weekly schedules.

Benefits

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

8/10

ABF offers Teamsters health and welfare, pension, paid holidays, seniority protections.

Old Dominion Freight Line

9/10

Old Dominion provides profit sharing, 401(k), stock purchase, and health coverage.

Training/Support

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

7/10

ABF requires 1 year; union seniority governs route and shift selection.

Old Dominion Freight Line

7/10

Old Dominion requires 1 year; merit-based advancement culture.

Equipment/Technology

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

7/10

ABF's fleet is adequate; ArcBest has been investing in modernization.

Old Dominion Freight Line

8/10

Old Dominion operates modern equipment across 250+ service centers.

Our Verdict

Old Dominion Freight Line leads 42-39

Old Dominion is the better total compensation package with profit sharing and stock purchase. ABF is the choice for drivers who value union representation and pension. If union membership matters, ABF delivers. If maximizing income matters, Old Dominion wins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is union at ABF worth it vs non-union ODFL?

Depends on priorities. ABF gives seniority, pension, collective bargaining. ODFL gives higher total pay through profit sharing.

Which has better retirement?

ABF has Teamsters pension. ODFL has profit sharing + 401(k) + stock. ODFL likely comes out ahead total, but pension is guaranteed.

Which is harder to get into?

Old Dominion. Their low turnover means fewer openings.

Learn More About These Companies

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

Fort Smith, AR · 4,000+ tractors

Old Dominion Freight Line

Thomasville, NC · 10,000+ tractors