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.
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.