Thought Leadership

In today's competitive logistics landscape, exceptional customer service is paramount. At the heart of our success is our unique operating philosophy, Service 2.OD, which sets us apart as an LTL freight carrier. Explore how Service 2.OD impacts our customer service and how it can be a game-changer for your business.

We are proud to announce that 41 of our drivers have qualified for the NTDC, a prestigious showcase of safety and truck driving skills in the industry hosted by the American Trucking Associations. The NTDC will take place August 14–17 in Indianapolis with a series of obstacle courses and an assessment of highway safety knowledge.

OD CEO, Marty Freeman, reflects on the first half of the calendar year, OD's investments in capacity, the American economy, and what we're doing to maintain the premium LTL services you expect. Despite the soft domestic economy, OD remains committed to driving value in your supply chain and ensuring reliability to meet your shipping needs.

OD is investing $750 million in its LTL network in 2024 to build additional capacity. The capacity expansion will allow OD to continue serving shippers with the high quality and service they expect from the industry leader.

Data helps you choose the right LTL carrier. Learn how Mastio & Company's annual survey rigorously evaluates carriers based on the value they provide shippers.

The most effective shippers and carriers partner early in their planning process. Committing to an annual freight plan offers several advantages in the areas of stability, cost control and operational improvements.

The key to keeping retail customers happy and deliveries running smoothly is finding the right carrier. Look for these distinctives to make the smartest choice.

Avoid freight class surprises and get back to your day-to-day business operations. Partner with a carrier that helps you navigate the NMFC system.

There’s more to shipping than what meets the eye. Learn about the three essential elements that every successful shipper needs.

With 25-30% excess capacity, new technologies, and a young fleet, Old Dominion Freight Line can handle your increased freight volume or carrier shift.

Before shipping your freight, understand the basics of LTL pricing and the elements of your invoice. This will save you time, money, and stress.

Freight price is just one of many factors to consider when evaluating carriers. Here's how to take into account all your transportation costs & ensure you get the most value.

How do you choose the right less-than-truckload carrier? It may be a more in-depth consideration than you think.

Summertime brings family fun, sunny weather and back-to-school shopping, but it also brings the launch of Hurricane season. Check out our top tips for keeping business up and running in the face of hurricane-force winds.

A reduction in truck driver detention can improve efficiency and save money. Carriers, shippers, and consignees should work together to reduce detention time by communicating early and often, using technology, and streamlining processes.

2023 will bring another year of strong investment in our business so that we can better serve yours. You’ve come to expect best-in-class services from Old Dominion over the years, and we’re here to exceed those expectations as your trusted LTL carrier. Read more about our $800 million capital expenditure plan to stay ahead of your shipping needs. 

The key to supply chain resilience is deepening the partnership between shippers and carriers. To increase efficiency and strengthen the bond, they must focus on variables that can be controlled and optimized. Here are three key areas to focus on.

Manufacturers and shippers are considering more of a rebalancing than a wholesale rewrite of the rules of global trade. Still, nearshoring trends are significant enough to redraw the maps of the domestic supply chain, especially within the LTL market.

Over the next decade, experts predict that thanks to a combination of geopolitics, economics, and concern about supply chains, more manufacturing will be closer to more consumers than ever before. Read about what that means to manufactures, shippers, and carriers. 

In the last few years, shippers and carriers have been tested like never before, but we’d like to think this stress test has taught us a lot. As the calendar flips, OD CEO Greg Gantt reflects on what opportunities in transportation are in front of us in the new year.

Holding more inventory still remains unattractive as carrying costs continue to rise in North America. Striking a balance of just-in-time versus a just-in-case supply is where manufacturers will need to better plan, coined a “just-in-time plus” by ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello.

Uncover the significant benefits of incorporating an eBOL API standard into your operations, such as decreased errors and improved communication lines. Leveraging eBOL APIs can provide your business with increased flexibility and exceptional carrier service.

Domestic supply chains still remain choppy, and business leaders are looking toward the future to mitigate some of the challenges. What are some key requirements for operational efficiency? Here are three high-level considerations within the current operating environment.

Shipping to foodservice distribution centers poses challenges. Challenges that are best handled with a trusted carrier with the experience, reliability, and scale to get your product to where it needs to be. OD’s foodservice program provides you the knowledge and flexibility with shipping to your customer. That’s why Food Shippers of America named OD as a Top Food Chain Provider for 2022.  

At OD, we don’t view customer relationships as transactional or tactical. It’s important that we become a trustworthy partner for our customers and provide a premium service. But is that a significant factor when negotiating an LTL shipping rate? OD’s VP of Pricing Services, Todd Polen explores if relationships matter in pricing.

Barry Craver, VP of Business Process and Innovation, shares 3 ways we’re making our operations more efficient to help you keep promises to your customers.

The LTL freight payment processes can be messy. Your price needs to be like booking an airline flight online—you supply the correct address for pickup and delivery, the correct cube and weight, and the carrier will return to you a price that won’t change. OD’s Todd Polen discusses our new pilot program, One Rate One Time, that will improve the future of freight payment.

Neither shippers nor carriers like revisiting the agreed-upon price of a shipment. That’s why good communication upfront is important and helps all parties win in the end. OD’s VP of Pricing, Todd Polen, discusses what happens when the price is wrong and the importance of getting it right. 

Increased shipping volumes can add a layer of complexity to your logistics team during a critical time of year for your business. With increasing pressure to deliver, there are no mulligans when choosing a carrier. Here are three tips from OD on managing your busier times of the year.

Fall trade show season is upon us and we know the stress that comes with the preparation. Many exhibitors are so focused on the pre-planning that they overlook the post-show logistics to get their trade show materials shipped out of the show. Check out these five tips for a successful trade show move out.

We’re here to grow with your business. Investments in people, equipment, and service centers are critical to continuing to provide the premium service that you expect from OD. Read a recap on our investments in service centers, people, and equipment during the first half of 2022.

OD is here to help you master the details for smooth, claims-free freight transportation that adheres to NMFC guidelines.

This year’s holiday shipping season is turning out to be different than in years past, given current macroeconomic developments. Read about the five trends we’re hearing from our customers about what it takes to navigate your peak shipping time.

An accurate freight bill is a good thing for both the carrier and shipper. Eliminating or automating manual tasks in the shipping process will only improve supply chain efficiency, making your job as the shipper easier. Todd Polen, VP of Pricing Services for OD discusses the benefits of freight billing being more digitalized and automated.  

CSCMP’s Annual State of Logistics Report® was released on June 21 and its findings illustrate the current macro environment for shippers around the world. The report found that supply chain costs remain high, inventory carrying costs keep pressure on budgets, and businesses are re-evaluating the proximity of its operations to North America.  

Skimping out on packaging can be a costly mistake. OD’s EVP and COO, Greg Plemmons, highlights five common mistakes we see shippers make when packaging their freight for an LTL environment.

Todd Polen, VP of Pricing Services, explains why LTL prices tend to be higher than truckload, the history behind spot quotes, and why spot quotes, while more affordable for you, can also cause issues with transporting your freight.

Todd Polen, VP of Pricing Services, walks through the history behind accessorial charges and how they often cause headaches throughout the shipping process. Polen talks about OD’s vision to make these costs more transparent for the customer. 

Navigate LTL shipping with ease and find out when LTL is the best option for your shipping needs.

Tracking the right metrics can mean a world of difference as you begin conversations with your carriers for the holiday season. Steve Hartsell provides 3 metrics that can improve your relationships. 

Todd Polen walks through OD’s process on the evolution of appointments and how the associated costs can often create headaches throughout the shipping process. 

As China's New Year holiday and two-week business closure has begun, an increased surge of cargo is hitting the ports and adding to the mounting number of freight containers.

Consider talking to your freight carrier about a joint business planning meeting that reviews 2021 performance and sets expectations for 2022.

Here are a few signs that your relationship with your carrier will be a positive experience.

If you're using the wrong classification codes, you may not have the most accurate rate for your less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. 

Is your carrier helping you improve your OTIF score by consistently meeting delivery requirements? Here are five ways to evaluate if your carrier can deliver on-time, in-full service.

In the past few years, managing the healthcare supply chain has become more complex than ever. Steve Hartsell, SVP of Field Sales shares tips for managing your supply chain as a healthcare professional and explains how OD’s On Demand service can provide urgent, time-specific deliveries as needed. 

We compiled some of the more frequently asked questions from applicants interested in pursuing a career at Old Dominion.

Here are the top five packaging mistakes we coach our customers to avoid, so they can maximize profits.

Here are the top reasons why using an electronic bill of lading (eBOL) can make a positive difference.

OD understands that time is of the essence, especially during quarter close. Our service center network allows us to provide competitive transit times and the freight capacity you need – with exemplary service, every time.

Keep your trade show planning stress free and focus on promoting your business on the national stage with these five tips.

OD has worked hard to develop exceptional Expedited Services to accommodate tighter delivery windows and stricter requirements from retailers.

When our customers can meet the delivery deadlines and demands they promise to retailers, they can have a much more meaningful and strategic relationship

We offer three MABD services to reduce retail chargebacks: Standard LTL that meets delivery requirements with normal transit times, Guaranteed for shipments due on a certain date, and On-Demand for time-sensitive shipments due outside normal transit times or that require a specific delivery time.

When navigating a challenging business cycle, companies and their brands need to remain true to the characteristics and experiences that define them in the minds of their customers and the marketplace.