Old Dominion Freight Line vs Saia Inc.
The industry's best-run LTL carrier vs a rapidly growing national competitor. Old Dominion pays more; Saia has more openings due to expansion.
Old Dominion Freight Line
- Pay
- $65,000 - $100,000+
- Fleet
- 10,000+ tractors
- Rating
- 4.5/5
Saia Inc.
- Pay
- $60,000 - $90,000
- Fleet
- 5,500+ tractors
- Rating
- 4/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion pays $65K-$100K+ with profit sharing.
Saia Inc.
Saia pays $60K-$90K with stock purchase and regular increases.
Home Time
Old Dominion Freight Line
City home daily; linehaul predictable.
Saia Inc.
City home daily; linehaul scheduled.
Benefits
Old Dominion Freight Line
Profit sharing, 401(k), stock purchase, health.
Saia Inc.
401(k) match, stock purchase, medical, dental, PTO.
Training/Support
Old Dominion Freight Line
1 year required. Strong internal culture.
Saia Inc.
1 year required. New terminals create advancement.
Equipment/Technology
Old Dominion Freight Line
Modern fleet, 250+ terminals.
Saia Inc.
Heavy investment in new terminals and fleet.
Where they actually differ
The scores above are our reading. This part is just the two carriers' profiles side by side — divisions, what they ask of a new hire, where they run, and which benefits only one of them lists.
Old Dominion Freight Line
- Founded
- 1934
- Fleet
- 10,000+ tractors
- Drivers
- 11,000+
- Divisions
- Local, Regional, LTL
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A
- Strongest states
- North Carolina, Virginia and Texas
Old Dominion is consistently rated as the top LTL carrier in the industry for service quality. The company has over 250 service centers nationwide and is known for excellent driver compensation and a strong safety record.
Only Old Dominion Freight Line is strong in: North Carolina and Virginia — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Old Dominion Freight Line and not by Saia Inc.
- • Industry-leading LTL compensation
- • Profit sharing and 401(k)
- • Full health, dental, and vision
- • Company stock purchase plan
- • Home daily for city drivers
Saia Inc.
- Founded
- 1924
- Fleet
- 5,500+ tractors
- Drivers
- 6,000+
- Divisions
- Local, Regional, LTL
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A
- Strongest states
- Georgia, Texas and Louisiana
Saia is a leading LTL carrier with a growing terminal network across the U.S. The company has rapidly expanded from its Southeast roots to become a national carrier, investing heavily in new service centers and equipment.
Only Saia Inc. is strong in: Georgia and Louisiana — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Saia Inc. and not by Old Dominion Freight Line
- • Competitive hourly pay
- • Medical, dental, and vision
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Stock purchase plan
- • Home daily for city positions
Our Verdict
Old Dominion for maximum compensation. Saia for more available positions and growth opportunities. Both are excellent LTL careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is growing faster?
Saia is expanding aggressively with new terminals. More new positions available.
Which pays more?
Old Dominion with profit sharing.
Should I wait for ODFL?
Not necessarily. Saia is excellent and qualifies you for ODFL later.