Saia Inc. vs Old Dominion Freight Line
Saia is a rapidly expanding LTL carrier going from regional Southeast to national. Old Dominion is the acknowledged industry leader. Both offer strong LTL careers, but Old Dominion's compensation is hard to beat.
Saia Inc.
- Pay
- $60,000 - $90,000
- Fleet
- 5,500+ tractors
- Rating
- 4/5
Old Dominion Freight Line
- Pay
- $65,000 - $100,000+
- Fleet
- 10,000+ tractors
- Rating
- 4.5/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Saia Inc.
Saia pays $60K-$90K with hourly rates, stock purchase, and regular increases.
Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion pays $65K-$100K+ with profit sharing adding significant annual income.
Home Time
Saia Inc.
City drivers home daily; linehaul on scheduled routes.
Old Dominion Freight Line
City drivers home daily; linehaul on predictable schedules.
Benefits
Saia Inc.
Saia offers medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, stock purchase, and PTO.
Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion provides profit sharing, 401(k), stock purchase, and comprehensive health.
Training/Support
Saia Inc.
Saia requires 1 year experience; new terminal openings create advancement.
Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion requires 1 year experience with strong internal promotion culture.
Equipment/Technology
Saia Inc.
Saia is investing heavily in new terminals and fleet as it expands nationally.
Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion operates modern equipment across 250+ established terminals.
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.
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
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
Our Verdict
Old Dominion is the premium choice with higher total compensation. Saia's rapid expansion means more new positions and advancement opportunities. Don't wait indefinitely for ODFL -- Saia is an excellent carrier and the experience will qualify you for Old Dominion later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saia growing faster than Old Dominion?
Yes, Saia is in aggressive expansion mode opening new service centers. This means more new positions.
Which pays more overall?
Old Dominion, when you include profit sharing.
Should I wait for ODFL or take Saia now?
If Saia is hiring in your area, take it. It's excellent and the experience qualifies you for ODFL later.