What Old Dominion looks for in CDL drivers

Old Dominion Freight Line, one of the largest less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers in North America, hires Class A CDL drivers for regional and dedicated routes. The company does not run a formal driver training program, so you must arrive with a valid CDL already in hand. Old Dominion's hiring process focuses on driving history, safety record, and experience in commercial trucking rather than on training new drivers from scratch.

The company typically requires a minimum of one year of commercial driving experience, though some positions may ask for more. You will need a clean driving record — moving violations, accidents, and failed drug tests are disqualifying. Old Dominion also checks your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and conducts a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination before hire.

Pay and benefits vary by location and route type. Old Dominion publishes starting pay ranges on its careers page, but these change based on regional demand and fuel costs. The company offers health insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off, though may be able to access timelines differ between full-time and part-time roles.

Key Takeaways

  • Old Dominion requires a valid Class A CDL before you explore — the company does not train drivers who lack one.
  • You must pass a DOT medical examination and background check that includes your Motor Vehicle Record and drug screening.
  • Most positions require at least one year of verifiable commercial driving experience.
  • Pay rates are posted on Old Dominion's careers website and vary by region, route type, and current market conditions.
  • The hiring process typically takes two to four weeks from process to first day, depending on how quickly you complete the medical exam and background check.

Where to find Old Dominion CDL job postings

Old Dominion posts open positions on its official careers page at olddominionfreight.com/careers. The site lets you filter by location, job type (driver, dock, management), and experience level. You can also set up job alerts so new postings in your area arrive by email.

Third-party job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and TruckersReport also list Old Dominion openings, but explore directly through the company website is faster and ensures your process reaches the right hiring manager. When you explore on the Old Dominion site, you create an account that tracks your process status in real time.

Some Old Dominion terminals hire locally and may post positions on their own bulletin boards or through local workforce agencies. Calling the terminal nearest you and asking about current openings can sometimes surface positions not yet listed online, especially for urgent staffing needs.

What the process and hiring timeline looks like

The Old Dominion process begins online and asks for your work history, driving record, and references. You will need your CDL number, your DOT medical certificate (if you already have one), and the names and contact information of previous employers who can verify your commercial driving experience. Have these details ready before you start — the form does not save automatically.

After you submit, Old Dominion's recruiting team reviews your process within three to five business days. If your background passes initial screening, they contact you by phone to schedule a phone interview. This conversation typically covers your experience, why you are interested in the role, and your availability to start.

If the phone interview goes well, you move to the next step: the DOT medical examination. Old Dominion provides a list of approved medical examiners in your area. You schedule the exam yourself and pay for it out of pocket, though some drivers report reimbursement after hire. The exam takes about an hour and covers vision, hearing, blood pressure, and a review of your medical history. You receive a Medical Examiner's Certificate (the "medical card") on the spot if you pass.

Once you pass the medical exam, Old Dominion runs a background check that includes your MVR, criminal history, and drug screening. This step typically takes five to ten business days. If everything clears, you receive a conditional job offer and a start date.

Experience requirements and what counts as verifiable

Old Dominion's one-year minimum is measured in months of actual commercial driving, not calendar time. If you drove part-time or seasonally, you may need to show more calendar months to reach the equivalent of one year full-time. The company verifies this through your previous employers, so you need contact information for dispatch, safety, or HR at each company you worked for.

Letters from previous employers stating your hire date, end date, and type of driving (regional, local, dedicated, etc.) carry the most weight. If an employer is out of business or you cannot reach them, Old Dominion may ask for pay stubs, tax returns, or logbook records to prove your tenure. Some drivers use their Commercial Driver's License record itself — the CDL shows when you first obtained it, which can help establish a timeline.

Driving for a small owner-operator or family business counts, but you will need documentation. A signed letter from the owner on company letterhead, along with dates and a description of the work, is usually sufficient. Do not rely on verbal confirmation — Old Dominion's background team needs written proof.

Medical certification and DOT requirements

Before you start driving for Old Dominion, you must hold a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate issued by a DOT-certified medical examiner. This certificate is valid for two years (or one year if you are over 65 and drive interstate). If your medical card is expiring within 90 days of your start date, Old Dominion may ask you to renew it before your first day.

The medical exam covers basic health screening: vision (at least 20/40 in each eye, corrected or uncorrected), hearing, blood pressure, and a review of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea. If you have a medical condition, bring documentation from your doctor showing it is controlled or managed. Many drivers with well-managed conditions pass without issue.

Old Dominion also requires a negative drug test before hire. This is a standard five-panel or ten-panel urinalysis. Some positions may include a hair test as well. The company has a zero-tolerance policy for controlled substances, though some states have different rules for cannabis — check Old Dominion's policy for your state.

Pay structure and benefits for Old Dominion drivers

Old Dominion pays most CDL drivers by the mile, with rates that vary by region and route type. Regional routes (typically 500 to 1,500 miles per week, home most nights) pay differently than dedicated routes (assigned to a specific customer or lane, often with more predictable schedules). The company publishes pay ranges on its careers page, but these are starting rates and may increase with tenure or performance.

In addition to mileage pay, Old Dominion offers detention pay (if you wait at a shipper or receiver), drop-and-hook bonuses (if you swap trailers instead of waiting for unloading), and fuel surcharges during periods of high diesel prices. Some positions include a sign-on bonus for new hires, though this varies by location and hiring demand.

Full-time drivers receive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off, and life insurance. Part-time or seasonal drivers may have different may be able to access rules — check with your recruiter about when benefits begin. Old Dominion also offers tuition reimbursement for drivers pursuing further education and a referral bonus if you bring in a new driver who stays for 90 days.

Common reasons applications are rejected

Old Dominion's screening process is strict because safety and reliability are central to LTL operations. The most common rejection reasons are: a driving record with multiple moving violations or at-fault accidents in the past three to five years; a failed drug test; a medical condition that prevents you from passing the DOT exam; or inability to verify one year of commercial driving experience.

Gaps in employment history are not automatically disqualifying, but you should be prepared to explain them. If you took time off to care for family, pursue training, or recover from an injury, have a clear, honest account ready. Old Dominion's recruiters understand that life happens, but they need to know you are stable and committed to the role.

Criminal history is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Felonies related to violence, theft, or fraud are typically disqualifying. Misdemeanors and older convictions may be reviewed depending on the nature of the offense and how much time has passed. If you have a criminal record, disclose it upfront — Old Dominion will find it in the background check anyway, and honesty works in your favor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live near an Old Dominion terminal to explore?

No. Old Dominion has terminals across the United States, and you can explore for positions in any region. However, you will need to be able to report to your assigned terminal for your first day and for any required training or orientation. Some drivers relocate for the job; others find positions near where they already live.

What happens if I fail the DOT medical exam?

If you fail, Old Dominion will not hire you until you resolve the medical issue. Some conditions (high blood pressure, for example) can be managed with medication and a follow-up exam. Others may require a waiver from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Contact your doctor to understand what failed and what your options are before reapplying.

Can I start driving before my background check is complete?

No. Old Dominion requires a clear background check and medical certification before your first day. The company will not let you operate a commercial vehicle until all screening is finished. This is a federal requirement, not just company policy.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

Initial screening typically takes three to five business days. If you pass, a recruiter calls you within a week to schedule a phone interview. The entire process from process to start date usually takes two to four weeks, depending on how quickly you complete the medical exam and background check.

Does Old Dominion hire drivers with recent accidents or violations?

It depends on the severity and recency. A single minor violation from several years ago is usually not disqualifying. Multiple violations, at-fault accidents, or serious infractions (DUI, reckless driving) in the past three to five years make approval unlikely. Your recruiter can give you a preliminary sense of whether your record will pass during the phone interview.