OD is ready to help your business keep its promises. Past developments in the less-than-truckload shipping market may have left you feeling uneasy. In 2023, when the third largest LTL carrier by revenue ceased operations, many shippers were uncertain about how they will ship their freight.
Today’s LTL shipping market has plenty of capacity. But when future freight capacity challenges arise, we want to reassure you that OD is here to help. If you have increased freight volume or need to shift shipments from a different carrier to OD, we can provide you with a solution.
Within OD’s LTL network, we aim for 25-30% excess capacity. We intentionally keep extra capacity in our network so that we can flex with seasonal demand, respond to emergent needs, and grow with our customers as their business grows and still maintain the industry-leading service levels* that they expect from OD.
OD's new service center in Katy, TX.
OD’s Freight Capacity Management Strategy
We’re continuously investing in our business to serve yours better. We focus our resources on our people, our equipment, and our service center network. Every year, we make disciplined investments between 10 – 15% of our total annual revenue into:
- Expanding our nationwide service center network. Currently with over 260 service centers across the continental US, you can trust that OD will provide the coverage you need. Since 2013, we’ve invested more than $2.1 billion in service center additions and expansions, adding over 39 service centers (a 17% increase) and increasing our door count over 51%.
- Purchasing new tractors, trailers, forklifts, and yard switchers to ensure we have an efficient, reliable fleet. A young fleet means you can expect dependable transit times and a reliable partner to pick up and deliver your shipments on time. Our tractors have an average age of 5.4 years, one of the youngest fleets on the road.
- Implementing new technologies, such as investing in APIs, that make doing business with us easy. New technologies are constantly being developed to improve the efficiency of LTL shipping. However, a sudden increase in volume can strain even the most efficient networks. Technology is essential to preventing these disruptions and keeping networks running smoothly. OD APIs allow you to have complete visibility into your transportation management process.
- Hiring, training, and continuously educating our more than 22,000 union-free employees. From drivers, dockworkers, customer service representatives, to your dedicated Solutions Specialists, each and every OD Family member is committed to doing whatever it takes to keep your promises. We seek the best people and invest heavily in their training and development, so your shipment is always in good hands.
You’ve made promises to your customers, and we are ready to help you keep them. Our industry-leading on-time and low claims rate will ensure your freight arrives when you need it, in the condition it was picked up.
*According to 2024 Mastio & Company Survey
Read our 2024 mid-year CEO update to discover how Old Dominion's strategic investments are enhancing our carrier capacity and supporting your shipping needs. With 30% excess capacity achieved in our service center network, we are ready to meet your needs regardless of the market conditions.