Earl & Lillian Congdon

Earl and Lillian Congdon founded Old Dominion Freight Line (OD) in 1934 with a single truck, hauling their first load of crated eggs from Norfolk to Richmond, Virginia. Lillian managed operations while Earl drove, with occasional help from her behind the wheel.

A year later, the Motor Carrier Act of 1935 brought new regulations, but OD persevered and grew. After Earl’s sudden passing in 1950, Lillian became president and named their son Earl Jr. general manager, beginning his 69-year tenure from driver to CEO to board chair. Jack, their younger son, soon joined the company as well.

Lillian retired as chair in 1976, succeeded by Jack, while Earl Jr. continued as president and CEO. OD expanded steadily, moving its headquarters to Thomasville, North Carolina, in 2000, where it continues to grow internationally.

In 2008, Earl Jr.’s son David became president, leading OD through a technological transformation in freight processing and logistics. After four decades of service, he now serves as executive board chair.

Under Earl Jr.’s leadership, Old Dominion evolved from a small regional carrier into one of the nation’s largest LTL and for-hire trucking companies—one of the few still operating since before 1980.