Old Dominion is one of the older and most established trucking outfits in America. Commonly known as Old Dominion Freight Lines, it operates nationwide regional and LTL (“less than truckload”) services. This means that most Old Dominion drivers are not operating from coast to coast. Rather, they haul locally and regionally on dedicated routes. Often drivers get in and out of a truck multiple times each day, in order to load and unload freight at customer drop-off points. At Kruger & Hodges, we understand how trucking accidents happen. In fact, truck accidents are a big part of our practice. So, we have committed ourselves to understanding the industry and making sense of trucking collisions in southern Ohio. Here are some things to consider if you are ever injured in an Old Dominion truck accident.
What is LTL Trucking?
Less-than-truckload (or “LTL”) is distinguished from typical truckload hauling, because LTL drivers usually do not stay out overnight. Instead, these drivers have dedicated daytime or nighttime routes. They pick up a load in one place, then make multiple drop-offs. Shifts can vary widely, as do the federal and state regulations that apply to LTL drivers. If you see a truck with a large, deep cab, then it is likely not an LTL truck. This is because most LTL trucks will just have what is known as a day cab. Similar to a typical moving truck or pickup, these vehicles are not designed to be lived in overnight. There is no bed, no TV, and no way to use them for sleeping on extended trips. Therefore, these drivers do not generally stay out for days at a time.
Regulations on LTL Hauling
So, for typical OTR (“over-the-road”) truck drivers, they are expected to stay out on the road for anywhere from seven days up to 14 or more days. Because their working conditions, routes, and locations change from day to day, these drivers are strictly controlled by the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations. These regulations dictate how many hours per day a driver can work and drive, as well as how long their breaks and days off must be.
However, when it comes to local and regional drivers, the rules are a bit different. Unlike OTR drivers, regional and local route drivers, like most of those employed by Old Dominion, do not keep the same type of logbooks. They still have limits on how many hours they can drive, but they do not generally have to take extended “resets” or 72-hour breaks every couple weeks. This is because they presumably sleep in their own bed and see their families every day.
Local and Regional Old Dominion Truck Accidents
Originally founded in Virginia, today the company operates all over the country. Today’s headquarters are located in Thomasville, North Carolina. Local drivers can become just as fatigued as OTR cross country drivers. Likewise, they often spend long hours loading and unloading freight, which is somewhat unique to these local and regional carriers. Further, local and regional drivers are more likely to drive the same routes every day and every week, but they are also backing and entering businesses far more frequently than their OTR counterparts. Therefore, the chance of causing a wreck can drastically increase.
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to a careless or reckless Old Dominion driver, call today to schedule a free consultation with a team of attorneys for truck accidents who understand how trucking accidents happen. All calls are confidential, and we never charge just to talk.
