Old Dominion Stock Faces Freight Slump but Maintains Pricing Discipline

Old Dominion Freight Line's shares initially dipped after a disappointing August operational update revealed deeper declines in freight volumes and revenue per day. The less-than-truckload carrier reported a 4.8% year-over-year drop in daily revenue, with LTL tons per day falling 9.2%—worse than Q2's metrics. Market sentiment wavered briefly before shares recovered by session close.

Management's steadfast commitment to pricing discipline and service quality remains the bull case cornerstone. Executives anticipate outsized gains when the economic cycle turns, though the timing remains uncertain. The freight downturn has now extended beyond earlier expectations, creating a potential entry point for long-term investors willing to endure near-term volatility.