Lillian, who had left school at 16 after her father's death, was working as a telephone operator. In less than a year, the two were married.
Earl's family gifted the couple a new Chevrolet, which they traded for their first truck in 1930.
Lillian, who had left school at 16 after her father's death, was working as a telephone operator. In less than a year, the two were married.
Earl's family gifted the couple a new Chevrolet, which they traded for their first truck in 1930.
Lillian Herbert Congdon was the proverbial "steel magnolia." She kept Old DOminion going at its darkest hour, and in her time did everything from driving trucks to chairing board meetings.
Lillian, who had left school at 16 after her father's death, was working as a telephone operator. In less than a year, the two were married.
Earl's family gifted the couple a new Chevrolet, which they traded for their first truck in 1930.
Slightly over a year after Old Dominion was launched, the Motor Carrier Act of 1935 became law.
Slightly over a year after Old Dominion was launched, the Motor Carrier Act of 1935 became law.
While this obviously was an intrastate run, the Congdons were issued an interstate certificate. This meant that they could only transport freight destined for locations outside of Virginia. The silver lining to this was that they were limited to hauling export goods to the port at Norfolk.
In the spring of 1946, a Teamsters' strike spelled the beginning of the end of Old Dominion's affiliation with them. After 11 weeks, the drivers offered to come back to work. The work stoppage, however, exacted a heavy toll as Old Dominion was forded to sell its original operating authority over US-1 and US-460.
In 1942, Old Dominion converted an old lumber mill in Richmond into a new terminal and office and purchased special permits to buy new equipment. By the war's end in 1945, Old Dominion had grown their fleet significantly, with more than 18 tractors and trailers and 75 employees.
In 1942, Old Dominion converted an old lumber mill in Richmond into a new terminal and office and purchased special permits to buy new equipment. By the war's end in 1945, Old Dominion had grown their fleet significantly, with more than 18 tractors and trailers and 75 employees.
In 1942, Old Dominion converted an old lumber mill in Richmond into a new terminal and office and purchased special permits to buy new equipment. By the war's end in 1945, Old Dominion had grown their fleet significantly, with more than 18 tractors and trailers and 75 employees.
This was the beginning of Earl's nearly 60-year tenure as the company's chief executive officer, in name or in fact. The appointment called for the then 19-year old to drop out of business school and enroll in night classes while he managed the company during the day.
The following year Jack came to work at the company full time, and was put in charge of hiring drivers.
This was the beginning of Earl's nearly 60-year tenure as the company's chief executive officer, in name or in fact. The appointment called for the then 19-year old to drop out of business school and enroll in night classes while he managed the company during the day.
The following year, Jack started work at the company full time and was put in charge of hiring drivers.
He had spent four summers driving for Old Dominion and had already had a handing some management decisions. He was enrolled in school and learning accounting.
Above all, he had an intuitive grasp of the trucking business. From day one, Lillian trusted him to run the nuts and bolts operations of Old Dominion.
By 1956, under the Congdon brothers' leadership, Old Dominion increased annual revenue to $1.2 million and with profits over $100,000. This growth only continued over the decades of leadership from the brothers.
David has presided over the technological revolution within the company. Among his first actions as president were to initiate significant investments in freight processing systems and launching the new websites.
The list of technological advancements has allowed Old Dominion to taken the lead in a brave new world - one which was far different that Earl and Lillian could have ever envisioned for their small carrier in 1934.
David has presided over the technological revolution within the company. Among his first actions as president were to initiate significant investments in freight processing systems and launching the new websites.
The list of technological advancements has allowed Old Dominion to taken the lead in a brave new world - one which was far different that Earl and Lillian could have ever envisioned for their small carrier in 1934.
Old Dominion celebrated it's 80th anniversary in 2014.
There was little to suggest in 1934 that the company
would reach the heights that it occupies today. Mighty
oaks from tiny acorns grow, it is said. Earl and Lillian
planted wisely when, Depression aside, they staked all
they had on a single truck and a load of eggs.