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Management Trainee (Onsite: Chicago, IL)

Old Dominion Freight Line · WI · $64,397–$67,617 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Why do you want to start in operations management at a freight carrier?

What they are checking: Whether they understand what service center life is like and actually want it.

Tell me about a time you led a group without having formal authority.

What they are checking: Whether they show early leadership that can grow during the program.

Tell me about a time you had to learn something difficult quickly.

What they are checking: Whether they can absorb a lot of new information fast in a training program.

Tell me about a time you got critical feedback from a mentor or boss.

What they are checking: Whether they're coachable, which is key in a mentorship program.

Where do you see yourself after finishing the program?

What they are checking: Whether they have realistic goals that line up with growing inside operations.

What would you do

This program has you working every wage and salaried job, including on the dock. How do you feel about that?

What they are checking: Whether they respect hands-on work and won't see it as beneath them.

The program offers a chance to earn your CDL. How do you feel about learning to drive a tractor-trailer?

What they are checking: Whether they're open to learning the driver's side of the business.

How would you earn the respect of experienced dock workers and drivers when you're new?

What they are checking: Whether they plan to listen and learn before trying to lead.

You notice a process at the service center that seems inefficient. What would you do as a trainee?

What they are checking: Whether they can suggest improvements respectfully while still learning.

How do you handle working early mornings, late nights or weekends when the business needs it?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the hours that freight operations can require.

About the work

What do you think makes an LTL service center run well?

What they are checking: Whether they've done some homework on how less-than-truckload freight moves.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Old Dominion Freight Line from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Old Dominion Freight Line.

At Old Dominion, we don't just move freight—we help businesses keep their promises. As one of the nation's leading LTL carriers, we've earned our reputation by putting people first, delivering premium service, and staying true to the values that have guided us for more than 90 years. Our PROMISES values shape how we work, our family culture shapes how we treat one another, and our commitment to being the Best in the Game drives everything we do. If you're looking for more than just a job, you'll find a career built on trust, teamwork, and opportunity at OD. For those with a passion for leadership and a drive to excel, this program offers the perfect foundation for a successful career in operations management. Old Dominion Freight Line’s Management Trainee program provides hands-on experience in all aspects of service center operations, from logistics and freight management to team leadership. With mentorship from industry experts and the opportunity to earn your CDL, you’ll build the skills and knowledge needed to grow within a thriving, fast-paced environment. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your potential and gain valuable insight into a company that values excellence, teamwork, and professional growth. Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is currently recruiting Management Trainees who will receive hands on training in all wage and salaried jobs to learn to manage a shift or an operational area in a service center. Once hands-on training is completed in each area the trainee fills in as a supervisor on various shifts and departments. The trainee will learn to manage a shift while emphasizing safety, quality, efficiency, service and delivery. The trainee also completes assignments while being assessed through knowledge indicators, writing papers, viewing management videos, recommending process improvements on operating procedures. Participates in Old Dominion Truck Driving Training program to receive a CDL license, participates in forklift training program and management and leadership training courses as scheduled. Responsibilities • Complete shift manager’s training as an understudy with an experienced manager or supervisor. • Trainees will complete forklift job training knowledge and production exercises on all jobs within the service center. • Trainees will participate in ODTDT (Old Dominion Truck Driving Training) program to obtain CDL license. • Fill in as a supervisor on various shifts and departments. • Completes department/area knowledge indicators and develops new indicators as well as process and procedure changes. • Works in AS400 moving freight as needed throughout the system and maintains records of efficiency, quality, cost, hot loads, missed loads, etc. • Works in Workday as needed to update payroll and employee information. • Writes and submits monthly activity reports. • Assigns work to employees according to daily schedule. • Makes quick and informed decisions based on the volume levels and communicates schedule to affected employees. • Inspects working conditions of tools and equipment needed for safe operation within the area and directs the correction of any improper or adverse condition that exists. • Approximately 15% travel to other service centers to learn the operations and supervise in a different environment. Qualifications • Education: Bachelor’s degree • Good working knowledge of computer/PC software (WORD, EXCEL). AS400 background helpful. • Good communications skills, both Oral and Written • Solid work history (if applicable) • Professional appearance • Must be open to relocation when trainee program is completed Compensation Range: The referenced salary range is based on the Company's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level, and state/local wage requirements. $64,397 - $67,617 Working Days: Shift and hours to be determined. Working Shift: Shift and hours to be determined. Work days/shifts may change based on scheduling and business needs and are provided as guidelines at the time of posting. Join the OD Family Today! As a Full Time member of our Family, you and your family are eligible to receive: • Great Health Benefits including a Zero premium medical plan for employee only coverage • Vision & Dental • Short Term & Long Term Disability • Flex Spending Accounts • 401k Retirement plan with company match and additional company annual discretionary match opportunity • Life Insurance • Wellness Program • 12 Days Paid Time Off • 9 Paid Holidays including a birthday holiday • Tuition Reimbursement for Drivers and Technicians • Training and growth opportunities to build a career • We prioritize our OD family of employees • Ability to advance through our promote from within philosophy • National Career Opportunities Available at our 260+ service centers Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, and/or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military status, Vietnam Era and/or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law(s). If you have questions regarding this posting or require assistance with the application process, please click here for contact information.

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