Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.: 10-K Risk Factor Changes

Many governments, regulators, investors, employees, customers and other stakeholders are increasingly focused on evolving ESG considerations relating to businesses, including climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, and human capital matters. In addition, we may make statements about our goals and initiatives through our various non-financial reports, information provided on our website, press statements and other communications. Responding to these ESG considerations and implementation of these goals and initiatives involves risks and uncertainties, may require investment, and depends in part on third-party performance, expectations, or data that is outside our control.

Many governments, regulators, investors, employees, customers and other stakeholders are increasingly focused on ESG considerations relating to businesses, including climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, human and civil rights, and diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition, we may make statements about our goals and initiatives through our various non-financial reports, information provided on our website, press statements and other communications. Responding to these ESG considerations and implementation of these goals and initiatives involves risks and uncertainties, requires investments, and depends in part on third-party performance or data that is outside our control. 15 15

In December 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) finalized new stringent emission standards to reduce nitrogen oxides and establish new standards for greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty engines under the Clean Trucks Plan. In December 2021, the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) adopted more stringent standards to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from heavy-duty trucks. Although CARB recently withdrew its request for a waiver and authorization from the EPA for its Advanced Clean Fleets rule, a proposal that would have required trucking companies to gradually add zero emission vehicles (“ZEVs”) to their fleets, CARB may seek to enforce certain portions of the rule or curtail emissions through other programs. Furthermore, CARB’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule, a proposal that would require manufacturers to only sell ZEVs in California beginning in the 2036 model year, is still in effect. Future strengthening of EPA, CARB or other federal or state regulatory requirements regarding fuel-efficiency or engine emissions of tractors could also result in increases in the cost of capital equipment and maintenance. 15 15 15

In December 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) finalized new stringent emission standards to reduce nitrogen oxides and establish new standards for greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty engines under the Clean Trucks Plan. In December 2021, the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) adopted more stringent standards to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from heavy-duty trucks. Future strengthening of EPA, CARB or other federal or state regulatory requirements regarding fuel-efficiency or engine emissions of tractors could also result in increases in the cost of capital equipment and maintenance. The CARB’s Advanced Clean Fleets (“ACF”) rule requires fleets to adopt an increasing percentage of zero emission trucks, complementing CARB’s Advanced Clean Trucks (“ACT”) rule. The ACF rule applies to high-priority fleets of 50 or more trucks, aiming to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles (“ZEVs”). The ACF rule offers the ZEV Milestones Option or the Model Year Schedule. We have elected the ZEV Milestones Option, which allows fleets to phase in ZEVs between 2025 and 2042, depending on the type of vehicle and its usage. Fleet owners choosing this option must continuously meet or exceed certain scheduled ZEV Fleet Milestone percentage requirements. The ZEV Milestones Option ultimately requires 100% ZEVs by 2035. While CARB’s ACF and ACT regulations may permit companies to seek exemptions or relief, there are no assurances that relief from either regulation will be obtained. At this point, there are virtually no ZEVs widely available that are suitable replacements for current technology used in LTL operations. In addition, there does not appear to be sufficient infrastructure in place to support an electric vehicle fleet operation throughout our current terminal network. If ZEVs are not available or not commercially viable for the LTL market, we may be required to modify or curtail our operations in California. During any transition to zero-emission trucks, due to the mandates on manufacturers limiting diesel engine sales, we may be forced to continue using older model diesel trucks that may require higher maintenance costs or be less reliable. The transition to utilizing ZEVs could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

In recent years, our industry has been characterized by rapid changes in technology, leading to innovative transportation and logistics concepts that have impacted, or have the potential to significantly impact, our business model, competitive landscape, and the industries of our customers and suppliers. AI and other emerging technologies have the potential to alter the delivery of services and business operations across our industry. We currently incorporate AI solutions into our business, and these applications may become more important over time. If the content, analyses, or recommendations that AI applications assist in producing are or are alleged to be deficient, inaccurate or biased or to violate intellectual property rights of third parties, our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows may be adversely affected. AI also presents emerging ethical issues and if our use of AI becomes controversial, we may experience brand or reputational harm, competitive harm, or legal liability. The rapid evolution of AI, including potential government regulation of AI, will require significant resources to develop, test, implement and maintain our AI solutions to minimize unintended harmful impacts. Our competitors may implement new technology, including AI applications, that could improve their service, price, available capacity or business relationships and increase their market share. If we do not appropriately adapt our operations to these new technologies, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may suffer. Advances in technology may require us to increase investments in order to remain competitive, and our customers may not be willing to accept higher prices to cover the cost of these investments. In addition, the timing of when we have to adopt new technologies may be affected by changes in the political or regulatory environment, which could further increase our investment costs, operating complexity, and our ability to offer such technologies to our customers in the jurisdictions in which we operate. 13 13 13

The LTL and transportation industry may be impacted by rapid changes in technologies. Our competitors may implement new technology, including artificial intelligence applications, that could improve their service, price, available capacity or business relationships and increase their market share. If we do not appropriately adapt our operations to these new technologies, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may suffer.