EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 Nos. 33-44137 and 33-44139) pertaining to the Old Dominion Freight
Line, Inc. Restricted Stock Agreement and 1991 Employee Stock Option Plan of Old
Dominion Freight Line, Inc. of our report dated January 27, 2000, with respect
to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Old Dominion Freight
Line, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December
31, 1999.

                                                   ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
March 16, 2000


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