Saia Freight tracking

What is Saia Freight?

Saia, Inc. is one of the largest less-than-truckload , LTL, freight carriers in the United States, publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol SAIA and headquartered in Johns Creek, Georgia. The company operates through a network of more than 200 terminals across the contiguous 48 states and handles over 30,000 shipments every business day. Founded in 1924 in Houma, Louisiana, Saia has grown over a century from a single-vehicle delivery operation into a nationwide carrier that consistently ranks among the top ten LTL providers in the country by revenue and shipment volume.

The company's origins trace directly to Louis Saia Sr., a local produce dealer who began hauling goods for his customers and eventually converted his personal vehicle into a delivery truck by removing the rear seats. For the first several decades, Saia built its reputation in Louisiana and Texas, with a focus on Gulf Coast regional trade. The deregulation of the U.S. trucking industry under the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 opened the door for carriers to expand beyond state-defined territories, and Saia used that opportunity to extend service across the Sunbelt states throughout the 1980s and into new regional markets beyond its traditional base.

In 1993, Yellow Corporation, then operating as Yellow Freight, acquired Saia as part of a broader strategy to build a portfolio of regional LTL brands. In January 2001, two sister companies, Action Express and WestEx, were merged into the Saia brand expanding direct coverage to 21 states with more than 100 terminals and over 5,000 employees. In October 2002, Yellow spun off its regional carrier subsidiaries and Saia became an independent, publicly traded company on NASDAQ. Subsequent acquisitions throughout the mid-2000s, including Clark Brothers Transport in 2004 and Madison Freight Systems in 2007, pushed the carrier's footprint deeper into the Midwest and Northeast.

One of the most consequential recent developments came in late 2023 and early 2024, when Yellow Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Saia moved quickly to acquire former Yellow terminals, ultimately securing approximately 31 facilities for roughly $250 million. This acquisition filled long-standing gaps in Saia's direct coverage, particularly in the Northeast and upper Midwest. The company celebrated its centennial in 2024, marking a hundred years of continuous operation through multiple economic cycles and structural changes in American logistics. Today, Saia operates through three divisions, Saia LTL Freight, Saia Logistics Service, and LinkEx, a third-party logistics arm acquired in 2015.

• Founded: 1924, in Houma, Louisiana, by Louis Saia Sr., a produce dealer who began hauling goods for his customers before converting his personal vehicle into a delivery truck
• Headquarters: Johns Creek, Georgia, United States
• Stock listing: Publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol SAIA since October 2002
• Parent company: Independent since 2002, formerly a subsidiary of Yellow Corporation from 1993 to 2002
• Operating divisions: Saia LTL Freight, Saia Logistics Service, and LinkEx (third-party logistics, acquired in 2015)
• Terminal count: More than 200 service centers across the contiguous United States, following the acquisition of approximately 31 former Yellow Corporation terminals in 2024
• Daily shipments: More than 30,000 shipments processed per day across the domestic network
• Centennial year: 2024 marked Saia's 100th anniversary of continuous operation

Saia's market position rests on geographic coverage, technology investment, and on-time delivery performance. The carrier serves approximately 60,000 ZIP codes across the continental United States, making it one of the most geographically broad LTL providers in the country. The company's $1 billion capital expenditure program in 2024 was directed primarily at expanding its terminal footprint in regions where direct coverage had historically been thin, reflecting a long-term ambition to grow from a strong interregional carrier into a fully nationwide operation covering all domestic traffic lanes.

Which countries does Saia Freight deliver to?

Saia's primary geographic footprint covers all 48 contiguous states of the United States, with a terminal network that serves approximately 60,000 ZIP codes across the continental country. The carrier operates more than 200 service centers positioned to provide both regional and interregional LTL coverage, and the large majority of domestic freight moves through Saia's own infrastructure without being transferred to outside partners. A major expansion effort in 2024, driven by the acquisition of former Yellow Corporation terminals, strengthened the network particularly in the Northeast and upper Midwest, areas that had historically represented thinner direct coverage for the carrier.

For destinations beyond the contiguous 48 states, Saia operates through a set of established partner carrier relationships. Service to Canada is available via 11 interchange points along the U.S.-Canada border, a network specifically designed to minimize freight transfers and keep transit times competitive. Mexico service is provided through partner carriers running daily cross-border schedules. These cross-border programs are an extension of Saia's existing LTL infrastructure rather than separate international freight operations, meaning standard LTL shipment procedures apply through the U.S. portion of each journey before the freight is handed off at the border crossing.

Saia also operates specialized offshore shipping programs for U.S. non-contiguous destinations. Alaska service runs from Saia's Seattle, Washington terminal on a twice-weekly schedule, with freight due by Wednesday midnight for Sunday arrival in Anchorage or by Friday midnight for arrival the following Tuesday, reflecting transit times of approximately 4 to 6 days. Hawaii service operates from the Long Beach, California terminal, also twice weekly, with cutoffs on Wednesday for Tuesday arrival in Honolulu and Saturday for Thursday arrival, with transit of 5 to 7 days. Puerto Rico shipments move through Saia's Jacksonville, Florida terminal on a twice-weekly schedule, with transit times of 3 to 5 days.

• Contiguous United States: All 48 lower states covered through direct terminal operations, with service to approximately 60,000 ZIP codes nationwide
• Canada: Cross-border LTL service via 11 U.S.-Canada interchange locations, with standard transit of 1 to 3 business days from the U.S. origin; expedited next-day options available on select lanes
• Mexico: Daily partner carrier schedules, with standard transit of 2 to 5 business days and an accelerated option of 1 to 2 business days for time-sensitive freight
• Alaska: Twice-weekly departures from Seattle, Washington, with transit times of approximately 4 to 6 days
• Hawaii: Twice-weekly departures from Long Beach, California, with transit times of approximately 5 to 7 days
• Puerto Rico: Twice-weekly departures from Jacksonville, Florida, with transit times of approximately 3 to 5 days

Saia does not provide direct service to destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, or other overseas markets. The carrier is a domestic U.S. LTL specialist, and its international reach is limited to Canada, Mexico, and U.S. territories accessible through intermodal or partner carrier arrangements. Shippers requiring overseas transport to destinations outside North America must arrange those services through a separate international freight forwarder or broker, with Saia's participation limited to the domestic U.S. truck movement at origin.

What are the Saia Freight services and delivery times?

Saia's core product is standard less-than-truckload freight transportation under the Saia LTL Freight brand. In this model, a shipper's goods are consolidated with other customers' freight on the same trailer, allowing businesses to pay only for the space their shipment actually occupies rather than the cost of an entire dedicated truckload. Approximately 85% of domestic LTL shipments are delivered within 1 to 3 business days, with most regional freight completing in a single business day and cross-country or interregional lanes taking 3 to 5 business days depending on origin, destination, and the terminal routing involved.

For shippers with firm delivery requirements, Saia offers a time-definite service called Saia Guaranteed. Under this option, customers select a delivery window of either 12:00 PM or 5:00 PM on the scheduled delivery date, and Saia commits to that window on qualified lanes. This service carries a premium over the standard LTL rate in exchange for the delivery certainty it provides. Beyond Saia Guaranteed, the carrier also offers expedited freight services for time-sensitive shipments, prioritizing those pieces at each terminal to accelerate movement through the network and reduce overall transit time compared to standard LTL routing.

Saia operates a suite of specialty and value-added services for non-standard shipping requirements. White glove handling is available for delicate, high-value, or complex freight requiring extra care during loading, transit, and unloading. Liftgate service, available at origin or destination as an accessorial charge, provides hydraulic lift capability for locations without a loading dock, including residences, retail storefronts, and ground-level facilities. Inside delivery carries freight past the standard threshold or dock drop to a specified location inside a building. Non-business hours delivery and appointment delivery are also available for recipients who cannot receive freight during standard operating windows.

Through its LinkEx division, Saia operates a non-asset third-party logistics arm offering truckload brokerage and managed transportation services. This extends Saia's service portfolio beyond its own fleet to include full truckload, intermodal, and logistics management options for customers whose requirements fall outside the standard LTL consolidation model. LinkEx was acquired by Saia in 2015 for approximately $25 million and continues to operate as a distinct division, serving as the company's entry point into the broader freight brokerage market.

• Standard LTL: Freight consolidation service covering all 48 contiguous states; approximately 85% of domestic shipments delivered within 1 to 3 business days
• Saia Guaranteed: Time-definite delivery with customer-selected windows of 12:00 PM or 5:00 PM on the delivery date, available on qualified lanes for a service premium
• Expedited freight: Priority movement through the Saia terminal network for time-sensitive shipments requiring faster transit than standard LTL routing
• Liftgate service: Hydraulic lift capability for locations without a loading dock, available at both origin and destination as an accessorial add-on
• White glove handling: Specialized care for fragile, high-value, or complex freight during loading, transit, and delivery
• Inside delivery: Freight carried to a specified location inside a building, beyond standard curbside or dock drop
• Residential delivery: Delivery to non-commercial addresses, typically combined with liftgate service and advance appointment scheduling
• Appointment delivery: Delivery within a specific pre-agreed time window, confirmed with the recipient before dispatch from the destination terminal
• LinkEx (third-party logistics): Non-asset truckload brokerage and managed transportation services through Saia's logistics division, acquired in 2015 for approximately $25 million
• Offshore shipping: Specialized programs for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico through partner carrier arrangements

What are the Saia Freight rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Saia calculates freight rates using the standard LTL pricing methodology, which accounts for several primary variables. The freight classification, determined under the National Motor Freight Classification , NMFC, system, assigns a class from 50 to 500 based on a commodity's density, stowability, handling requirements, and liability. Denser, heavier shipments that are straightforward to handle receive lower classifications and lower rates, while lighter, bulkier, fragile, or hazardous commodities are assigned higher classes. Shipment weight also factors into the rate, with heavier loads generally benefiting from lower per-hundredweight costs. The origin-to-destination lane reflects the specific terminal pair and distance traveled.

Accessorial charges are applied on top of the base line-haul rate for services that fall outside standard terminal-to-terminal freight delivery. These include charges for residential delivery, liftgate service at origin or destination, inside delivery, appointment scheduling, and oversize or overlength freight. Fuel surcharges apply to all shipments and fluctuate based on published fuel price indices. Discount structures are available for contract customers and high-volume shippers, and Saia works with freight brokers and third-party logistics providers in addition to direct shipper accounts. Maximum size and weight tolerances, along with liability caps for various commodity types, are defined in Saia's published rules tariff.

• Freight classification: NMFC classes from 50 (densest, lowest rate) to 500 (lightest, highest rate), determined by density, stowability, handling requirements, and liability characteristics
• Rate variables: Freight class, shipment weight, origin and destination ZIP codes, and any accessorial services included in the shipment
• Accessorial charges: Applied for residential delivery, liftgate at origin or destination, inside delivery, appointment scheduling, fuel surcharges, and oversize or overlength freight
• Contract pricing: Discounted rates available for high-volume shippers and contract accounts, with pricing varying based on volume commitments and the type of commercial relationship
• Full value coverage: Optional add-on providing enhanced liability protection beyond standard carrier liability, which is calculated on the basis of freight classification rates and may not reflect full replacement value
• Size and weight limits: Maximum dimensions and weight tolerances are governed by Saia's published rules tariff; oversize and overlength charges apply when shipments exceed standard parameters

What are the Saia Freight delivery options?

Saia's standard delivery model covers freight to commercial addresses with loading docks during regular business hours. The driver brings the freight to dock level, obtains a signature on the delivery receipt, and the consignee takes responsibility for moving the goods into the facility. This is the base delivery model for most LTL shipments and does not carry accessorial charges beyond the standard line-haul rate. For locations with dock access and standard receiving hours, this is the most straightforward and cost-effective way to receive a Saia LTL shipment.

For recipients without dock facilities, Saia offers liftgate delivery, in which a truck equipped with a hydraulic lift platform lowers the freight from the trailer bed to ground level. This service is particularly relevant for residential addresses, small retail locations, and any facility where freight must be received at ground level rather than from a raised dock. Liftgate service carries an accessorial fee and must be requested at the time of booking to ensure a properly equipped vehicle is dispatched. Residential delivery is offered as a separate accessorial service and is typically combined with advance appointment scheduling, in which Saia's team contacts the recipient before the delivery date to confirm a window.

• Standard dock delivery: Freight delivered to a commercial loading dock during business hours, with a consignee signature required on the delivery receipt
• Liftgate delivery: Hydraulic lift service for locations without a dock, allowing freight to be lowered from the trailer to ground level; requested at booking as an accessorial add-on
• Residential delivery: Delivery to non-commercial addresses, typically combined with liftgate service and advance scheduling to confirm a window with the recipient
• Appointment delivery: Delivery within a specific pre-agreed time window, confirmed with the recipient before the driver leaves the destination terminal
• Inside delivery: Freight carried to a specified interior location beyond the standard curbside or dock drop point
• Non-business hours delivery: Available for recipients unable to accept freight during standard operating windows, arranged as a custom delivery option
• Freight hold for pickup: Freight arriving at the destination terminal can be held for consignee pickup when delivery cannot be completed, shown as "On Hand" status in the tracking system

Recipients are strongly advised to inspect all freight before signing the delivery receipt. Any visible damage, missing items, or signs of tampering should be recorded directly on the receipt before the driver departs. This notation is referred to as noting exceptions, and it creates the foundational documentation for any subsequent freight claim. For damage discovered after the driver has left, strict time limits apply for filing a claim, and a clean delivery receipt without noted exceptions can complicate the claims process significantly.

What should I do if my Saia Freight parcel is lost or damaged?

Saia's freight claims process follows federal carrier liability rules established under the Carmack Amendment, which governs motor carrier liability for loss, damage, or delay of freight in interstate commerce. Claims can be submitted in writing or through Saia's online claims portal. For visible damage, the most important step is to note the damage on the delivery receipt before the driver departs, as this notation provides the foundational evidence for the claim. For concealed damage discovered after delivery, the claim must be filed within 5 days of the delivery date to preserve the shipper's rights under standard carrier liability rules.

Once a claim is submitted with the required documentation, Saia has 30 business days to acknowledge receipt. The carrier then has up to 120 days to issue a formal response in the form of an approval, denial, or settlement offer. Providing complete documentation from the start shortens this process and reduces requests for additional information from the claims team. For loss claims involving freight that has gone missing in transit, the filing deadline is 9 months from the actual delivery date or, in cases of non-delivery, 9 months from the scheduled delivery date.

• Visible damage: Note all damage on the delivery receipt before signing and before the driver departs; this is the required first step for any damage claim
• Concealed damage deadline: Claims for damage discovered after delivery must be filed within 5 days of the delivery date
• Loss claim deadline: Claims for missing freight must be filed within 9 months of the delivery date, or 9 months from the scheduled delivery date in cases of non-delivery
• Carrier acknowledgment: Saia has 30 business days after claim submission to acknowledge receipt of the documentation
• Carrier response time: Up to 120 days for Saia to approve, deny, or make a settlement offer following claim submission
• Required documentation: Original Bill of Lading, freight invoice documenting the commodity's value, delivery receipt with noted exceptions where applicable, photographs of the damage, and the original packaging available for inspection
• Full value coverage: An optional service add-on at time of booking providing enhanced liability protection beyond standard carrier liability, which is calculated on the basis of freight classification rates
• Claims phone: 1-800-950-7242
• Customer service phone: 1-800-765-7242

Does Saia Freight handle international shipments and customs formalities?

Saia's international capabilities are focused on cross-border service to Canada and Mexico, along with offshore shipping to U.S. territories and non-contiguous states including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The carrier does not provide direct service to destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, or other overseas markets. Its cross-border reach is handled through vetted partner carrier networks rather than Saia-owned infrastructure at foreign points, and Saia manages the domestic U.S. portion of cross-border shipments before handing them off to designated partners at the relevant border or intermodal transfer point.

Canada cross-border shipments move through 11 designated interchange locations along the U.S.-Canada border, a network designed specifically to minimize freight transfers and reduce transit time. Canadian customs documentation requirements apply to all cross-border shipments, and shippers are responsible for providing accurate commercial invoices and other required paperwork. Duties and taxes are assessed by Canadian customs authorities based on the specific commodity and its declared value, and these charges are the responsibility of the importer of record in Canada. For Mexico-bound freight, partner carriers operate on daily schedules, and shipments are subject to Mexican customs requirements, including the use of a licensed Mexican customs broker and standard documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin where applicable.

Puerto Rico shipments move via ocean freight from Saia's Jacksonville, Florida terminal under Jones Act shipping regulations. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico does not require international customs clearance in the traditional sense, and duties applicable to international shipments do not apply. Alaska and Hawaii are served as domestic U.S. destinations via intermodal truck-to-ocean arrangements and require no customs clearance. Shippers handling cross-border freight are responsible for compliance with the applicable import regulations of the destination country or territory, as Saia does not act as a customs broker or filing agent.

• Canada: Cross-border LTL via 11 U.S.-Canada interchange points; Canadian customs documentation required, with duties and taxes assessed on the importer of record in Canada
• Mexico: Daily partner carrier schedules; a licensed Mexican customs broker is required, along with a commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin where applicable
• Puerto Rico: Ocean freight from Jacksonville, Florida under Jones Act regulations; no international customs clearance required as Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory
• Alaska and Hawaii: Intermodal domestic service with no customs requirements, as both are U.S. states
• Hazardous materials: Must be properly declared and packaged in compliance with applicable U.S. Department of Transportation regulations under 49 CFR; undeclared hazmat shipments are not accepted
• No transoceanic service: Saia does not provide direct freight service to Europe, Asia, Africa, or other overseas markets; shippers requiring these routes must engage a separate international freight forwarder

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking a Saia Freight shipment, the primary identifier is the PRO number, an 11-digit numeric code assigned to each shipment at the time of pickup. In addition to the PRO number, shipments can also be tracked using a Bill of Lading number, a purchase order number, a pickup number, or a shipper account number. The tracking system provides real-time updates as freight moves through each point in the terminal network, from initial collection at the origin to the final delivery signature at the destination address.