Saia is an American less than truckload (LTL) trucking company that originated in Houma, Louisiana, in 1924. With original operation occurring in Louisiana and Texas for the first fifty years, expansion came after 1980 when coverage began reaching into more states in the South. Further expansion happened through mergers with other companies, which allowed Saia to provide service for thirty six states. Saia ranks in the top ten of LTL carriers in the United States,[2] with revenues of over $1.8 billion in 2020.[1]
History
Foundation and expansion
Saia began in 1924 in Houma, Louisiana by Louis Saia Sr. Louis was a produce dealer who realized that there was more success in delivering produce rather than selling it. The first truck operated by the company was Saia’s car with the rear seats removed.
By 1970, Saia expanded and established terminals in Texas and Louisiana. Saia became one of the largest regional LTL carriers in the United States