Saia's Safety Record Recognized by ATA

JOHNS CREEK, GA--(Marketwire - Oct 19, 2011) - Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) today announced it has been honored with two awards for its excellent 2010 safety record at the American Trucking Associations (ATA) Safety Management Council's recent Safety and Human Resources National Conference and Exhibition held in Albuquerque, N.M.

"We are honored to once again be recognized by the ATA," said Saia Director of Safety and Claims Prevention Karla Staver. "We believe Saia's drivers are some of the very best in the industry. These awards prove not only the company's commitment to safety but our drivers' dedication to it as well."

For the second consecutive year, Saia took first place honors in the "General Commodities LTL/Local Division" category for companies driving 50 to 100 million miles. The company also placed third in the "General Commodities LTL/Linehaul Division" for companies driving over 100 million miles.

Saia's commitment to safety is comprised of employee training, use of the Iteris Lane Departure Warning System and participation in the ATA's Safety Council. Saia is also installing the Bendix Wingman Advanced technology on all its new tractors. While Saia has a strong safety program built on the Smith System's defensive driving techniques, the company believes the benefit from the system's combination of active safety technologies can help prevent or mitigate the damage of collisions, rollovers, and loss-of-control accidents.

This year, Saia has ordered 450 new tractors, which is a $40.5 million investment by the company in equipment in support of safety efforts. Saia began accepting deliveries of the new tractors this summer and expects to have all the units in service by the end of October.

About ATA

The ATA is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. The ATA's National Truck and Industrial Safety Contests are the only two national safety programs that recognize the extraordinary safety accomplishments of motor carriers across the United States by operation type and size. The ATA, through a federation of other trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliated state trucking associations, represents more than 37,000 members covering every type of motor carrier in the United States. For more information, visit www.truckline.com.

About Saia, Inc.

Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) is a less-than-truckload provider of regional, interregional and guaranteed services covering 34 states. Saia is home to the industry-leading Xtreme Guarantee product, which guarantees total customer satisfaction from pick-up through invoicing. Saia offers complete North American coverage through partner agreements. With headquarters in Johns Creek, Ga., and a network of 148 terminals, the carrier employs 8,000 people. For more information on Saia, visit the Saia Website at www.saia.com.