JOHNS CREEK, GA--(Marketwired - Apr 16, 2013) - Saia Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) is pleased to announce that Saia LTL Freight was named "Carrier of the Year" by Ames True Temper. It is the first time the company has given out the award.

"Saia LTL Freight and Ames True Temper enjoy a wonderful partnership," said Saia Vice President of Sales, Eastern Division Ray Ramu. "We are very proud of the service we've been able to provide them over the last year -- which is due to the hard work of our employees at our Reno and West Coast facilities. We sincerely look forward to a long, mutually successful partnership with them."

As the oldest manufacturer and marketer of non-powered lawn and garden tools in the U.S., Ames True Temper's rich history dates back over 230 years. Along with a wide variety of gardening tools, the company also produces wheelbarrows, garden hoses and accessories, decorative garden products, and planters.

"Saia LTL Freight's performance throughout the year far exceeded all of our program's criteria," explained Mark Lebo, manager of transportation and imports at Ames True Temper. "Saia attained the top ranking amongst our LTL carriers for on-time delivery, invoicing accuracy and claims resolution. They also demonstrated a high level of partnership by controlling costs while maintaining a high level of customer service."

Employees at Saia LTL Freight provided customers over 98 percent on-time service in 2012.

About Saia Inc.

Saia Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA), with 2012 revenues of $1.1 billion, offers customers a wide range of less-than-truckload, non-asset truckload, and logistic services. The company operates 147 terminals in 34 states and is home to the industry-exclusive Customer Service Indicators and Xtreme Guarantee. With headquarters in Georgia, Saia employs 8,000 people nationwide. Saia LTL Freight has been recognized by the American Trucking Associations Safety Management Council with first place honors for its outstanding safety record. For more information on Saia Inc. or any of the service groups, visit www.saiacorp.com.