Saia Inc. Driver Pay
Average — #16 of 40$60,000 - $90,000/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Saia Inc. Pay Overview
Saia has been one of the fastest-growing LTL carriers, expanding rapidly from its Southeast base to become a national carrier. This growth has led to significant driver pay increases to attract talent. Saia's stock purchase plan lets drivers invest in the company at a discount, and their aggressive terminal expansion means more local opportunities closer to home.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $25 - $28/hr |
| 1-3 years | $28 - $32/hr |
| 3-5 years | $32 - $36/hr |
| 5-10 years | $36 - $40/hr |
| 10+ years | $40 - $44/hr |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| City P&D (LTL) | $25 - $42/hr |
| Linehaul (LTL) | $0.56 - $0.72/mi |
Pay by Job Type
Local (City P&D)
$60,000 - $88,000
per year
Regional (Linehaul)
$66,000 - $90,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Up to $7,500 for experienced drivers
Safety Bonus
Safety and performance bonuses quarterly
Referral Bonus
$1,500 per hired referral
Fuel Efficiency
Included in performance metrics
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Medical PPO with company contribution |
| Dental | Dental plan included |
| Vision | Vision plan included |
| Retirement | 401(k) with company match + stock purchase plan |
| Paid Time Off | Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Education assistance available |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly direct deposit
Home Time
City: Home daily | Linehaul: Home nightly or next morning
Per Diem
Not applicable — LTL home-daily positions
How Saia Inc. Pay Compares
Saia Inc. ranks #16 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Average for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Saia Inc. (this carrier) | $60,000 - $90,000 |
| Werner Enterprises | $52,000 - $80,000 |
| Schneider National | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| J.B. Hunt Transport Services | $55,000 - $95,000 |
| Knight-Swift Transportation | $50,000 - $85,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Saia drivers make?
Saia drivers earn $60,000-$90,000 annually. City P&D drivers earn $25-$44/hr, while linehaul drivers earn $0.56-$0.72/mi. Saia has been raising pay to stay competitive with OD and FedEx Freight as part of its national expansion.
Is Saia a good LTL company?
Yes, Saia is widely respected and has rapidly grown into a top-tier national LTL carrier. The company invests in new terminals, modern equipment, and competitive driver pay. Stock purchase plan and strong benefits round out the package.
Does Saia have a stock purchase plan?
Yes, Saia offers an employee stock purchase plan where drivers can buy Saia Inc. stock at a discount. Given Saia's strong growth trajectory, this can be a valuable financial benefit for long-term employees.
Do Saia drivers go home daily?
City P&D drivers at Saia go home daily. Linehaul drivers typically work relay routes and return home the same night or next morning. Saia's expanding terminal network keeps routes manageable.
How does Saia pay compare to Old Dominion?
Saia pay is competitive but generally slightly below Old Dominion, which is considered the highest-paying LTL carrier. However, Saia is closing the gap with recent pay increases. OD also offers profit sharing that Saia does not match, but Saia's stock purchase plan is a unique benefit.
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