Saia Inc. Review 2026

Pay, Benefits, Home Time & Driver Ratings

Founded 1924Johns Creek, GAFleet: 5,500+ tractors

Driver Rating

3.8/5 — Good

Annual Pay

$60,000 - $90,000

Solo CPM

Hourly: $24 - $32/hour (city); mileage-based for linehaul

Sign-On Bonus

Up to $7,500 (new terminal openings may offer more)

Driver Rating

3.8/5 — Good

Saia Inc. Overview

Saia Inc. is a leading LTL carrier that has undergone a remarkable transformation from a regional Southeast carrier to a national player. Founded in 1924 and headquartered in Johns Creek, Georgia, Saia operates over 5,500 tractors from approximately 200 terminals across the United States. The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ and has been one of the fastest-growing LTL carriers in recent years.

Saia's rapid expansion has included opening dozens of new terminals across the western and northeastern United States, significantly expanding their geographic footprint. This growth has created abundant job opportunities for drivers, and the company has been aggressive with hiring and compensation to attract talent for new terminals.

The company offers competitive hourly pay for city drivers and mileage-based pay for linehaul positions. Saia has invested in fleet modernization, with newer trucks and trailers entering service as the terminal network expands. The company culture balances the drive for growth with a focus on safety and service quality.

Pay & Benefits

Solo CPM

Hourly: $24 - $32/hour (city); mileage-based for linehaul

Team CPM

N/A (LTL operations)

Annual Earnings

$60,000 - $90,000

Sign-On Bonus

Up to $7,500 (new terminal openings may offer more)

Benefits Package

  • Competitive hourly pay with overtime
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Stock purchase plan
  • Home daily for city positions
View full pay breakdown →

Equipment Used

Freightliner CascadiaVarious day cabs28' LTL pup trailers53' trailers

Home Time Policy

Saia city drivers are home daily with standard day shift schedules. Linehaul drivers work overnight shifts and are home at the end of their run for most routes. Some longer linehaul relay runs may involve overnight stays. Saia's scheduling is generally predictable, with consistent start times and route structures.

Training Program

Saia requires 1 year CDL-A experience and does not operate a CDL training school. The company offers dock-to-driver programs at some terminals. New driver hires complete an orientation program and LTL-specific training before being assigned routes.

Hiring Requirements

Minimum Age

21 years old

Minimum Experience

1 year CDL-A experience

CDL Required

Yes — CDL-A

Clean MVR Required

Yes

Endorsements

  • Doubles/triples endorsement helpful

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Rapid expansion means abundant job openings and new terminal opportunities
  • Competitive hourly pay with regular overtime availability
  • Stock purchase plan allows drivers to invest in the growing company
  • Newer equipment entering the fleet as the company expands
  • Home daily for city positions; most linehaul positions also home daily

Cons

  • New terminals can have growing pains with inconsistent freight volumes and operations
  • Some newer markets don't yet have the freight density for optimal driver efficiency
  • Non-union status means wages are company-determined without collective bargaining
  • Company culture at new terminals is still developing and may lack the cohesion of established locations

Best For

Saia Inc. is recommended for:

  • Drivers in growing markets where Saia is opening new terminals
  • LTL drivers wanting hourly pay with overtime
  • Those interested in stock purchase plans at a growing company

Overall Driver Rating

3.8/5

Based on compiled driver feedback, industry reputation, and compensation analysis. Rating last updated March 2026.

Saia Inc. FAQs

Is Saia opening new terminals?
Yes, Saia has been aggressively expanding its terminal network, opening dozens of new locations across the western and northeastern U.S. in recent years. This expansion creates new driving positions in markets where Saia previously had no presence. New terminal openings sometimes come with enhanced sign-on bonuses or incentives to attract drivers.
How does Saia compare to Old Dominion or Estes?
Saia is competitive with but generally pays slightly less than Old Dominion. Compared to Estes, pay is similar at most locations. Saia's advantage is rapid growth and the opportunity to get in at a new terminal with good route seniority. Old Dominion has the edge in total compensation (profit sharing + stock), while Estes offers the ESOP. Saia offers a stock purchase plan but no profit sharing or ESOP.
How much do Saia drivers make?
Saia city drivers earn $24-$32/hour depending on market, with annual earnings of $60,000-$78,000 including overtime. Linehaul drivers earn mileage-based pay with annual earnings of $72,000-$90,000 for experienced drivers. Pay varies by terminal location and local market conditions.
Does Saia have a dock-to-driver program?
Yes, some Saia terminals offer dock-to-driver programs that allow dockworkers to earn their CDL and transition to driving positions. Availability varies by location and staffing needs. This is a good option for people who want to enter the LTL industry without prior CDL experience.
What is the work environment like at new Saia terminals?
New Saia terminals can be a mixed experience. The upside is newer equipment, good starting seniority, and the opportunity to shape the terminal culture. The downside is that freight volumes may be inconsistent as the terminal builds its customer base, which can affect hours and overtime. Most drivers report that new terminals stabilize within 6-12 months of opening.

More About Saia Inc.

Saia Inc. Company Profile

Jobs, fleet size, and key info

Saia Inc. Pay Breakdown

Full salary, CPM, and benefits details

Saia Inc. Jobs in Georgia

Openings and hiring info by state

Saia Inc. Jobs in Texas

Openings and hiring info by state

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