For More Information Contact: Customer Service Phone: 800-765-7242		PRESS RELEASE August 8, 2003
Saia Announces Largest Number Of Transit Time Improvements In Its History
DULUTH, GA – Saia, a leading provider of less-than-truckload (LTL) regional and interregional service, announced today the largest number of transit time improvements in its history, cutting one or more days of service off approximately 11-million zip pairs between points in its 21-state market. Effective Monday, August 11, Saia will reduce transit-shipping times to customers in thousands of cities. A total of 40 percent will involve improvements within regional markets, and 60 percent will be impacting interregional markets. During the past four years, Saia has reduced transit times in more than 20-million zip pairs across its system. "Our research indicates that transit times continue to rank as the number one priority for our customers," said Saia President and CEO Rick O’Dell. "As a market-driven company, we prioritize investments in technology, equipment, human capital and engineered process improvements to deliver solutions to customer demands. This further solidifies our position as a best-in-class carrier with the ability to meet a business’ regional, interregional and expedited needs." Improving transit times is the direct result of network engineering and the transition of its line haul operations to the utilization of more pups (28-foot trailers). Saia has purchased 850 – 28-foot logistics post trailers at an investment of approximately $13 million. The use of pup trailers by Saia: Provides for more direct loading and less handling of freight Allows Saia customers to receive freight earlier Optimizes load density Built-in load bars provide optimal protection with stacking and bracing capabilities Saia is a provider of regional and interregional service from the southern coast, across the south and southwest to California, and into the northwest with partner service to the rest of the United States. Saia also provides service to Puerto Rico, and complete North American partner coverage is offered including Canada and Mexico. Saia has 5,100 employees networking from more than 100 locations. Saia and Jevic Transportation are wholly owned subsidiaries of SCS Transportation, Inc., (NASDAQ: SCST), a multi-regional carrier holding company based in Kansas City, Missouri. For more information visit the Saia website at www.saia.com or SCS Transportation at www.scstransportation.com.