For More Information Contact: Customer Service Phone: 800-765-7242		PRESS RELEASE November 20, 2006
Saia, Inc. Announces Four State Expansion with Acquisition
(DULUTH, Ga.) - Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA), a leading multi-regional less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier, today announced that it has acquired The Connection Company ("The Connection"), a less-than- truckload carrier operating in four states. The Connection, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, provides coverage to the Midwest markets in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio. Founded in 1983, The Connection has 20 terminals and 700 employees. The operations of The Connection will be integrated into Saia in early 2007 adding the major markets of Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, Louisville and Toledo. "This acquisition advances Saia toward our strategic goal of achieving complete coverage across North America" said Saia President, Rick O'Dell. "By extending our quality service into attractive, adjacent geography, there are also distinct advantages for our customers." The expanded Saia organization will serve 34 states with 149 terminals. The purchase price consideration of approximately $17.5 million is four times EBITDA. The Connection is a $70 million company with an operating ratio in the high 90s. Excluding one-time costs, Saia expects the acquisition to break even in 2007 due to a step-up in employee wages and benefits and investments in capital and be accretive in 2008. The related one-time costs are approximately $3.5 million. "We welcome The Connection employees and customers to Saia", said O'Dell. "The Connection has been our partner since February 2006, so many of our customers are familiar with their coverage and service quality." Consistent with successful past integration strategy, Saia management plans to quickly integrate The Connection with the goal of accelerating enhanced customer service, operating efficiencies and synergy revenue development. The integration is expected to be completed in February 2007 with synergy lanes between the regions opened in March. 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 Duluth, Ga. and a network of 149 terminals, Saia employs 8,300 people. For more information on Saia, Inc., visit www.saia.com.