For More Information Contact: Customer Service Phone: 800-765-7242		PRESS RELEASE March 5, 2001
Saia Announces Successful Integration with WestEx and Action Express
ATLANTA, GA - March 5, 2001 – Saia Inc. has announced the completion and successful, on-schedule integration of Saia, WestEx and Action Express. Operating as one company, Saia now provides regional one and two day less than truckload (LTL) services in their larger 21-state direct coverage area. The transition that began in January with the Saia integration announcement has been a smooth process due in large part to a well-developed plan, the same computer platform and existing synergies. Additional factors that made for a seamless integration include a geographic fit of the three companies' service areas, and common operations procedures. "Customer service was a primary consideration in planning the integration of Saia, WestEx and Action," said Rick O'Dell, Saia president and CEO. "The integration enhances our ability to provide existing customers with increased benefits including improved transit times, reduced handling of shipments and streamlined administration functions. "Our quality processes and service enhancements supported by our Customer Service Indicator (CSI) index proves our commitment to customer service, which now extends to a 21-state direct coverage area," O'Dell adds. "We have based our CSI program on what customers have told us are the most important services to them, which includes on-time pickup, on-time delivery, claims settled within 30 days, claims-free shipments, proof-of-delivery turnaround and invoice accuracy." Saia publishes a report on these six measurements each quarter. Saia also provides monthly CSI totals for individual customer locations on its website at www.saia.com, which recently has been enhanced to provide a variety of user-friendly tools. Saia has a strong 77-year tradition of steady growth and the integration reinforces their mission of being the premier regional provider of one and two day LTL service. Through the integration, the combined revenues for Saia in 2000 were approximately $487 million. Saia expects continued revenue growth and the addition of service offerings for transportation decision makers, O'Dell said. Saia is a provider of regional one and two day service from Southern Virginia, across the south and west to California, and northwest into Oregon and Washington with partner service to the rest of the continental United States. Saia also provides service to Puerto Rico, and complete North American coverage is offered including Canada and Mexico. Saia has more than 5,500 employees networking from 113 locations. Saia is a subsidiary of Yellow Corporation (NASDAQ: YELL), a holding company with operating subsidiaries specializing in national, regional and international transportation services. For more information visit the Saia website at www.saia.com and the Yellow Corporation website at www.yellowcorp.com.