For More Information Contact: Customer Service Phone: 800-765-7242		PRESS RELEASE October 28, 2002
Saia Announces Single Largest Number Of Transit Time Improvements In Its History
DULUTH, GA -- Implementing the largest number of transit-time improvements in the company’s history, Saia has announced a simultaneous reduction of one-day off published service times to more than 7,800 cities in its less-than-truckload network of operations. The changes will mean that Saia customers will receive one-day faster delivery times from every point in the Saia system to those 7,800 cities. “These improvements will provide our customers with some of the most attractive published transit times in the industry,” said Saia President and CEO Rick O’Dell. “Any time you can reduce a day off service to this many cities this reliably, you undoubtedly give customers an incentive to utilize your service. We began this service on October 1, and since then we have maintained our service standard in excess of 97 percent on time,” he said. “I believe this improvement in service, in the face of a difficult economy, demonstrates our relentless pursuit of excellence,” said O’Dell. “It also is a tribute to Saia employees who continue to elevate their performance on behalf of customers.” Saia has extensively researched customer priorities and transit times continue to rank at the top of the list.As a result, Saia reviews its operational process, instituting efficiencies to reduce transit times throughout its coverage areas on a regular basis. The most recent improvements will reduce transit times on shipments moved between points throughout the service area. The program, led by the Saia Service Product Team, allows the company to provide faster, more reliable and greater service consistency on shipments throughout our 21 states. “Aggressive reduction of transit times is an ongoing initiative that continues to be a major focus for us and is among our goals to assure customers receive best-in-class service,” said O’Dell. “As a part of the service commitment to our customers, we measure six primary indicators referred to as Saia’s Customer Service IndicatorsÒ. This is an index of performance measurements that include pick-up performance, on-time delivery, claims settled within 30 days, claims-free shipments proof of delivery (POD) turnaround and invoice accuracy,” he said. Saia is the only carrier in its class to offer a published report on these six measurements each month. The current month’s index can be found on Saia’s website at www.saia.com. Saia is a provider of regional one and two-day service from the southern coast, across the south and southwest to California, and northwest into Oregon and Washington 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 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.