e10vq

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)


þ		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008


o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM to

Commission file number: 0-49983

SAIA, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware (State of incorporation)		48-1229851 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

11465 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 400 Johns Creek, GA (Address of principal executive offices)		30097 (Zip Code)

(770) 232-5067
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):


Large accelerated filer o		Accelerated filer þ		Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


Common Stock		Outstanding Shares at October 28, 2008

Common Stock, par value $.001 per share		13,510,709

Saia, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)


	September 30,			December 31,
	2008			2007
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	21,134		$	6,656
Accounts receivable, net		121,533			107,116
Prepaid expenses and other		36,774			37,837


Total current assets		179,441			151,609
Property and Equipment, at cost		609,541			596,357
Less-accumulated depreciation		250,918			227,585

Net property and equipment		358,623			368,772
Goodwill, net		35,511			35,470
Other Intangibles, net		3,248			3,860
Other Noncurrent Assets		951			872

Total assets	$	577,774		$	560,583

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and checks outstanding	$	59,612		$	42,732
Wages, vacation and employees’ benefits		38,865			32,862
Other current liabilities		51,011			38,138
Current portion of long-term debt		10,188			12,793

Total current liabilities		159,676			126,525

Other Liabilities:
Long-term debt		127,617			160,052
Deferred income taxes		58,073			55,961
Claims, insurance and other		22,630			17,393

Total other liabilities		208,320			233,406
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding		—			—
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 13,510,709 and 13,448,602 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively		14			13
Additional paid-in-capital		172,300			170,260
Deferred compensation trust, 159,537 and 144,507 shares of common stock at cost at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively		(2,771	)		(2,584	)
Retained earnings		40,235			32,963

Total shareholders’ equity		209,778			200,652

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	577,774		$	560,583

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Saia, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)


	Third Quarter						Nine Months
	2008			2007			2008			2007
Operating Revenue	$	274,181		$	247,823		$	799,560		$	732,412
Operating Expenses:
Salaries, wages and employees’ benefits		139,745			129,261			409,963			394,302
Purchased transportation		21,026			20,710			61,714			55,951
Fuel, operating expenses and supplies		78,895			58,699			225,308			165,002
Operating taxes and licenses		8,970			8,626			27,015			25,709
Claims and insurance		7,824			10,000			24,743			28,261
Depreciation and amortization		10,299			9,785			30,841			28,602
Operating gains, net		(112	)		(1,911	)		(410	)		(2,134	)
Integration charges		—			—			—			2,427

Total operating expenses		266,647			235,170			779,174			698,120

Operating Income		7,534			12,653			20,386			34,292
Nonoperating Expenses:
Interest expense		2,892			2,644			9,180			7,200
Other, net		155			(60	)		222			(339	)

Nonoperating expenses, net		3,047			2,584			9,402			6,861

Income Before Income Taxes		4,487			10,069			10,984			27,431
Income Tax Provision		1,592			4,120			2,718			11,055

Income from Continuing Operations		2,895			5,949			8,266			16,376
Loss from Discontinued Operations		(123	)		—			(994	)		—

Net Income	$	2,772		$	5,949		$	7,272		$	16,376


Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic		13,328			13,651			13,306			14,006

Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted		13,561			13,861			13,528			14,242


Basic Earnings Per Share-Continuing Operations	$	0.22		$	0.44		$	0.62		$	1.17

Diluted Earnings Per Share-Continuing Operations	$	0.21		$	0.43		$	0.61		$	1.15


Basic Loss Per Share-Discontinued Operations	$	(0.01	)	$	—		$	(0.07	)	$	—

Diluted Loss Per Share-Discontinued Operations	$	(0.01	)	$	—		$	(0.07	)	$	—


Basic Earnings Per Share	$	0.21		$	0.44		$	0.55		$	1.17

Diluted Earnings Per Share	$	0.20		$	0.43		$	0.54		$	1.15

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Saia, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(in thousands)

(unaudited)


	Nine Months
	2008			2007
Operating Activities:
Net cash from operating activities—continuing operations	$	56,627		$	30,641
Net cash from operating activities—discontinued operations		12,868			—


Net cash from operating activities		69,495			30,641

Investing Activities:

Acquisition of property and equipment		(21,908	)		(60,148	)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment		1,397			5,674
Acquisition of business		—			(2,344	)


Net cash used in investing activities		(20,511	)		(56,818	)

Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt		25,000			47,529
Repayment of long-term debt		(60,094	)		(6,402	)
Repurchase of common stock		—			(23,226	)
Proceeds from stock option exercises		588			1,378


Net cash from (used in) financing activities		(34,506	)		19,279


Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents		14,478			(6,898	)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		6,656			10,669


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	21,134		$	3,771


Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Income taxes paid (received), net	$	(3,131	)	$	8,327
Interest paid		8,398			5,492

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Saia, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Saia, Inc. and its wholly owned regional transportation subsidiary, Saia Motor Freight Line, LLC (together the Company or Saia). The financial statements include the financial position and results of operations of The Connection Company (the Connection) since its acquisition date of November 18, 2006 and Madison Freight Systems, Inc. (Madison Freight) since its acquisition date of February 1, 2007.

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company, without audit by independent registered public accountants. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods included herein have been made. These interim financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information, the instructions to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted from these statements. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Operating results for the quarter and nine-months ended September 30, 2008, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Business

The Company provides regional and interregional less-than-truckload (LTL) services and selected national LTL and time-definite services across the United States through its wholly owned subsidiary, Saia Motor Freight Line, LLC (Saia Motor Freight).

Integration Charges

Integration charges totaling zero and $2.4 million were expensed in the quarter and nine-months ended September 30, 2007 in connection with the acquisitions of the Connection and Madison Freight. These integration charges consist of employee retention and stay bonuses, training, communications, fleet re-logoing, technology integration and other related items.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (Statement 157). Statement 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. Statement 157 requires companies to disclose the fair value of financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy. Additionally, companies are required to provide certain disclosures regarding instruments within the hierarchy, including a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for each major category of assets and liabilities. Statement 157 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008. The adoption of Statement 157 has not had a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Positions No. 157-1 and No. 157-2 which partially defer the effective date of Statement 157 for one year for certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities and remove certain leasing transactions from its scope. The Company will evaluate the manner in which the nonfinancial items covered by Statement 157 will be adopted.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, Fair Value Options for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Statement 159), which permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. Statement 159 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008. The adoption of Statement 159 has not had a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

the goodwill acquired. Statement 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Statement 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company will assess the impact of the business combination provisions of Statement 141R upon the occurrence of a business combination.

(2) Computation of Earnings Per Share

The calculation of basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share was as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):


	Third Quarter					Nine Months
	2008			2007		2008			2007
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	$	2,895		$	5,949	$	8,266		$	16,376
Loss from discontinued operations, net		(123	)		—		(994	)		—

Net income	$	2,772		$	5,949	$	7,272		$	16,376


Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share- weighted average common shares		13,328			13,651		13,306			14,006
Effect of dilutive stock options		89			169		89			200
Effect of other common stock equivalents		144			41		133			36

Denominator for diluted earnings per share- adjusted weighted average common shares		13,561			13,861		13,528			14,242


Basic Earnings Per Share — Continuing Operations	$	0.22		$	0.44	$	0.62		$	1.17

Basic (Loss) Per Share — Discontinued Operations		(0.01	)		—		(0.07	)		—


Basic Earnings Per Share	$	0.21		$	0.44	$	0.55		$	1.17


Diluted Earnings Per Share — Continuing Operations	$	0.21		$	0.43	$	0.61		$	1.15

Diluted (Loss) Per Share — Discontinued Operations		(0.01	)		—		(0.07	)		—


Diluted Earnings Per Share	$	0.20		$	0.43	$	0.54		$	1.15

For the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 respectively, options for 209,034 and 165,770 shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect was anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 respectively, options for 212,310 and 117,360 shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect was anti-dilutive.

(3) Commitments and Contingencies

Fuel Surcharge Litigation. In late July 2007, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California against Saia and several other major LTL freight carriers alleging that the defendants conspired to fix fuel surcharge rates in violation of federal antitrust laws and seeking injunctive relief, treble damages and attorneys’ fees. Since the filing of the original case, similar cases have been filed against Saia and other LTL freight carriers, each with the same allegation of conspiracy to fix fuel surcharge rates. The cases were consolidated and transferred to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, and the plaintiffs in these cases are seeking class action certification.

Plaintiffs filed their Amended Consolidated Complaint on May 23, 2008. Plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the following carriers from the Amended Consolidated Complaint without prejudice: R&L Carriers, Inc., New England Motor Freight, Inc., Southeast Freight Lines, Inc., AAA Cooper Transportation, Jevic Transportation, Inc. (Jevic) and Sun Capital Partners. Plaintiffs also voluntarily dismissed Southern Motor Carriers Rate Conference, Inc. without prejudice.

On June 25, 2008, Defendants filed their Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs’ Consolidated Class Action Complaint on the grounds that it failed to adequately plead collusion and conspiracy. Given the nature and status of the claims, we

cannot yet determine the amount or a reasonable range of potential loss, if any. We believe that these claims have no merit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves.

California Labor Code Litigation. The Company is a defendant in a lawsuit originally filed in July 2007 in California state court on behalf of California dock workers alleging various violations of state labor laws. In August 2007, the case was removed to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The claims include the alleged failure of the Company to provide rest and meal breaks and the alleged failure to reimburse the employees for the cost of work shoes, among other claims. In January 2008, the parties negotiated a conditional class-wide settlement under which the Company would pay $0.8 million to settle these claims. This pre-certification settlement is subject to court approval. In March 2008, the District Court denied preliminary approval and the named Plaintiff filed a petition with the United States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit seeking permission to appeal this ruling. The petition was granted and the appeal is now pending. The proposed settlement is reflected as a liability of $0.8 million at September 30, 2008 and was recorded as other operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Other. The Company is subject to legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the aggregate liability, if any, with respect to these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position but could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations in a quarter or annual period.

(4) Debt and Financing Arrangements

At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 debt consisted of the following (in thousands):


	September 30,		December 31,
	2008		2007
Credit Agreement with Banks, described below	$	1,424	$	48,724
Senior Notes under a Master Shelf Agreement, described below		125,000		110,000
Subordinated debentures, interest rate of 7.0% semi-annual installment payments due from 2005 to 2011		11,381		14,121

Total Debt		137,805		172,845
Current Maturities		10,188		12,793

Long-Term Debt	$	127,617	$	160,052

On September 20, 2002, Saia issued $100 million in Senior Notes under a $125 million (amended to $150 million in April 2005) Master Shelf Agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and certain of its affiliates. Saia issued another $25 million in Senior Notes on November 30, 2007 and $25 million in Senior Notes on January 31, 2008 under the same Master Shelf Agreement.

The initial $100 million Senior Notes are unsecured and have a fixed interest rate of 7.38 percent. Payments due under the $100 million Senior Notes were interest only until June 30, 2006 and at that time semi-annual principal payments began with the final payment due December 2013. The November 2007 issuance of $25 million Senior Notes are unsecured and have a fixed interest rate of 6.14 percent. The January 2008 issuance of $25 million Senior Notes are unsecured and have a fixed interest rate of 6.17 percent. Payments due for both recent $25 million issuances will be interest only until June 30, 2011 and at that time semi-annual principal payments will begin with the final payments due January 1, 2018. Under the terms of the Senior Notes, Saia must maintain certain financial covenants including a maximum ratio of total indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent (EBITDAR), a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a minimum tangible net worth, among others. At September 30, 2008, the Company was in compliance with these financial covenants.

At December 31, 2007, Saia also had a $110 million Agented Revolving Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement) with Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., as agent. The Credit Agreement was unsecured with an interest rate based on LIBOR or prime at the Company’s option, plus an applicable spread, in certain instances, and had a maturity date of January 2009. On January 28, 2008, Saia amended and restated the Credit Agreement, increasing it to $160 million, extending the maturity to January 28, 2013 and adjusting the interest rate schedule. In addition, the financial covenants were revised to a fixed charge coverage ratio, leverage ratio and adjusted leverage ratio, removing the minimum tangible net worth test. At September 30, 2008, Saia had $1.4 million of borrowings under the Credit Agreement, at an interest rate of 5.00 percent and $54.2 million in letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The available portion of the Credit Agreement may be used for future capital expenditures, working

capital and letter of credit requirements as needed. Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, Saia must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, leverage ratio and adjusted leverage ratio. At September 30, 2008, Saia was in compliance with these financial covenants.

Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities, the estimated fair value of total debt at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 is $140.1 million and $181.8 million, respectively.

The principal maturities of long-term debt for the next five years (in thousands) are as follows:


	Amount
2008	$	—
2009		18,938
2010		18,938
2011		22,196
2012		25,714
Thereafter through 2018		52,019

(5) Income Taxes

In May 2008, the Company was approved as an alternative fueler by the IRS. As a result of receiving approval, the Company recorded, as a discrete item in the quarter, a tax benefit of $1.4 million which represents the amount of the alternative fuel credit for 2006 and 2007. Additionally, the Company has included the estimated amount of the 2008 alternative fuel credit (approximately $1 million) in the calculation of its estimated annual effective tax rate for 2008. As a result, the current estimated annual effective tax rate before the discrete item for the alternative fuel credit is approximately 38 percent as compared to an estimated annual effective tax rate of approximately 41 percent at the end of the first quarter 2008.

(6) Discontinued Operations

The Company sold the stock of Jevic Transportation, Inc. (Jevic) on June 30, 2006 and was a guarantor under indemnity agreements, primarily with certain insurance underwriters with respect to Jevic’s self-insured retention (SIR) obligation for workers’ compensation, bodily injury and property damage and general liability claims against Jevic arising out of occurrences prior to the transaction date. The SIR obligation was estimated to be approximately $15.3 million as of the June 30, 2006 transaction date. In connection with the transaction, Jevic provided collateral in the form of a $15.3 million letter of credit with a third party bank in favor of the Company. The amount of the letter of credit was reduced to $13.2 million following draws by the Company on the letter of credit to fund the SIR portion of settlements of claims against Jevic arising prior to the transaction date. Jevic filed bankruptcy in May 2008 and the Company recorded liabilities for all residual indemnification obligations in claims, insurance and other current liabilities, based on the current estimates of the indemnification obligations as of June 30, 2008. The income statement impact of $0.9 million, net of taxes, was reflected as discontinued operations in the second quarter of 2008.

In September 2008, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the debtors of Jevic, which was approved by the bankruptcy court, under which the Company assumed Jevic’s SIR obligation on the workers’ compensation, bodily injury and property damage, and general liability claims arising prior to the transaction date in exchange for the draw by the Company of the entire $13.2 million remaining on the Jevic letter of credit and a payment by the Company to the bankruptcy estate of $750,000. In addition, the settlement agreement included a mutual release of claims, except for the Company’s responsibility to Jevic for certain outstanding tax liabilities in the states of New York and New Jersey for the periods prior to the transaction date and for any potential fraudulent conveyance claims. The income statement impact of the September 2008 settlement of $0.1 million, net of taxes, was reflected as discontinued operations in the third quarter of 2008 and includes a $0.3 million net reduction in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to Jevic.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and our 2007 audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Those financial statements include additional information about our significant accounting policies, practices and the transactions that underlie our financial results.

Executive Overview

The Company’s business is highly correlated to the general economy and, in particular, industrial production. The Company’s priorities are focused on increasing volume within existing geographies while managing both the mix and yield of business to achieve increased profitability. The Company’s business is labor intensive, capital intensive and service sensitive. The Company looks for opportunities to improve cost effectiveness, safety and asset utilization (primarily tractors and trailers). Technology is important to supporting both customer service and operating management. The Company grew operating revenue by 8.9 percent in the third quarter of 2008 over the third quarter of 2007, on a per workday basis. Revenue growth was attributable to improvement in yield (revenue per hundred weight) through the impact of higher fuel surcharges and increased length of haul.

Operating income was $7.5 million for the third quarter of 2008, a decrease of $5.1 million from the prior-year quarter. During the current quarter claims and insurance expense was $2.2 million less than the prior year quarter, primarily due to reduced accident severity. The Company recorded a pre-tax expense of $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2008 for equity-based compensation compared to a pre-tax benefit of $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2007 as a result of stock price changes in the respective periods. Earnings from continuing operations in the third quarter of 2008 were $0.21 per share compared to $0.43 per share in the third quarter of 2007. Third-quarter 2008 operating income was impacted by the continued soft freight environment, increasingly competitive pricing environment and higher costs. The operating ratio (operating expenses divided by operating revenue) was 97.3 percent in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 94.9 percent in the third quarter of 2007.

The Company had $56.6 million in cash from operating activities of continuing operations through the first nine months of the year compared with $30.6 million generated in the prior-year period. Cash flows from operating activities of discontinued operations were $12.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as a result of the receipt of the letter of credit funds versus zero cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The Company had net cash used in investing activities of $20.5 million during the first nine months of 2008 for the purchase of property and equipment compared to $56.8 million in the first nine months of 2007, which included the acquisition of Madison Freight. The Company’s cash used in financing activities during the first nine months of 2008 included proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt of $25 million, which was more than offset by $60.1 million of debt repayments. The Company had borrowings of $1.4 million and $54.2 million in letters of credit outstanding on its credit agreement and a cash balance of $21.1 million as of September 30, 2008.

General

The following management’s discussion and analysis describes the principal factors affecting the results of operations, liquidity and capital resources, as well as the critical accounting policies of Saia, Inc. (also referred to as Saia and the Company).

The Company is an asset-based transportation company based in Johns Creek, Georgia providing regional and multi-regional LTL services and selected national LTL and guaranteed service solutions to a broad base of customers across the United States through its wholly owned subsidiary, Saia Motor Freight, LLC.

Our business is highly correlated to the general economy and, in particular, industrial production. It also is impacted by a number of other factors as detailed in the Forward Looking Statements section of this Form 10-Q. The key factors that affect our operating results are the volumes of shipments transported through our network, as measured by our average daily shipments and tonnage; the prices we obtain for our services, as measured by revenue per hundredweight (a measure of yield) and revenue per shipment; our ability to manage our cost structure for capital expenditures and operating expenses such as salaries, wages and benefits; purchased transportation; claims and insurance expense; fuel and maintenance; and our ability to match operating costs to shifting volume levels. Fuel surcharges have remained in effect for several years and are a significant component of revenue and pricing. Fuel surcharges are a more integral part of annual customer contract renewals, blurring the distinction between base price increases and recoveries under the fuel surcharge program.

Results of Operations

Saia, Inc.
Selected Results of Operations and Operating Statistics — Continuing Operations
For the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
(in thousands, except ratios and revenue per hundredweight)
(unaudited)


							Percent
							Variance
	2008			2007			’08 v. ’07
Operating Revenue	$	274,181		$	247,823			10.6	%
Operating Expenses:
Salaries, wages and employees’ benefits		139,745			129,261			8.1
Purchased transportation		21,026			20,710			1.5
Depreciation and amortization		10,299			9,785			5.3
Fuel and other operating expenses		95,577			75,414			26.7
Operating Income		7,534			12,653			(40.5	)
Operating Ratio		97.3	%		94.9	%		2.5
Nonoperating Expense		3,047			2,584			17.9

Working Capital		19,764			17,729
Cash Flows from Continuing Operations (year to date)		56,627			30,641
Net Acquisitions of Property and Equipment (year to date)		20,511			54,474

Operating Statistics:
LTL Tonnage		955			950			0.5
Total Tonnage		1,147			1,135			1.1

LTL Shipments		1,726			1,739			(0.7	)
Total Shipments		1,752			1,764			(0.7	)

LTL Revenue per hundredweight	$	13.28		$	12.14
Total Revenue per hundredweight	$	11.93		$	10.92

Quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008 vs. Quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007

Continuing Operations

Revenue and volume

Consolidated revenue increased 10.6 percent, 8.9 percent on a per workday basis, to $274.2 million as a result of higher yields including the impact of increased fuel surcharges and increased length of haul partially offset by decreased tonnage on a per day basis primarily as a result of the difficult economic environment. Revenue was negatively impacted by a weak economy, the competitive pricing environment and disruptions from two hurricanes in cities where the Company has significant market share. Fuel prices remained high during the third quarter of 2008, averaging approximately 50 percent higher than third quarter 2007. The cost per gallon increases were offset by the fuel surcharge during the third quarter of 2008. We have experienced cost increases in other operating costs as a result of increased fuel prices. However, the total impact of higher energy prices on other non-fuel related expenses is difficult to determine.

Saia’s LTL revenue per hundredweight (a measure of yield) increased 9.4 percent to $13.28 per hundredweight for the third quarter of 2008 including the impact of fuel surcharges. Saia’s LTL tonnage was up 0.5 percent to 1.0 million tons and LTL shipments were down 0.7 percent to 1.7 million shipments. Approximately 70 percent of Saia Motor Freight’s revenue is subject to individual customer price adjustment negotiations that occur throughout the year. The remaining 30 percent of revenue is subject to an annual general rate increase. On February 18, 2008, Saia Motor Freight implemented a 5.4 percent general rate increase for customers comprising this 30 percent of revenue. Competitive factors, customer turnover and mix changes, among other things impact the extent to which customer rate increases are retained over time.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, operating revenues were $799.6 million up 9.2 percent from $732.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 due to higher yields and revenue per shipment reflecting the increased fuel surcharges and longer lengths of haul. Consistent with the quarterly results, higher fuel prices have resulted in increases in other operating expenses as well.

Operating expenses and margin

Consolidated operating income of $7.5 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $12.7 million in the prior year quarter. The third quarter 2008 operating ratio (operating expenses divided by operating revenue) was 97.3 compared to 94.9 for the same period in 2007. Higher fuel prices, in conjunction with volume changes due to increased length of haul, caused $19.2 million of the increase in fuel, operating expenses and supplies. Year-over-year yield increases were more than offset by cost increases in wages, health care and maintenance. Claims and insurance expense in the third quarter of 2008 was $2.2 million less than the third quarter of 2007 primarily reflecting favorable trends in the severity of accidents incurred. The annual wage rate increase for 2007 averaged 2.5 percent and was effective December 1, 2007. The Company recorded no annual incentive expense in the third quarter of 2008 compared to a reversal of the accrual in the third quarter 2007 of $1.9 million. The Company recorded pre-tax expense of $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2008 for equity-based compensation compared to a pre-tax benefit of $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2007 as a result of the impact of stock price changes in the respective periods. Equity-based compensation expense includes the expense for the cash-based awards under the Company’s long-term incentive plans, which is a function of the Company’s stock price performance versus a peer group, and the deferred compensation plan’s expense, which is tied to changes in the Company’s stock price. The prior year quarter included a pre-tax gain of $1.7 million from the sale of real estate.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, operating income was $20.4 million with an operating ratio of 97.5 percent compared to operating income of $34.3 million with an operating ratio of 95.3 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The nine months ended September 30, 2007 results include a gain of $1.7 million due to the sale of real estate. Higher fuel prices and fuel volumes resulted in $52.2 million of the increase in fuel, operating expenses and supplies for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Purchased transportation expenses increased 10.3 percent during the first nine months of 2008 due to higher utilization and higher fuel prices.

Other

Substantially all non-operating expenses represent interest expense and the increase in net non-operating expenses is a result of overall higher average debt balances during the third quarter of 2008 versus the third quarter of 2007. The effective tax rate was 35.5 percent for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 compared to 40.9 percent for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 24.7 percent compared to 40.3 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The 2008 year-to-date tax rate includes the impact of discrete items, specifically the income tax benefit for alternative fuel tax credit of $1.4 million for 2006 and 2007 as the Company was approved as an alternative fueler in the second quarter of 2008. The Company has included the estimated amount of the 2008 alternative fuel credit (approximately $1 million) in the calculation of its estimated annual effective tax rate for 2008. As a result, the current estimated annual effective tax rate before the discrete item for the alternative fuel credit is approximately 38 percent as compared to an estimated annual effective tax rate of approximately 38 percent at the end of the second quarter 2008.

Income from continuing operations was $2.9 million or $0.21 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $5.9 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2007. Income from continuing operations was $8.3 million or $0.61 per diluted share in the first nine months of 2008 compared to income from continuing operations of $16.4 million or $1.15 per diluted share in the first nine months of 2007.

Discontinued Operations

In the third quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a $0.1 million charge, net of tax, as a result of a settlement agreement related to the bankruptcy of Jevic Transportation, Inc as described further below under contractual cash obligations. The year-to-date expense related to discontinued operations is $1.0 million in 2008, compared to nothing in 2007.

Working capital/capital expenditures

Working capital at September 30, 2008 was $19.8 million, which increased from working capital at September 30, 2007 of $17.7 million due to increased net accounts receivable balances of $3.0 million due to slower payments from customers resulting in increased days outstanding, as well as an increase in accounts payable that was offset by an increase in cash due to the timing of payments. Cash flows from operating activities of continuing operations were $56.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 versus $30.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 cash used in investing activities was $20.5

million versus $56.8 million in the prior-year period, primarily due to higher property and equipment purchases and the acquisition of Madison Freight in 2007. The 2007 acquisition of property and equipment includes investments in real estate for terminals and in both additions and replacement of revenue equipment and technology equipment and software. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, cash used in financing activities was $34.5 million versus cash from financing activities of $19.3 million for the prior-year period. Current year financing activities included $25.0 million in proceeds from new senior notes, which were more than offset by net payments on the revolving credit facility and senior notes of $60.1 million.

Outlook

Our business remains highly correlated to the success of Company specific improvement initiatives as well as a variety of external factors, including the general economy. Given the volume and increasingly competitive pricing trends in the first nine months of 2008, there remains significant uncertainty as to the direction of the economy for the balance of 2008 and 2009, including the timing of any economic recovery. We plan to continue to focus on providing top quality service and improving safety performance while building density within our existing geography. Saia continues to evaluate opportunities to grow and further increase profitability.

The Company plans to continue to pursue revenue and cost initiatives to improve profitability. Planned revenue initiatives include, but are not limited to, building density and improving performance in our current geography, targeted marketing initiatives to grow revenue in more profitable segments, as well as pricing and yield management. The extent to which these revenue initiatives are successful will be impacted by the underlying economic trends, competitor initiatives and other factors discussed under Risk Factors.

Planned cost management initiatives include, but are not limited to, seeking gains in productivity and asset utilization that collectively are designed to offset anticipated inflationary unit cost increases in salaries and wage rates, healthcare, workers’ compensation, fuel and all the other expense categories. Specific cost initiatives include a reduction in force in early October to bring the Company’s salaries and wages in line with current business levels, linehaul routing optimization, reduction in costs of purchased transportation, expansion of wireless dock technology and an enhanced weight and inspection process. If the Company builds market share, there are numerous operating leverage cost benefits. Conversely, should the economy soften from present levels, the Company plans to attempt to match resources and capacity to shifting volume levels to lessen unfavorable operating leverage. The success of cost improvement initiatives is also impacted by the cost and availability of drivers and purchased transportation, fuel, insurance claims, regulatory changes, successful implementation of profit improvement initiatives and other factors discussed under Risk Factors.

See Forward-Looking Statements for a more complete discussion of potential risks and uncertainties that could materially affect our future performance.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (Statement 157). Statement 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. Statement 157 requires companies to disclose the fair value of financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy. Additionally, companies are required to provide certain disclosures regarding instruments within the hierarchy, including a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for each major category of assets and liabilities. Statement 157 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008. The adoption of Statement 157 has not had a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Positions No. 157-1 and No. 157-2 which partially defer the effective date of Statement 157 for one year for certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities and remove certain leasing transactions from its scope. The Company will evaluate the manner in which the nonfinancial items covered by Statement 157 will be adopted.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (Statement 141R). Statement 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. Statement 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Statement 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning after

December 15, 2008. The Company will assess the impact of the business combination provisions of Statement 141R upon the occurrence of a business combination.

Financial Condition

The Company’s liquidity needs arise primarily from capital investment in new equipment, land and structures and information technology, letters of credit required under insurance programs, as well as funding working capital requirements.

At December 31, 2007, Saia also had a $110 million Agented Revolving Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement) with Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., as agent. The Credit Agreement was unsecured with an interest rate based on LIBOR or prime at the Company’s option, plus an applicable spread, in certain instances, and had a maturity date of January 2009. On January 28, 2008, Saia amended and restated the Credit Agreement, increasing it to $160 million, extending the maturity to January 28, 2013 and adjusting the interest rate schedule. In addition, the financial covenants were revised to a fixed charge coverage ratio, leverage ratio and adjusted leverage ratio, removing the minimum tangible net worth test. At September 30, 2008, Saia had $1.4 million of borrowings under the Credit Agreement, $54.2 million in letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement and, availability subject to the satisfaction of existing debt covenants. The available portion of the Credit Agreement may be used for future capital expenditures, working capital and letter of credit requirements as needed. Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, Saia must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, leverage ratio and adjusted leverage ratio. At September 30, 2008, Saia was in compliance with these financial covenants.

At September 30, 2008, Yellow Corporation, now known as YRC Worldwide (Yellow), provided guarantees on behalf of Saia primarily for open workers’ compensation claims and casualty claims incurred prior to March 1, 2000. Under the Master Separation and Distribution Agreement entered into in connection with the 100 percent tax-free distribution of shares to Yellow shareholders, Saia pays Yellow’s actual cost of any collateral it provides to insurance underwriters in support of these claims at cost plus 100 basis points through October 2008. At September 30, 2008, the portion of collateral allocated by Yellow to Saia in support of these claims was $1.6 million.

Projected net capital expenditures for 2008 are now approximately $25 million primarily due to a reduction in planned purchases of strategic real estate within Saia’s existing network. This represents an approximately $64 million decrease from 2007 net capital expenditures of $89 million for property and equipment. Approximately $14.9 million of the 2008 capital budget was committed at September 30, 2008, including revenue equipment that the Company plans to lease. Net capital expenditures pertain primarily to replacement of revenue equipment and additional investments in information technology, land and structures.

The Company has historically generated cash flows from operations that have funded its capital expenditure requirements. Cash flows from operations were $46.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, while net cash used in investing activities were $91.4 million. As such, the $41.1 million cash from financing activities also supported capital expenditures in 2007. Cash flows from operations were $69.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 which funded the $20.5 million of total capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2008. Cash flows from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $38.9 million higher than the prior year period primarily due to operating cash flows from discontinued operations of $12.9 million due to the receipt of funds from the letter of credit in 2008 and decreased working capital requirements. The timing of capital expenditures can largely be managed around the seasonal working capital requirements of the Company. The Company believes it has adequate sources of capital to meet short-term liquidity needs through its cash ($21.1

million at September 30, 2008) and, subject to the satisfaction of existing debt covenants, availability under its revolving credit facility. Future operating cash flows are primarily dependent upon the Company’s profitability and its ability to manage its working capital requirements, primarily accounts receivable, accounts payable and wage and benefit accruals. The Company believes it has the ability to adjust its capital expenditures in the event of a shortfall in anticipated operating cash flows. The Company believes its current capital structure and availability under its borrowing facilities along with anticipated cash flows from future operations will be sufficient to fund planned replacements of revenue equipment, investments in technology and real estate. Additional sources of capital may be needed to fund future long-term strategic growth initiatives.

In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, our operating leases are not recorded in our balance sheet; however, the future minimum lease payments are included in the “Contractual Cash Obligations” table below. See the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for additional information. In addition to the principal amounts disclosed in the tables below, the Company has interest obligations of approximately $11.4 million for 2008 and decreasing for each year thereafter, based on borrowings outstanding at September 30, 2008.

Contractual Cash Obligations

The following tables set forth a summary of our contractual cash obligations and other commercial commitments as of September 30, 2008 (in millions).


	Payments due by year
	2008		2009		2010		2011		2012		Thereafter		Total
Contractual cash obligations:
Long-term debt obligations:
Revolving line of credit (1)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1.4	$	1.4
Long-term debt (1)		—		18.9		18.9		22.2		25.7		50.7		136.4
Operating leases		4.3		12.4		8.6		5.9		4.0		9.4		44.6
Purchase obligations (2)		17.7		2.0		—		—		—		—		19.7

Total contractual obligations	$	22.0	$	33.3	$	27.5	$	28.1	$	29.7	$	61.5	$	202.1


(1)		See Note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

(2)		Includes commitments of $16.9 million for capital expenditures, of which the Company plans to lease $13.1 million for revenue equipment.


	Amount of commitment expiration by year
	2008		2009		2010		2011		2012		Thereafter		Total
Other commercial commitments:
Available line of credit (1)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	104.4	$	104.4
Letters of credit		2.1		53.7		—		—		—		—		55.8
Surety bonds		0.1		5.9		—		—		—		—		6.0

Total commercial commitments	$	2.2	$	59.6	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	104.4	$	166.2


(1)		Subject to the satisfaction of existing debt covenants.

The Company has unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $3.3 million and accrued interest and penalties of $0.9 million related to the unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2008. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the timing of cash settlement with respective taxing authorities beyond one year and accordingly has not included the amounts within the above contractual cash obligation and other commercial commitment tables.

The Company sold the stock of Jevic Transportation, Inc. (Jevic) on June 30, 2006 and remains a guarantor under indemnity agreements, primarily with certain insurance underwriters with respect to Jevic’s self-insured retention (SIR) obligation for workers’ compensation, bodily injury and property damage and general liability claims against Jevic arising out of occurrences prior to the transaction date. The SIR obligation was estimated to be approximately $15.3 million as of the June 30, 2006 transaction date. In connection with the transaction, Jevic provided collateral in the form of a $15.3 million letter of credit with a third party bank in favor of the Company. The amount of the

letter of credit was reduced to $13.2 million following draws by the Company on the letter of credit to fund the SIR portion of settlements of claims against Jevic arising prior to the transaction date. Jevic filed bankruptcy in May 2008 and the Company recorded liabilities for all residual indemnification obligations in claims, insurance and other current liabilities, based on the current estimates of the indemnification obligations as of June 30, 2008. The income statement impact of $0.9 million, net of taxes, was reflected as discontinued operations in the second quarter of 2008.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company makes estimates and assumptions in preparing the consolidated financial statements that affect reported amounts and disclosures therein. In the opinion of management, the accounting policies that generally have the most significant impact on the financial position and results of operations of the Company include:

•		Claims and Insurance Accruals. The Company has self-insured retention limits generally ranging from $250,000 to $2.0 million per claim for medical, workers’ compensation, auto liability, casualty and cargo claims. For the policy year March 2003 through February 2004 only, the Company has an aggregate exposure limited to an additional $2.0 million above its $1.0 million per claim deductible under its auto liability program. The liabilities associated with the risk retained by the Company are estimated in part based on historical experience, third-party actuarial analysis with respect to workers’ compensation claims,, demographics, nature and severity, past experience and other assumptions. The liabilities for self-funded retention are included in claims and insurance reserves based on claims incurred, with liabilities for unsettled claims and claims incurred but not yet reported being actuarially determined with respect to workers’ compensation claims and with respect to all other liabilities, estimated based on management’s evaluation of the nature and severity of individual claims and historical experience. However, these estimated accruals could be significantly affected if the actual costs of the Company differ from these assumptions. A significant number of these claims typically take several years to develop and even longer to ultimately settle. These estimates tend to be reasonably accurate over time; however, assumptions regarding severity of claims, medical cost inflation, as well as specific case facts can create short-term volatility in estimates.

•		Revenue Recognition and Related Allowances. Revenue is recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis for shipments in transit while expenses are recognized as incurred. In addition, estimates included in the recognition of revenue and accounts receivable include estimates of shipments in transit and estimates of future adjustments to revenue and accounts receivable for billing adjustments and collectability.

		Revenue is recognized in a systematic process whereby estimates of shipments in transit are based upon actual shipments picked up, scheduled day of delivery and current trend in average rates charged to customers. Since the cycle for pick up and delivery of shipments is generally 1-3 days, typically less than 5 percent of a total month’s revenue is in transit at the end of any month. Estimates for credit losses and billing adjustments are based upon historical experience of credit losses, adjustments processed and trends of collections. Billing adjustments are primarily made for discounts and billing corrections. These estimates are continuously evaluated and updated; however, changes in economic conditions, pricing arrangements and other factors can significantly impact these estimates.

•		Depreciation and Capitalization of Assets. Under the Company’s accounting policy for property and equipment, management establishes appropriate depreciable lives and salvage values for the Company’s revenue equipment (tractors and trailers) based on their estimated useful lives and estimated fair values to be received when the equipment is sold or traded in. These estimates are routinely evaluated and updated when circumstances warrant. However, actual depreciation and salvage values could differ from these assumptions based on market conditions and other factors.

•		Goodwill. In connection with its acquisition of Clark Bros. Transit, Inc. in 2004, the Connection in 2006 and Madison Freight in 2007, the Company allocated purchase price based on independent appraisals of intangible assets and real property and management’s estimates of valuations of other tangible assets. Annually, the Company assesses goodwill impairment by applying a fair value based test. This fair value based test involves assumptions regarding the long-term future performance of the Company, fair value of the assets and liabilities of the Company, cost of capital rates and other assumptions. However, actual recovery of remaining goodwill could differ from these assumptions based on market conditions and other factors. In the event remaining goodwill is determined to be impaired, a charge to earnings would be required.

•		Equity-based Incentive Compensation. The Company maintains long-term incentive compensation arrangements in the form of stock options, restricted stock, cash-based awards and stock-based awards. The criteria for the cash-based and stock-based awards are total shareholder return versus a peer group of companies over a three year performance period. The Company accrues for cash-based award expenses based on performance criteria from the beginning of the performance period through the reporting date. This results in the potential for significant adjustments from period to period that cannot be predicted. The Company accounts for its stock-based awards in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123R with the expense amortized over the three year vesting period based on the Monte Carlo fair value at the date the stock-based awards are granted. The Company accounts for stock options in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123R with option expense amortized over the three year vesting period based on the Black-Scholes-Merton fair value at the date the options are granted. See discussion of adoption of Statement No. 123R in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the Saia, Inc. Amended and Restated 2003 Omnibus Incentive Plan included in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 16, 2007.

These accounting policies, and others, are described in further detail in the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to adopt accounting policies and make significant judgments and estimates to develop amounts reflected and disclosed in the financial statements. In many cases, there are alternative policies or estimation techniques that could be used. We maintain a thorough process to review the application of our accounting policies and to evaluate the appropriateness of the many estimates that are required to prepare the financial statements. However, even under optimal circumstances, estimates routinely require adjustment based on changing circumstances and the receipt of new or better information.

Forward-Looking Statements

The Securities and Exchange Commission encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand the future prospects of a company and make informed investment decisions. This news release contains these types of statements, which are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “believe,” “should” and similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements reflect the present expectation of future events of our management and are subject to a number of important factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements. These factors and risks include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions including downturns in the business cycle; the creditworthiness of our customers and their ability to pay for services; competitive initiatives and pricing pressures, including in connection with fuel surcharges; integration risks; indemnification obligations associated with the 2006 sale of Jevic Transportation, Inc.; the effect of ongoing litigation including class action lawsuits; cost and availability of qualified drivers, fuel, purchased transportation, property, revenue equipment and other operating assets; governmental regulations, including but not limited to Hours of Service, engine emissions, compliance with legislation requiring companies to evaluate their internal control over financial reporting and Homeland Security; dependence on key employees; inclement weather; labor relations; effectiveness of company-specific performance improvement initiatives; terrorism risks; self-insurance claims, equity-based compensation and other expense volatility; and other financial, operational and legal risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings. These factors and risks are described in Item 1A: Risk Factors of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, as updated by Item 1A of this Form 10-Q.

As a result of these and other factors, no assurance can be given as to our future results and achievements. Accordingly, a forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances, and those future events or circumstances may not occur. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q. We are under no obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to a variety of market risks, including the effects of interest rates and fuel prices. The detail of the Company’s debt structure is more fully described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements set forth in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. To help mitigate our risk to rising fuel prices, the Company has implemented a fuel surcharge program. This program is well established within the industry and customer acceptance of fuel surcharges remains high. Since the amount of fuel surcharge is based on average national diesel fuel prices and is reset weekly, exposure of the Company to fuel price volatility is significantly reduced. However, the fuel surcharge may not fully compensate the Company for increased fuel prices during periods of rapid increases in the price of fuel.

The following table provides information about the Company’s third-party financial instruments as of September 30, 2008. The table presents principal cash flows (in millions) and related weighted average interest rates by contractual maturity dates. The fair value of the fixed rate debt was estimated based upon the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.


	Expected maturity date																		2008
	2008			2009			2010			2011			2012			Thereafter			Total		Fair Value
Fixed rate debt		—		$	18.9		$	18.9		$	22.2		$	25.7		$	50.7		$	136.4	$	138.7
Average interest rate		7.33	%		7.34	%		7.35	%		7.09	%		6.93	%		6.40	%
Variable rate debt		—			—			—			—			—		$	1.4		$	1.4	$	1.4
Average interest rate		—			—			—			—			—			5.00	%

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Quarterly Controls Evaluation and Related CEO and CFO Certifications

As of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its “disclosure controls and procedures” (Disclosure Controls). The controls evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Based upon the controls evaluation, the Company’s CEO and CFO have concluded that, subject to the limitations noted below, as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, the Company’s Disclosure Controls are effective to ensure that information the Company is required to disclose in reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.

During the period covered by this Form 10-Q, there were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Attached as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this Form 10-Q are certifications of the CEO and the CFO, which are required in accordance with Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act. This Controls and Procedures section includes the information concerning the controls evaluation referred to in the certifications and it should be read in conjunction with the certifications.

Definition of Disclosure Controls

Disclosure Controls are controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported timely. Disclosure Controls are also designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company’s Disclosure Controls include components of its internal control over financial reporting,

which consists of control processes designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Company’s financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

The Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that its Disclosure Controls or its internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings — For a description of all material pending legal proceedings, see Note 3 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risk Factors are described in Item 1A: Risk Factors of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and there have been no material changes.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds —


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
							(c) Total		(d) Maximum
							Number of		Number (or
							Shares (or Units)		Approximate Dollar
	(a) Total						Purchased as		Value) of Shares (or
	Number of			(b) Average			Part of Publicly		Units) that May Yet
	Shares (or			Price Paid			Announced		be Purchased under
	Units)			per Share			Plans or		the Plans or
Period	Purchased (1)			(or Unit)			Programs		Programs
July 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008		—	(2)	$	—	(2)		—	$	—
August 1, 2008 through August 31, 2008		—	(3)		—	(3)		—		—
September 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008		2,300	(4)		14.01	(4)		—		—

Total		2,300						—


(1)		Shares purchased by the SCST Executive Capital Accumulation Plan were open market purchases. For more information on the SCST Executive Capital Accumulation Plan see the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-103661) filed on March 7, 2003.

(2)		The SCST Executive Capital Accumulation Plan sold 2,280 shares of Saia stock on the open market at $15.91 during the period of July 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008.

(3)		The SCST Executive Capital Accumulation Plan sold 4,600 shares of Saia stock on the open market at $17.92 during the period of August 1, 2008 through August 31, 2008.

(4)		The SCST Executive Capital Accumulation Plan sold no shares of Saia stock on the open market during the period of September 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities — None

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders —None

Item 5. Other Information—None

Item 6. Exhibits


Exhibit
Number		Description of Exhibit

3.1		Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Saia, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Saia, Inc.’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-49983) filed on July 26, 2006).

3.2		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Saia, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Saia, Inc.’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-49983) filed on July 29, 2008).

4.1		Rights Agreement between SCS Transportation, Inc. and Mellon Investor Services LLC dated as of September 30, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of SCS Transportation, Inc.’s Form 10-Q (File No. 0-49983) for the quarter ended September 30, 2002).

31.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).

31.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).

32.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit
Number		Description of Exhibit

3.1		Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Saia, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Saia, Inc.’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-49983) filed on July 26, 2006).

3.2		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Saia, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Saia, Inc.’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-49983) filed on July 29, 2008).

4.1		Rights Agreement between SCS Transportation, Inc. and Mellon Investor Services LLC dated as of September 30, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of SCS Transportation, Inc.’s Form 10-Q (File No. 0-49983) for the quarter ended September 30, 2002).

31.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).

31.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).

32.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

E-1


	PAGE
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1: Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007		3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Quarter and Nine-months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007		4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Nine-months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007		5

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		6-9

ITEM 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		10-18

ITEM 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		18

ITEM 4: Controls and Procedures		18-19

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1: Legal Proceedings		20

ITEM 1A: Risk Factors		20

ITEM 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		20

ITEM 3: Defaults Upon Senior Securities		20

ITEM 4: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders		20

ITEM 5: Other Information		20

ITEM 6: Exhibits		21

Signature		22

Exhibit Index		E-1


	SAIA, INC.
Date: November 4, 2008	/s/ James A. Darby
	James A. Darby
	Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer