Saia Expands Midwest LTL Network with Two New Terminals, Boosting Freight Capacity

Saia Inc., a Georgia-based less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier, has opened two new terminals in the Midwest—Duluth, Minn., and Columbia, Mo.—bringing its total network to 218 terminals. These additions mark the fourth and fifth service center expansions since the start of 2026, reinforcing Saia’s strategic push to enhance capacity in high-demand regions as the freight market rebounds. The Duluth terminal opened earlier in June, while the Columbia facility began operations the week of June 22. “These additions reflect our ongoing commitment to strategically growing our footprint where customers need reliable service and capacity most,” said Patrick Sugar, Saia’s Executive Vice President of Operations. The carrier also opened terminals in Marysville, Wash., and Edinburgh, Ind., in May, along with a 74-door terminal in York, Pa. Saia’s expansion aligns with the critical importance of scale and density in the LTL sector, where top-ranked carriers typically operate over 200 terminals. The company seized a rare opportunity following Yellow Corp.’s bankruptcy, acquiring 17 terminals in the first auction for $235.7 million and 11 more in a second round for $7.92 million across seven Western states. Yellow, once the No. 3 LTL player with 169 terminals and 149 leased facilities, filed for bankruptcy in August 2023. Saia’s terminal growth is already impacting performance: in the first two months of Q2 2026, its LTL shipments per workday rose 4.6% year over year, while tonnage per workday increased 7.6% compared to the same period in 2025. To further improve efficiency, Saia launched Saia REV on June 25, an initiative aimed at faster transit times, expanded logistics capabilities, and enhanced shipment visibility. The program also strengthens the role of Saia Logistics, following the January rebranding of its third-party logistics division, LinkEx.