Executive Forum: Rick O'Dell, President

WE'RE EXPANDING OUR COVERAGE!

I have had an opportunity to talk with employees from around The Connection system and they have expressed great enthusiasm about the opportunities this acquisition affords them. They see the benefits we will be able to offer customers, including an additional 30-state coverage area, the best equipment and technology in the business and first-rate products such as our Xtreme Guarantee and Customer Service Indicators^®.

Saia representatives have been working on the strategic integration plan and we are now implementing that plan to ensure a smooth transition when The Connection officially becomes Saia in February. They will begin operating under the Saia name, using our operations and sales procedures and executing our industry-leading technology, including the Saia website. Our experience shows us that we are successful with rapid integrations with benefits to customers realized sooner.

Saia has a two-phased integration plan for a smooth transition:

From now until our integration in February, we will continue to operate as partner carriers and The Connection's current processes and structure will remain the same.

In February, The Connection will officially begin operating using the Saia name, computer systems and processes. However, The Connection will continue to sell transit lanes only within their original four-state territory.

In March, after all processes are in place, we will open up our entire system and sell service between all 34 states.

This type of phased integration allows our newest terminals to work with our systems and processes for a month prior to making changes to transit times and linehaul schedules.

We will continue to communicate with you, with our employees and with the market throughout the integration and look forward to serving our customers with additional service areas and introducing new customers to Saia. Our primary goal is to exceed our customers' expectations. That leads to real growth, which offers security for our employees and success for our investors.

We recognize that day in and day out, we work together to build a stronger team and earn your business and your trust. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to earn this business and from the entire Saia family, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.