What SAIA CDL jobs are and where to find them

SAIA Motor Freight is a trucking company that hires drivers with a commercial driver's license (CDL). They operate regional and long-haul routes across the United States, and they post job openings on their careers website and through trucking job boards. If you have a CDL or are working toward one, SAIA is one option among many carriers that hire drivers.

SAIA is a publicly traded company based in Georgia, so their hiring process is formal and documented. They list positions by region and route type, and they use standard trucking industry requirements — meaning what they ask for is similar to what you'll encounter at other carriers. Understanding what SAIA looks for can help you decide whether to pursue their jobs or explore other options.

Key Takeaways

  • SAIA posts CDL driver jobs on their official careers page and on third-party trucking job boards, not through a single centralized portal.
  • Most SAIA positions require a valid CDL, a clean driving record, and a medical certificate from a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam.
  • SAIA typically requires drivers to be at least 21 years old and to pass a background check and drug screening before hire.
  • Pay rates and benefits vary by region and route type, so comparing SAIA's offer to other carriers in your area is a normal part of the job search.

How to find SAIA CDL job openings

SAIA's official careers page is the most direct source. Go to saia.com and look for a "Careers" or "Jobs" link, usually in the footer of the homepage. From there, you can filter by job type (driver positions), location, and route type (regional, long-haul, or dedicated). The site will show you the current openings, the pay range for that position, and the specific requirements.

You can also find SAIA jobs listed on general trucking job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and TruckersReport. These sites aggregate postings from many carriers, so you can compare SAIA's offers side by side with competitors. Job boards sometimes include reviews from current or former SAIA drivers, which can give you a sense of what the job is actually like day to day.

If you are working with a trucking recruiter or a CDL training program, they may have direct relationships with SAIA and can tell you about openings before they appear online. Recruiters are free to use — they are paid by the carrier, not by you — so asking your training school or a local recruiter is worth doing.

What SAIA requires from CDL drivers

You must have a valid CDL in the class that matches the truck you will drive. Most SAIA positions require a Class A CDL, which allows you to operate tractor-trailers. Your CDL must be clean — meaning no serious violations, no DUI convictions, and no disqualifying traffic offenses. SAIA will pull your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, so any accidents or tickets will show up.

You also need a current DOT medical certificate. This comes from a physical exam performed by a certified medical examiner. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall fitness to drive. You can get the exam done at a clinic, a truck stop, or your doctor's office if they are a certified DOT examiner. The certificate lasts two years, and you will need to renew it before it expires.

SAIA requires a background check and a drug screening before you start. The drug test is usually a urine test and is standard across the trucking industry. The background check looks at criminal history, and disqualifying offenses vary by company — SAIA's policy is available on their careers page or by calling their recruiting department.

Age, experience, and other common requirements

You must be at least 21 years old to drive for SAIA. Some positions, particularly long-haul routes, may prefer drivers with prior experience, but SAIA does hire drivers fresh out of CDL school. If you are new to driving, having a clean record and a good attitude during the interview matters more than years on the road.

SAIA may ask about your experience with specific equipment — for example, whether you have driven with a trailer, a tanker, or a flatbed. If you have not, they will train you on the job. Some carriers offer paid training for new equipment, while others expect you to learn quickly on your own time. Ask during the interview what training is provided.

You will need a valid passport or state ID, proof of your Social Security number, and documentation of any prior employment. Bring these to your first day if you are hired. SAIA may also ask for references from previous employers or instructors, so having those names and phone numbers ready is helpful.

Pay, benefits, and route types at SAIA

SAIA offers regional and long-haul positions. Regional routes keep you closer to home and usually mean you return to a terminal every few days. Long-haul routes take you across the country and may keep you on the road for weeks at a time. Pay differs between these route types, and SAIA's website will show the pay range for each opening you are looking at.

Pay is typically based on miles driven, not hourly wages. SAIA publishes their per-mile rate on job postings, so you can calculate roughly what you might earn in a week or month. Keep in mind that not all miles are paid the same — some companies pay less for empty miles (driving without a load) or for waiting time at a shipper or receiver.

Benefits usually include health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off. SAIA may offer bonuses for safe driving, referrals, or staying with the company for a certain length of time. Ask the recruiter what the full benefits package includes before you accept an offer, because benefits can add significant value to your total compensation.

How the hiring process works

After you submit your process online or through a recruiter, SAIA's recruiting team will review it. If you meet the basic requirements, they will call you for a phone or video interview. This is usually a short conversation about your driving history, why you want to drive for SAIA, and your availability.

If you pass the phone interview, you may be asked to come in for an in-person interview at a SAIA terminal or recruiting office. Some locations do virtual interviews instead. During this interview, you will meet with a recruiter or hiring manager who will go over your background, ask about your experience, and answer your questions about the job.

Once you are hired, you will schedule your DOT physical and drug test. SAIA may have preferred clinics or may reimburse you for these exams. After you pass the physical and drug screening, you will receive an official job offer and a start date. The entire process from process to start date typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly you complete each step.

Comparing SAIA to other trucking companies

SAIA is one of many carriers hiring CDL drivers. Other large regional carriers include Schneider, Swift, Knight, and PAM Transportation. Each company has different pay scales, benefits, route types, and company cultures. Comparing offers from multiple carriers is normal and smart — you are not locked into SAIA just because you applied there.

When comparing, look at the total package: per-mile pay, home time, equipment condition, benefits, and what current drivers say about the company. A slightly higher per-mile rate might not be worth it if you are home less often or if the trucks are older. Reading reviews on sites like TruckersReport or asking drivers at truck stops what they think of their company can give you real-world perspective.

If SAIA is not hiring in your region or if their offer does not match what you are looking for, other carriers may be a better fit. The CDL job market is competitive, which means you have options. Take time to find the right match rather than accepting the first offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to get hired by SAIA?

No. SAIA hires drivers fresh out of CDL school. What matters most is a clean driving record, a valid CDL, and passing the background check and drug test. If you are new, be honest about that in your interview and show that you are serious about the job.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

SAIA's recruiting team usually contacts you within a few days to a week if you meet the basic requirements. If you do not hear back after two weeks, you can call their recruiting department directly to check on your process status.

What happens if I fail the drug test or background check?

If you fail either screening, SAIA will not hire you. You cannot reapply when ready. Policies vary, but most carriers will not reconsider you for at least six months to a year. If you are struggling with substance use, reaching out to a counselor or support program before explore is a better path.

Can I choose between regional and long-haul routes?

Yes, you can explore for the route type that fits your life. However, SAIA may have more openings in one category than the other, so your options depend on what they are currently hiring for. Ask the recruiter what is available in your region before you commit.

What if I have a traffic ticket or accident on my record?

Minor violations like a speeding ticket may not disqualify you, but serious violations like a DUI, reckless driving, or multiple accidents within a short time will. SAIA will review your record and let you know if you are ineligible. If you are unsure, ask the recruiter before you explore.