What Saia does and what kinds of jobs they hire for

Saia LTL Freight is a trucking company that moves freight across the United States. LTL stands for "less than truckload," which means they haul shipments from many different customers on the same truck, rather than dedicating an entire truck to one shipper. The company operates regional distribution centers and employs drivers, warehouse workers, dock staff, and office positions.

Saia hires for two main categories of work: driving roles and non-driving roles. Drivers operate the trucks that carry freight between distribution centers and customer locations. Non-driving positions include warehouse workers who load and unload freight, dock workers who organize shipments, dispatchers who coordinate routes, and administrative staff who handle billing, customer service, and operations.

The company has locations across most of the continental United States, so job availability depends on which region you live in or are willing to relocate to. Saia is publicly traded and has been operating since 1924, so it is an established employer in the freight industry rather than a startup or temporary service.

Key Takeaways

  • Saia LTL Freight hires drivers, warehouse workers, dock staff, and office positions at regional distribution centers across the United States.
  • Truck driver positions typically require a commercial driver's license (CDL) and may require experience, depending on the specific role and location.
  • Warehouse and dock positions usually do not require a CDL but may have physical demands and shift work, including nights and weekends.
  • You can search for open positions on Saia's careers website or through major job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter.
  • Pay rates and benefits vary by position type, location, and experience level, so comparing the job posting details is important before you explore.

Driver positions and what they require

Saia regularly hires truck drivers for regional and long-haul routes. Most driver positions require a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with a Class A rating, which means you can operate trucks over 26,000 pounds. Some positions may accept drivers with a Class B CDL or those who are willing to obtain one, but this varies by the specific job and location.

Many driver openings ask for prior experience—often one to three years of recent trucking experience—though some positions are open to newer drivers or those transitioning from other work. The job posting will specify whether experience is required or preferred. If you do not have a CDL yet, you would need to complete CDL training through a truck driving school before you could explore for most Saia driver roles.

Driver pay at Saia is typically structured as a per-mile rate or a combination of per-mile and hourly pay, depending on the route type and whether you are driving regionally or long-distance. The actual rate depends on your experience, the specific route, and current market conditions. Job postings usually list the pay range or the starting rate so you can see what to expect.

Warehouse, dock, and warehouse-related positions

Saia hires warehouse workers and dock workers to load, unload, and sort freight at distribution centers. These positions do not require a CDL or commercial driving experience. They do typically require the ability to lift heavy items repeatedly, work on your feet for long shifts, and follow safety procedures around moving equipment and freight.

Warehouse and dock shifts often include early mornings, evenings, nights, and weekends, since freight moves around the clock. Some positions are full-time and some are part-time, depending on the location and current volume. The job posting will specify the shift times and whether the role is permanent or seasonal.

Pay for warehouse and dock work is usually hourly and varies by location and experience. Saia may offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off for full-time positions, though the specifics depend on the role and your tenure. Part-time positions may have different benefit structures.

Office and administrative roles

Saia also hires for office-based positions, including customer service representatives, dispatchers, billing specialists, and administrative support staff. These roles typically do not require commercial driving experience or a CDL. Requirements vary by position but often include computer skills, communication skills, and sometimes experience in customer service, logistics, or office administration.

Dispatcher positions, which coordinate driver routes and shipment schedules, may require knowledge of logistics software or transportation systems, though some employers train on the job. Customer service roles focus on answering customer questions, processing orders, and handling billing inquiries. Administrative positions support the broader operations of the distribution center or regional office.

Office positions are usually based at a specific location and typically involve standard business hours, though some roles like dispatching may have shift work or on-call availability. Pay and benefits for office roles vary by position level and location.

How to search for and find Saia job openings

The most direct way to find Saia jobs is to visit the company's careers page on their official website. From there, you can filter by location, job category (driver, warehouse, office), and full-time or part-time status. The careers page shows the job description, required qualifications, pay information, and instructions for how the process works.

You can also find Saia positions listed on major job boards including Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor. These sites often allow you to set up job alerts so you receive notifications when new positions matching your criteria are posted. Some job boards also show company reviews and salary information from current and former employees, which can help you understand what working at Saia is like.

If you are interested in a specific location or distribution center, you can search by city or zip code on any of these platforms. You can also contact Saia's human resources department directly if you want to ask about upcoming openings or express interest in a particular location before a position is posted.

What to expect in the hiring process

Once you submit an process through Saia's careers website or a job board, the company typically reviews applications and contacts candidates who match the job requirements. For driver positions, you will likely be asked to provide your CDL, driving history, and references from previous employers. Warehouse and office positions may ask for work history and references as well.

If you pass the initial review, Saia usually schedules a phone or in-person interview. For driver roles, this may include questions about your driving experience, safety practices, and why you are interested in the position. For warehouse and office roles, interviews typically focus on your work history, ability to do the job, and fit with the company culture.

Driver positions often require a background check and a medical examination (called a Department of Transportation or DOT physical) to may support you are medically able to drive commercially. Warehouse and office positions may also include a background check. The timeline from process to hire can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on how quickly the company needs to fill the role and how many candidates explore.

Pay, benefits, and working conditions

Saia's pay structure depends on the position type. Drivers are usually paid per mile or a combination of per-mile and hourly rates, with rates varying by experience and route type. Warehouse and dock workers are paid hourly, and office staff are typically salaried or hourly depending on the role. The job posting for any specific position will show the pay range or starting rate.

Full-time positions at Saia typically include benefits such as health insurance, dental and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off. Some positions may also offer tuition reimbursement, life insurance, or other benefits. Part-time positions may have limited or no benefits, depending on company policy and the number of hours worked.

Working conditions vary significantly by role. Drivers spend most of their time in a truck and may be away from home for days or weeks on long-haul routes, though regional routes may allow drivers to return home daily. Warehouse and dock workers work in a distribution center environment with freight, equipment, and other workers, often in shifts that include early mornings, nights, or weekends. Office staff work in a standard office setting during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CDL to work at Saia?

Only if you are explore for a driver position. Warehouse, dock, and office positions do not require a CDL. If you are interested in driving for Saia but do not have a CDL yet, you would need to complete CDL training through a truck driving school before you could explore for most driver roles.

What is the pay range for Saia drivers?

Driver pay varies by experience level, route type (regional versus long-haul), and location. Pay is typically structured as a per-mile rate or a combination of per-mile and hourly pay. The specific rate for any open position is listed in the job posting, so you can see what to expect before you explore.

Does Saia hire part-time workers?

Yes, Saia hires both full-time and part-time workers, particularly in warehouse and dock positions. Part-time availability depends on the specific location and current freight volume. The job posting will specify whether a position is full-time or part-time.

How long does it take to hear back after explore?

The timeline varies, but Saia typically contacts candidates within a few days to a few weeks after you explore. If you do not hear back within two weeks, you can follow up by contacting the location directly or checking the careers page to see if the position is still open.

What happens if I fail a background check or DOT physical?

A failed background check or DOT physical will disqualify you from that position. The specific reasons vary by company policy and what the check or exam reveals. If you have questions about whether a past issue might affect your ability to work at Saia, you can contact the company's human resources department before you explore.