In the June-July Directions we reported on the CGO Region’s annual Professional Freight Handlers Competition and Truck Driving Championship.

From there, several Saia drivers went on to compete in the Illinois Trucking Association’s 2018 Professional Truck Driving Championship in June in St. Charles, Illinois.

While none placed, a good showing by CGO City Driver Rick Campbell, who came in third in the state last year, landed him in fifth this year in the four-axle competition. Additionally, CGO City Driver Ralph McComb performed stellar as well even though it was his first time competing. With only a one-point separation, he tied with Rick and placed fifth in the four-axle competition. In the fifth-axle competition, GLK City Driver Doyle Wismer competed for Team Saia. He scored 162 total points and came in 16th place.

Please join us in congratulating and thanking these terrific drivers for representing the company!

Saia opened a terminal in Altoona, Pennsylvania as part of the company’s continued expansion into the Northeast on Aug. 13. The facility is the sixth terminal the company has opened in the state since May of 2017. To celebrate, the terminal hosted a grand opening.

"We are excited to be part of the Altoona community as we work to provide our customers quality service through more direct shipping points,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Ray Ramu. "I’d like to welcome all of our new employees and thank everyone in operations and sales who’ve worked to make this latest facility a reality.”

Saia’s expansion into the Northeast is part of a multi-year plan to grow the company’s network. Three additional facilities are scheduled to open in Northeastern markets before yearend, bringing the total in the region to 10 since the initiative began last year.

Congratulations to the following employees as they have been named members of the inaugural class. They are individuals who have worked at the company for 20 years or more and have been tasked with helping spread the Saia culture as they mentor new employees.

This year, we are partnering with Wreaths Across America in a different, but just as meaningful way. Saia has created a National Day of Service, to coincide with National Wreath Laying Day, on Dec. 15, 2018.  

This National Day of Service will be an opportunity for any and every Saia employee and their family to volunteer for wreath laying at their closest national cemetery. We encourage any Saia team member who is interested in participating in this National Day of Service to volunteer for the location closest to your terminal.

Please feel free to invite your friends and family as well. The link to sign up is at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.