Saia LTL Freight Application — How to Apply Online
Quick Answer: Saia LTL Freight is a national LTL carrier headquartered in Georgia, hiring commercial drivers, dock workers, dispatchers, and operations staff. Apply online through the Saia LTL Freight careers portal, submit your CDL information and driving history, and complete a driver qualification process. Most applicants receive recruiter contact within one to two weeks of applying.
About Saia LTL Freight
Saia LTL Freight is an established freight carrier providing national LTL transportation services to customers across its regional or national network. The company operates a fleet of trucks, tractors, and trailers serving commercial shippers in multiple industries including manufacturing, retail distribution, industrial, and consumer goods. Saia LTL Freight employs CDL drivers, dock and freight handlers, dispatchers, customer service representatives, and corporate support staff.
Saia LTL Freight is known for its commitment to driver retention, safety culture, and freight reliability. The company invests in modern equipment and technology to support driver productivity and safety on the road.
How to Apply at Saia LTL Freight
Saia LTL Freight’s application process is designed to move qualified CDL drivers and freight workers efficiently from application to hire.
Step 1: Search Jobs at the Saia LTL Freight Careers Portal
Visit the Saia LTL Freight careers website and browse open positions by role type and location. Driver positions typically list operating territory, home time frequency, pay type, and equipment type to help you identify the best fit.
Step 2: Complete the Driver Application
Submit your commercial driver’s license information, endorsements, years of experience, and driving history. For non-driver roles, submit your work history and relevant operational experience.
Step 3: Driver Qualification Review
A recruiter reviews your motor vehicle record (MVR), accident history, and employment verification. The DOT-required driver qualification process includes review of the previous 10 years of driving history.
Step 4: DOT Physical and Drug Screen
All CDL driver hires must pass a DOT physical examination and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen. These are required by federal regulation for all commercial driver positions.
Step 5: Road Test or Skills Assessment
Depending on the position, you may complete a road test at a terminal location to demonstrate safe vehicle operation. Dock and freight handler applicants may complete a lifting and physical capability assessment.
Step 6: Orientation and First Dispatch
New drivers attend a paid orientation covering company policies, safety procedures, freight handling, and dispatch systems before their first revenue load or route assignment.
Saia LTL Freight Job Types and Pay Rates
Saia LTL Freight hires across driving and freight operations roles.
| Position | Typical Pay Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local / City Driver (Class A) | $28–$38/hr | Pickup and delivery routes |
| Linehaul Driver (Class A) | $0.55–$0.75/mile | Terminal-to-terminal overnight runs |
| Dock Worker / Freight Handler | $18–$25/hr | Loading, unloading, scanning |
| Dispatcher / Operations | $45,000–$65,000/yr | Load planning and driver management |
| Terminal Manager | $65,000–$95,000/yr | Terminal P&L oversight |
Application Requirements
CDL driver positions require a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License as specified in the job posting. Most LTL driver positions require at least one to two years of verifiable CDL-A experience. Applicants must have a clean driving record meeting the company’s safety standards. All drivers must pass DOT physical and drug screen requirements. Non-driver operations roles typically require relevant warehouse, dispatch, or logistics experience and a high school diploma or GED.
Interview Process
Saia LTL Freight’s driver hiring process is primarily qualification-driven rather than traditional interview-based. Once your MVR and employment history are verified, the recruiter confirms your interest in specific lanes, home time expectations, and equipment preferences. A road test confirms safe vehicle operation. The entire process from application to conditional offer typically takes one to two weeks for qualified CDL drivers.
Driver Pay and Benefits
Saia LTL Freight offers competitive driver compensation including mileage pay, stop pay, and accessorial pay for qualified drivers. Full-time drivers receive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions, paid vacation, and paid holidays. Safety bonuses and performance incentives are available to drivers with clean records and strong productivity metrics.
Career Development
Saia LTL Freight provides advancement opportunities for drivers into lead driver, driver trainer, and operations roles. Dock workers can advance into driver positions through company-sponsored CDL training programs at select locations. Dispatch and operations staff advance into supervisory and management roles as they gain experience with the company’s freight network and customer accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about applying at Saia LTL Freight.
What is Saia LTL Freight?
Saia is a national LTL carrier serving all 48 contiguous states through a network of service centers. Saia is publicly traded on NASDAQ and is one of the largest LTL carriers in the United States.
Does Saia hire new CDL graduates?
Saia generally prefers candidates with prior LTL or commercial driving experience. Requirements vary by terminal and current hiring needs.
Does Saia offer a dock-to-driver program?
Saia has offered dock-to-driver training programs at select service centers. Check current postings for program availability in your area.