Who Owns Saia Company?

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Who Owns Saia?

Understanding a company's ownership is key to grasping its operations and future. Saia, Inc.'s journey began in 1924 as a small hauling service, evolving significantly over the decades. A major turning point was its public listing on September 11, 2002, marking its transition to an independent, publicly traded entity.

This transformation from a subsidiary to a standalone company, initially known as SCS Transportation, Inc., set the stage for its current status as a leading less-than-truckload (LTL) freight provider. The company's strategic moves, like its name change in July 2006 and establishment of its corporate office in Johns Creek, Georgia, underscore its expanding national presence.

As of August 2025, Saia, Inc. holds a market capitalization of approximately $7.95 billion. The company operates a substantial network, with 214 owned and leased terminals and a workforce of around 15,300 employees as of December 31, 2024. In 2024, Saia reported revenues of $3.21 billion, a notable increase of 11.37% compared to the previous year. For a deeper dive into the external factors influencing the company, consider a Saia PESTEL Analysis.

Saia's journey began in 1924, founded by Louis Saia Sr. in Houma, Louisiana. Initially, the company utilized his family car, with the rear seats removed, as its first transport vehicle to move goods. For many years, it operated as a family-owned enterprise, with its early expansion focused within Louisiana and Texas.

Early Entrepreneurship

Louis Saia Sr. established the company to address local transportation needs. His direct involvement and customer focus were key to the initial growth.

Family Legacy

The company remained under family ownership for several decades. This period saw a gradual expansion of its regional footprint.

Regional Growth

By the mid-1980s, Saia had become a significant regional carrier. It operated 23 terminals across five Southeastern states.

Employee and Revenue Milestones

At this stage, the company employed approximately 1,000 individuals and generated over $50 million in annual revenue.

Transition in Ownership

A pivotal moment in Saia's ownership history occurred in 1987. The Saia family sold the business to Preston Trucking Company.

End of Family Control

This sale marked the conclusion of direct family ownership and control. The company transitioned into a larger corporate structure.

While specific equity splits for the initial family ownership are not publicly documented, the 1987 sale to Preston Trucking represented a complete divestment by the founding Saia family. This transaction fundamentally altered the Saia Inc. ownership landscape, moving it from private, family-held status to being part of a larger corporate entity. Understanding this early history is crucial for grasping the evolution of Saia Inc. stock and its subsequent path to becoming a publicly traded company. The company's early operations and growth strategy are detailed further in the article Revenue Streams & Business Model of Saia.

Key Ownership Changes

The ownership of Saia Inc. has evolved significantly since its founding. The transition from family ownership to corporate acquisition was a major turning point.

• Founded in 1924 by Louis Saia Sr.
• Remained family-owned for decades.
• Expanded regionally across the Southeastern US.
• Sold to Preston Trucking Company in 1987.
• Marked the end of direct family ownership.

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The ownership journey of Saia Inc. has seen significant shifts, moving from a family-held entity to becoming an independent, publicly traded company. Key events include its acquisition by Yellow Corporation in 1993, integration with Smalley Transportation in 1995, and its subsequent spin-off as SCS Transportation in 2002, which later rebranded as Saia, Inc. in 2006.

As of August 20, 2025, Saia, Inc. (SAIA) is primarily held by institutional investors, who collectively own 37,960,435 shares across 1,036 entities. Institutional ownership represented approximately 69.19% of the company's stock as of February 2025, with a notable fluctuation to around 114.66% in July 2025, highlighting significant and dynamic institutional engagement. Major institutional shareholders include prominent firms such as Price T Rowe Associates Inc /md/, Vanguard Group Inc, and BlackRock, Inc. Insiders, comprising executives and board members, hold a smaller stake of approximately 0.28% as of July 2025. This structure suggests a strong influence of institutional investors on Saia's strategic direction and financial performance.

Saia Inc. Shareholder Landscape

Institutional investors are the dominant force in Saia Inc.'s ownership structure. Their substantial holdings often translate to significant influence over corporate decisions.

• Institutional investors hold a majority of Saia Inc. stock.
• Key institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc and BlackRock, Inc.
• Insider ownership is a smaller but present component.
• The company is publicly traded, allowing for individual investor participation.
• Understanding Saia ownership provides insight into its Growth Strategy of Saia.

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The governance of Saia, Inc. is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of ten members, elected annually. This board includes both executive and independent directors, ensuring a blend of internal expertise and external oversight. Key figures include Frederick J. Holzgrefe, III, the President and Chief Executive Officer, and Richard D. O'Dell, the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board.

Saia Inc.'s voting power is structured on a straightforward one-share-one-vote principle for its common stock. This means that each share of common stock held by a shareholder grants them one vote on matters presented to stockholders, including the election of directors. The company's board committees, such as the Audit Committee, Compensation and Human Capital Committee, and Nominating and Governance Committee, are exclusively comprised of independent directors. This structure is designed to bolster corporate accountability and mitigate potential conflicts of interest. There is no public information suggesting the existence of dual-class shares or other mechanisms that would concentrate voting power disproportionately among certain shareholders. While Saia Inc. has not experienced significant public proxy battles or activist investor campaigns recently, the substantial institutional ownership of Saia Inc. stock inherently gives these large shareholders considerable influence over the company's strategic decisions and overall direction. Understanding the Target Market of Saia can provide further context on the company's strategic positioning and shareholder interests.

Saia Inc. Shareholder Influence

Saia Inc. operates with a transparent voting structure, empowering shareholders through a one-share-one-vote system. The independence of its board committees further reinforces robust corporate governance.

• One-share-one-vote for common stock.
• All board committees composed of independent directors.
• No reported dual-class shares or preferential voting rights.
• Institutional investors hold significant voting influence.

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Over the past three to five years, Saia, Inc. has demonstrated a commitment to growth and operational enhancement, influencing its ownership landscape. The company's strategic decisions, including network expansion and capital allocation, are key factors for understanding who owns Saia. As a publicly traded entity, Saia Inc. stock is held by a diverse group of shareholders, with institutional investors playing a significant role.

Saia's financial performance in the first half of 2025 presented a mixed picture. While Q1 2025 saw revenue growth, both Q1 and Q2 reported decreases in diluted earnings per share compared to the previous year. These financial results are closely watched by Saia Inc. shareholders and potential investors alike, impacting the perception of Saia Inc. stock. The company's management, led by President and CEO Frederick J. Holzgrefe, III, continues to navigate these trends, with a focus on strategic investments and operational improvements.

Capital Allocation and Shareholder Value

Saia actively engages in capital allocation strategies, including share buybacks, to enhance shareholder value. In March 2025, the company repurchased $1.01 million in stock, with total buybacks reaching $7.744 million by June 30, 2025. This demonstrates a commitment to returning capital to Saia Inc. shareholders.

Network Expansion and Strategic Growth

The company has significantly expanded its operational footprint, opening new terminals in key states throughout 2024 and 2025. This expansion, including locations like Michigan, Ohio, and California, aims to increase market density and improve customer service, reflecting a forward-looking strategy for Saia Inc.

Industry Partnerships and Innovation

Saia has forged strategic partnerships, such as becoming the exclusive LTL freight partner for the Atlanta Braves in March 2025 and collaborating with Tesla on electric semi-trucks in December 2024. These initiatives highlight Saia's adaptability and embrace of industry advancements, impacting its market position and investor outlook.

Understanding Saia Ownership Trends

Understanding who owns Saia involves recognizing its status as a publicly traded company, meaning Saia Inc. stock is available to a broad range of investors. While specific majority shareholder details are best found in Saia Inc. SEC filings, institutional investors typically hold substantial portions of Saia Inc. stock, influencing corporate governance and strategic direction.

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