Saia and the LTL Sector: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities

The less-than-truckload (LTL) industry continues to face a complex and evolving freight landscape, with carriers like Saia holding steady as they await a long-anticipated market cycle turn. As detailed in a recent FreightWaves article by Todd Maiden (September 5, 2025), Saia’s latest operational updates provide valuable insights into the state of the LTL sector and its path forward. At Gain Consulting, we are committed to helping our clients understand these market dynamics and leverage them to optimize their logistics and supply chain strategies.

Saia’s Third-Quarter Performance: Signs of Resilience

Saia’s recent press release, detailing its third-quarter LTL operating data, paints a picture of cautious optimism. The company reported that its yield comparisons are expected to become more favorable in the second half of 2025, offering some relief after a challenging period marked by subdued freight demand. This shift in yield comps is a critical factor for LTL carriers, as it reflects the balance between pricing power and operational costs in a competitive market.

One of Saia’s standout achievements is its ability to secure mid-single-digit contractual rate increases. These consistent rate hikes demonstrate Saia’s strong positioning within the LTL sector, even as broader market conditions remain uncertain. For businesses, this underscores the importance of working with carriers that can maintain pricing discipline while delivering reliable service—a key focus area for Gain Consulting when advising clients on carrier partnerships.

New Terminals Show Promising Growth

A particularly encouraging highlight from Saia’s update is the performance of its newer terminals, those operational for less than three years. In the second quarter, these facilities achieved operating ratios (ORs) in the mid-90% range, a significant improvement from breakeven results in the first quarter. For those unfamiliar, the operating ratio is a key metric in the transportation industry, representing the percentage of revenue consumed by operating expenses. A lower OR indicates greater efficiency and profitability, and Saia’s progress in this area signals effective management and strategic investments in its network.

This improvement in newer terminals is a testament to Saia’s focus on expanding its footprint while maintaining operational excellence. By optimizing these facilities, Saia is positioning itself to capture additional market share as freight demand eventually rebounds. For shippers, this translates to greater reliability and capacity from a carrier investing in its long-term growth—a factor that Gain Consulting considers when helping clients select LTL partners.

The Broader LTL Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities

Saia’s performance is reflective of broader trends in the LTL sector. The industry has been grappling with soft demand, driven by economic uncertainty and shifts in consumer behavior. However, carriers like Saia that prioritize efficiency, network expansion, and strategic pricing are better positioned to weather these challenges and capitalize on future growth opportunities.

At Gain Consulting, we recognize that navigating the LTL market requires more than just selecting the right carrier. It involves a comprehensive approach to supply chain management, including optimizing freight spend, improving shipment visibility, and ensuring alignment with business goals. Our team works closely with clients to analyze market trends, negotiate favorable rates, and implement data-driven strategies that drive cost savings and operational efficiency.

Why Partner with Gain Consulting?

As the LTL sector awaits a market recovery, businesses must stay proactive in managing their logistics operations. Partnering with Gain Consulting provides access to our deep industry expertise and tailored solutions. We help clients:

• Optimize Carrier Selection: Identify carriers like Saia that offer reliability, competitive pricing, and capacity to meet your needs.

• Negotiate Rates: Leverage our industry knowledge to secure favorable contractual terms, even in a challenging market.

• Streamline Operations: Implement strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance supply chain visibility.

• Stay Ahead of Trends: Use real-time market insights to adapt to changing conditions and maintain a competitive edge.

Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, Gain Consulting is here to help you navigate the complexities of the freight market and achieve your logistics goals.

Looking Ahead

Saia’s recent performance offers a glimpse of resilience and opportunity in the LTL sector. As yield comparisons ease and newer terminals drive efficiency gains, carriers like Saia are laying the groundwork for success in a recovering market. For businesses, this is a critical time to reassess logistics strategies and partner with experts who can deliver measurable results.

For more details on Saia’s third-quarter performance, read the full press release here.

Ready to take control of your logistics strategy? Contact Gain Consulting today to learn how we can help you optimize your supply chain, reduce costs, and prepare for the next phase of the freight cycle. Let’s drive your business forward together.