GlobeNewswire Inc | Feb 26, 2021 01:18PM EST

February 26, 2021

JOHNS CREEK, Ga., Feb. 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saia Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) announced today that Saia LTL Freight Executive Vice President of Operations Paul Peck will retire July 1 after a distinguished 44 year career. As part of the planned succession, effective March 31, Patrick Sugar will be named executive vice president of operations and Peck will continue to support the transition through his retirement date.

"It has been my privilege and honor to know and work with Paul," said Saia President and CEO Fritz Holzgrefe. "He has been a big part of the companys growth and success over the years. We will miss the leadership Paul has provided, but know the culture, operational impacts and strong teams hes developed will shape Saia well into the future."

Pecks career at the company began in 1977 at the New Orleans terminal and spanned Saias emergence from a regional, privately held company to a leading $1.8 billion national less-than-truckload carrier. In 2018, Peck was named executive vice president of operations. His track record of success has included tours in sales and operational leadership roles across the network.

"I have known Paul both as a colleague and friend for over 20 years, said Saias Chairman of the Board Rick ODell. He has been an exceptional asset to the company and the board is grateful for his tenure and distinguished leadership. On behalf of the board, I want to thank him for his outstanding contributions and wish him well as he enjoys a much-deserved retirement."

Sugar has been serving as Saias vice president of linehaul and industrial engineering. In this role, he has led the development and implementation of several key technologies and has had a pivotal role in the planning and operational execution of the companys strategic plan over the last several years. Sugar joined Saia in 2016 after a career in engineering and operations management at a leading packaged goods company. He holds a degree in industrial and system engineering from Georgia Tech.

Patrick has been an integral part of leading Saias success since he joined the company. He brings a unique combination of leadership skills and the ability to deliver meaningful improvements. I am excited to see him build upon the foundation that Paul has established for Saia, Holzgrefe said.

About Saia Inc.

Saia Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) offers customers a wide range of less-than-truckload, non-asset truckload, expedited and logistics services. With headquarters in Johns Creek, Georgia, Saia LTL Freight operates 169 terminals across the country and employs over 10,500 people. Saia LTL Freight has been recognized by the American Trucking Associations Safety Management Council for its outstanding safety record as well as by the Environmental Protection Agencys SmartWay program for its efforts to reduce its environmental impact. For more information on Saia Inc., visit www.saia.com.

For more information, contact:Jeannie S. JumpSaia Corporate Public RelationsPhone: 770-232-4069 E-mail jjump@saia.com