Saia Inc.’s Saia LTL Freight is incorporating two Tesla Semi trucks to its fleet as the company caps its 100th anniversary.
“Our partnership with Tesla underscores our dedication to evolution while staying true to the values that have guided us for the past century,” said Executive Vice President of Operations Patrick Sugar. “As we celebrate 100 years of Saia, we’re focused on building a sustainable and innovative foundation for the next century.”
Read more: Saia LTL Freight celebrates 100th anniversary
Prior to purchasing the trucks, the company said it tested the Tesla Semi during a demo period earlier in 2024. These tests included monitoring its range, payload capacity, grade performance, and driver comfort while incorporating the vehicle into Saia’s operations.
"We were very impressed with the Tesla Semi as it demonstrated an ability to handle both local and longer haul applications while still delivering notable power and efficiency. During a demonstration earlier this year, we achieved 1.73 kWh per mile," said Sugar. "Our drivers were equally impressed, noting the smooth acceleration, comfortable design, and its ability to maintain speeds on steep inclines, even while hauling heavy payloads. This feedback underscores the enormous potential of the Tesla Semi."
