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In today’s supply chain landscape, businesses are increasingly seeking ways to reduce shipping costs, minimize damage, and improve transit times. For shippers handling fragile goods or aiming for more efficient logistics, pool distribution can be the perfect solution. LinkEx’s pool distribution service consolidates multiple less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments into a single truckload, enhancing shipping efficiency and reducing costs.

LinkEx begins by analyzing customer data to determine if pool distribution is the right fit. If so, shipments are consolidated into truckload carriage and moved as far downstream as possible, then transferred to one of Saia’s 210+ terminals for final-mile delivery. This process minimizes handling, reduces the risk of damage, shortens transit times, and provides customers with end-to-end visibility throughout the shipping process.

Pool distribution has grown rapidly in popularity, becoming one of LinkEx’s fastest-growing services. As businesses strive for faster deliveries and cost reduction, pool distribution offers a critical solution to streamline logistics.

What sets LinkEx apart is its role as a 3PL and sister company of Saia LTL Freight, a leading carrier. This relationship enables LinkEx to manage shipments from start to finish, ensuring smoother, more reliable deliveries with fewer handoffs. Additionally, LinkEx can enhance trailer capacity using load bars and decking, further reducing costs, and improving efficiency.

Available nationwide via Saia’s extensive terminal network, LinkEx’s pool distribution service has delivered significant results for customers, including up to 15% in savings on shipping costs, faster transit times, and reduced claims exposure. LinkEx collaborates with customers to define key performance indicators that ensure pool distribution meets their specific goals.

For businesses seeking a cost-effective, reliable, and efficient shipping solution, LinkEx’s pool distribution service offers the ideal approach - maximizing capacity, reducing costs, and improving delivery speed, all backed by full visibility and the strength of the Saia network.

In today’s fast-paced logistics landscape, flexibility is key for businesses needing to store and move goods efficiently. LinkEx, the logistics arm of Saia, Inc., has developed an innovative flex warehouse model that’s re-shaping how companies handle storage, adapt to market fluctuations, and meet customer demands - whether short-term or long-term.

LinkEx’s flex warehouse model wasn’t built overnight but evolved from a growing need for adaptable storage solutions. Today, with a network of over 80 providers encompassing over 200 locations, LinkEx offers both short-term and long-term storage options that can be scaled rapidly. This flexibility makes it easier to meet unique customer needs within as little as 24 hours, which sets LinkEx apart from traditional warehouses that take weeks to integrate.

One of the standout features of LinkEx’s flex warehouse model is its adaptability. Customers can scale their storage needs up - or down - almost instantly, a key advantage in industries like e-commerce and seasonal goods, where demand can spike without warning. LinkEx is able to specialize in handling short-term storage requests, whether it’s food storage, hazmat materials, or e-commerce products. Over time, customers often extend their storage contracts, transitioning from short-term to long-term partnerships due to the flexibility and reliability LinkEx offers.

Technology plays a crucial role in the success of LinkEx’s flex warehouse model. The company uses a top-tier warehouse management platform, which integrates seamlessly with all providers. Customers benefit from real-time access to a customized portal, allowing them to track their orders, monitor inventory, and generate special reports as needed.

As the logistics industry continues to evolve, LinkEx is looking to expand further into the e-commerce sector. The rise in e-commerce and final-mile delivery presents significant growth opportunities, and LinkEx is diving deeper into these markets, offering additional services like white glove delivery. Their warehouse network has grown to over 200 locations, with new requests coming in from Mexico and Canada - two hot markets for future expansion.

LinkEx’s flex warehouse model exemplifies the future of adaptable, scalable storage solutions. With a customer-first approach, advanced technology, and the ability to respond quickly to both short and long-term needs, LinkEx has positioned itself as a leader in the logistics space. As demand for flexible, real-time storage continues to grow, LinkEx is ready to meet the challenge head-on, driving innovation and setting new standards for efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a dramatic shift in consumer behavior, with e-commerce experiencing unprecedented growth. As people increasingly turned to online shopping, logistics companies faced the challenge of meeting the surge in demand for home deliveries. LinkEx, the logistics arm of Saia LTL Freight, responded to this challenge by strategically expanding its “final mile” delivery capabilities, positioning itself as a leader in residential logistics.

Prior to the pandemic, Saia was primarily focused on less-than-truckload (LTL) services, catering mostly to commercial clients. However, with the sudden rise in e-commerce, the demand for residential deliveries skyrocketed. Recognizing this as a pivotal opportunity, LinkEx quickly adapted by introducing trucks equipped with liftgates to handle home deliveries. This was no small task - navigating residential neighborhoods with vehicles typically used for commercial routes required careful planning and execution.

Starting in Dallas, LinkEx curated specific routes to efficiently manage the new residential delivery demand. This included managing an average of 10 to 15 deliveries per run without the option of in-home services due to COVID-19 restrictions. This adaptation not only allowed LinkEx to meet the immediate needs of the market but also laid the groundwork for future growth.

What started in Dallas, Texas, soon expanded to other high-population areas. LinkEx quickly established a presence in six major cities across Florida, followed by further expansion into the Pacific Northwest, including Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington. By the end of 2024, plans were underway to add markets such Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado.

A main differentiator that sets LinkEx apart from competitors is using directly employed, uniformed drivers who have been trained specifically for final-mile deliveries. Unlike many competitors who rely on independent contractors, LinkEx's drivers are accountable to the company and its customers, ensuring a consistent, high-quality delivery experience.

Another unique aspect of LinkEx’s strategy is their focus on building a strong driver pipeline. By hiring non-CDL drivers and offering them training and advancement opportunities within the Saia organization, LinkEx is not only filling immediate staffing needs but also investing in the future. Saia’s Driver Academy provides a clear path for drivers to advance their careers, further strengthening LinkEx's ability to deliver on its promises.

Looking ahead, LinkEx is planning to continue its expansion into 10 to12 new markets next year, further cementing its position in the final mile delivery space. The company is also exploring the integration of warehousing solutions with its final-mile services, potentially creating a more comprehensive logistics offering that meets the needs of modern e-commerce.

Our journey with Saia LTL Freight began in 2015 when LinkEx was acquired by Saia Inc. as its global logistics arm, laying the foundation for our strong partnership. Today, we specialize in contract logistics, truckload, final mile delivery, warehousing, NVOCC (non-vessel operating common carrier) services, ground and air expedite, and international air and ocean import export. These services have enabled us to say "yes" to a wide range of customer needs, complementing Saia's core offerings.

For less-than-truckload customers who face logistical challenges beyond their capabilities, LinkEx is the solution. We offer pool distribution, consolidation, final mile, and local or regional deliveries in partnership with Saia. When customers face space constraints in their own facilities, our warehousing solutions come into play, offering both our own warehouses and a network of additional options. From fulfillment and e-commerce distribution to flexible contract durations ranging from three months to five years, we tailor our services to meet diverse customer needs.

LinkEx assists Saia customers in opening new warehouses, especially those who operate with a single distribution point and struggle to compete on service times. By expanding their distribution capabilities, we enable these customers to grow their sales and enhance their competitive edge.

One of our significant strengths is our collaboration with Saia’s extensive salesforce. With over 200 account executives, Saia plays a crucial role in promoting and facilitating LinkEx’s offerings. This integrated approach allows us to leverage the expertise of Saia’s sales team, ensuring that customers receive comprehensive logistics solutions.

Our final mile division is particularly noteworthy as it offers real-time visibility, expedited solutions and residential or business-to-business (B2B) white glove service. This versatility enables us to cater to smaller and medium-sized companies that may not have the same logistical resources as larger corporations. Customers appreciate an easy solution, and this establishes a strong relationship through their trusted Saia representatives.

Customers have consistently expressed their appreciation for the ability to partner with a single organization for their logistics needs. This partnership simplifies their operations and takes a significant workload off their plates. The comprehensive end-to-end solutions we provide in our partnership with Saia allow us to offer more capabilities to our customers.

Looking forward, we plan to expand into 45 new markets over the next five years, which promises to unlock even more opportunities. LinkEx’s synergy with Saia empowers us to offer a seamless and efficient logistics experience. Our ability to adapt and expand our services allows us to meet the evolving needs of our customers, driving their success and ours.

A decline in available drivers, rising fuel prices, sky-rocketing operating costs and waning customer demand are all uncontrollable factors facing the transportation industry today. Experts have long predicted trucking’s number of available drivers to rapidly dwindle as we approach the year 2030; these numbers have now been further impacted by the global pandemic.

Additionally, fuel has reached a record amount in the U.S. The cost of diesel is up by a staggering 74% compared to the same time last year, making the national average $5.50 a gallon. Rising fuel and truck prices and decreased consumer spending, coupled with post-pandemic supply chain shortages and longer-than-average transit times, have coalesced to create the perfect environment for a possible recession.

Many companies are preparing for the near future by cutting costs wherever possible. This might present itself as reducing head count, charging customers for previous value-add-only services and/or delaying technology upgrades. LinkEx, however, is proud to assert that we are continuing to provide the same quality service while helping our customers keep their costs at a minimum.

We pride ourselves on continuous investment in both technology and employees. Year over year, we will see more growth in regards to LinkEx employee numbers than any other year in our company’s history, adding several new positions to further support our customers. Due to the exceptional growth afforded by our expanded employee base, we have also been able to upgrade our Dallas office to a new, state-of-the-art facility. The new building’s advanced technology, chosen in part for its real-time visibility, serves as just one more example of our dedication to impart top-drawer customer experience and superior-level customer satisfaction.

LinkEx is well-poised to face any situation caused by economic and customer spending trends, which will not change our growth initiatives. We will continue to move forward with laser-focus on maintaining and improving our investments in people, processes and technology by delivering value through our multiple product offerings.

In the coming months, LinkEx/DFW will begin the exciting transition of moving to our new building! Located in Lancaster, Texas, the new facility measures in at 200,000 square feet and also contains 350,000 square feet of sellable space.

Our new dock, featuring 35 doors, has several that are dedicated to receiving and shipping while a separate section is devoted entirely to transloading.

A warehouse management system, or WMS, is a fully automated program utilizing handheld and forklift-mounted scanners that will allow personnel to manage inbound, outbound and pick and pack orders with ease and accuracy. This system will also be used as our pivotal inventory management and tracking module, with master keys located on each endcap. LinkEx plans to supplement the WMS with proprietary barcodes, to provide additional support in monitoring and tracking inventory.

Building plans showcase multiple workstations positioned across the warehouse floor, along with staging lanes dedicated to specific pick and pack customers.

Highlighting our dedication to the safety and security of our customers’ freight, the entire structure will feature state-of-the-art 24/7 live surveillance security monitoring of both the interior and exterior of the building, coupled with speakers strategically placed throughout to allow audible communication.

We are truly thrilled about this next chapter for our DFW operations and team – and what it means for our customers!

Scott Jandacek began his career in freight in 2002 when he was fresh out of college at Iowa State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration as a finance major. He joined less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier, Roadway Express, and started off working nights and weekends as a dock supervisor at their Chicago Heights, Illinois terminal. Aside from his role as a dock supervisor, he also held several other positions through the integration of

Yellow and Roadway into YRC during his eight years with the company. They included time as a dispatcher, account executive, special service manager, and corporate account executive. “I am thankful for my time at Roadway/YRC but I was seeking a change,” said Jandacek. “In 2010, an opportunity came along to join Saia as an account executive so I seized that chance. Two years later, I became aware of an opening for a terminal manager position at Saia’s

Minneapolis, Minnesota facility.” Never one to shy away from a challenge, Jandacek applied for the job and was ultimately hired as the new terminal manager. Though he was excited about his new role, he said he didn’t realize what cold was until spending a winter helping shut down the facility’s dock every morning when there were 50 days where the actual air temperature was below zero!  After his time in Minneapolis, Jandacek moved back to Chicago where his interest and involvement with third party logistics (3PL) companies Saia conducted business with evolved as he took on the role of national account executive.  After three years in this position, he relocated to Johns Creek, Georgia and was tasked with creating a team, forming Saia’s 3PL vertical. “As director of 3PL sales, it was my responsibility to set the direction for the team, which aligned with our company objectives and helped support the team in their efforts to achieve those goals,” he explained. “We were able to completely transform the operating profile of the 3PLs that Saia chose to do business with and they are now positively contributing to both revenue and operating income growth.” In his new role as LinkEx’s vice president of logistics, Jandacek said his goal is to utilize the skills and knowledge he gleaned from past experiences in both sales and operations to help continue to build upon the solid foundation and successes LinkEx has achieved in recent years. “I am excited about the prospects of what an organization with a passion to delight the customer can achieve!” he stated.

Companies have always relied on employees to collaborate as no successful organization can run without collaboration in the workplace. However, in today’s current working environment, it is more important than ever for leaders and employees alike to effectively work together with one another. In fact, it is our belief, that the power of collaboration is an essential component to the overall success and growth of the company as we continue to navigate through adverse market conditions.

It’s safe to say that the logistics industry has seen its fair share of upheaval over the years; however, nothing compares to what we have experienced because of the coronavirus pandemic. Trucking markets across the globe have been impacted by driver/carrier shortages, warehouse staffing deficiencies and closures, business shutdowns, rising fuel costs, and more.

As countries overseas began to shut down their production in late 2019, we experienced a domino effect that eventually crossed over to the U.S. in early 2020. As operations shut down in the U.S., the significant decline in truck demand resulted in many trucking companies leaving the market. As a result, when supply demand returned, limited truck availability caused market conditions to worsen and enabled carriers to charge a premium and essentially name their price in many areas.

In addition, this chain of events caused many pricing contracts with direct shippers to collapse and, in turn, moved more loads to the spot market and made these customers and loads more accessible to brokerages and third-party providers.

With that being said, how did we compete in a chaotic pricing environment and thrive in such difficult market conditions? Through the power of collaboration of course!

Collaboration in the workplace involves individuals working together towards a common goal across departments, management levels and functions. The purpose is to maximize the chances of success by administering an open, communicative and collaborative experience, which can be beneficial to both the individuals and customers alike. While the pressure on the supply chain provided LinkEx the unique opportunity to work with customers that we may not have had the chance to work with in the past, it was our ability to collectively collaborate with one another that allowed us to hone our skills in developing carrier relationships, negotiation, creative problem-solving, improved communication and customer service that ultimately turned this unpredictable market into a place for us to adapt and grow. Thus proving, the true power of collaboration and its direct effect on our ability to service our customers’ needs!

What is Saia Logistics? This is a question we frequently receive from people inside and outside of the organization even though in actuality, what we do, every day, is very similar to what you do.

The Saia Logistics team is divided up into operations, customer service, claims, finance, IT, rate management, and analytics – just like LinkEx and Saia LTL Freight.

For instance,

• The operations team receives orders from customers, finds trucks, and tracks the loads to delivery.

• The customer service team handles lost drivers, re-consignments, displeased customers, unmanned consignees, and other issues.

• Finance receives freight bills, audits and pays carriers, and bills the customer.

• Behind the scenes, we also have analysts managing carrier relationships, claims, rates, and taking care of MercuryGate, EDI and other technical matters.

• How is this different from LinkEx? Joelle Haynes, LinkEx’s director of business continuity, said “The main difference is that Saia Logistics doesn’t get paid by the load. Instead, we are paid a monthly fee to provide people, processes and technology for customers. This allows the team to be carrier-neutral and make decisions based only on what’s best for the customer.”

Did you know that it has been reported that approximately 26% of contracted truckload shipments are being rejected because of the unavailability of drivers? These shipments are now spilling over into other transportation sectors, further hampering capacity and service.

In fact, the entire transportation industry is currently struggling with capacity constraints. There are several reasons for the congestion – from increased freight volumes and demand, including a pandemic-fueled e‐commerce boom, to many companies reporting very low inventories and the pervasive driver shortage.

As such, transportation companies are implementing several measures to eliminate volume and free up capacity in their networks including applying peak season surcharges, instituting embargoes, and discontinuing service to some customers. These actions have left a lot of uncertainty amongst shippers as they seek partners to keep their supply chains moving.

If you’re currently facing such challenges, especially problems with regard to truckload moves, expedited shipping, or even consolidation and warehousing, we invite you to take a look at LinkEx.

We offer a variety of products and services to help make shipping quick and easy, whether you have freight moving domestically, internationally, or both. We provide expedited deliveries, contract logistics, warehousing, truckload brokerage, and much more.

We have established relationships with thousands of carriers and vendors that can support your freight volume today – even if your business has doubled or tripled in the last several months.

If you and your team are working around the clock to get orders shipped, let LinkEx take that load off your shoulders. During these uncertain times, we work daily to make sure that our customers are our top priority. By partnering with us, you will reduce any risks associated with capacity constraints and save yourself from unwanted worries – no matter what challenges your business or the industry encounters.

It was not that long ago that our Atlanta, Georgia team managed all of the daily Saia quotes and activity. As we have grown over the years, it was necessary to add resources through our Dallas, Texas team. Fast forward to today and we now have the 12 Saia regions split equally among Atlanta and Dallas.

All quotes that are received from the Saia sales team or their customers are sent to one repository. This makes it much easier to do business with us and offers a better overall customer experience. Associates are assigned times to work and distribute the quote requests to the appropriate teams in real time, which ensures we consistently hit our mark of responding within a 30-minute window.

For many years, our Atlanta and Dallas operations were structured much differently. That didn’t mean that one was better than the other. On the contrary, they were both successful and enabled us to achieve over 65% year-over-year growth in consecutive years with the Saia business. However, we have grown to the point where having both better aligned and structured the same way is paramount to our continued success. Therefore, we rolled out our new truckload enterprise model.

A total of eight members from the respective truckload departments were teamed up in groups of two. Each team is responsible for managing three of the 12 Saia regions, inclusive of quoting and execution of the opportunities afforded to us.

It enhances our ability to more effectively collaborate and ensure consistency throughout the organization.

Let’s review a few of the many benefits to this team model.

• Enhanced bandwidth, enabling our teams to spend more time developing relationships with carriers – Having a strong stable of core partner carriers is equally important as strong customer relationships in the non-asset based space, particularly considering our current market conditions and tight capacity.

• Better relationships with both the customer base and Saia Sales team – As our teams have more consistent interaction with customers, we have become much more knowledgeable of individual customer needs and expectations. This enables us to drive more value to those customers and therefore, they become more dependent upon us and entrust us with more opportunities.

• Each geographic region and market has its own uniqueness and set of challenges – Through working the same consistent regions each and every day, our teams will become well aware of not only the market challenges, but how to effectively navigate our way through them. Our teams will become market specialists.

• Continued growth of the Saia business remains a critical success factor for our company and this structure provides significant positives for both us and our customers.