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<!-- DFIN New ActiveDisclosure (SM) XBRL Schema Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ -->
<!-- Creation Date :2025-10-30T14:18:23.3381+00:00 -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2025 Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -->
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Current Reporting Status</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Current Reporting Status</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Commitments and Contingencies</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common stock, shares authorized</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock, Shares Authorized</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Document Fiscal Period Focus</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Document Fiscal Period Focus</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityShellCompany_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Shell Company</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityShellCompany_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Shell Company</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Segment Reporting</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Cash and cash equivalents</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash and Cash Equivalent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Principal Maturities of Long-Term Debt Including Interest On Finance Leases</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common stock, shares issued</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock, Shares, Issued</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Asset Class [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Statement [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Statement [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Revenue Recognition</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Entity Filer Category</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Filer Category</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long Term Debt And Finance Lease Liability Maturities Repayments Of Principal Remainder Of Fiscal Year</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Amount of long-term debt and finance lease liability maturing in the remainder of the fiscal year following the latest fiscal year ended.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2025</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total liabilities and stockholders&#8217; equity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liabilities and Equity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Instrument [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Debt Instrument [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Other, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Noncash Income (Expense)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Other Noncash Income (Expense), Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_MaximumLeverageRatio_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Maximum leverage ratio</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_MaximumLeverageRatio_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Maximum Leverage Ratio</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_MaximumLeverageRatio_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Maximum leverage ratio.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Restricted Cash, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Additional paid-in-capital</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Shares issued for long-term incentive awards, net of shares withheld for taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Decrease for Tax Withholding Obligation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Shares issued for long-term incentive awards, net of shares withheld for taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Summary of Calculation of Basic Earnings Per Common Share and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Change in other assets and liabilities, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_NewAutomobileLiabilityInsurancePolicyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">New Automobile Liability Insurance Policy [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_NewAutomobileLiabilityInsurancePolicyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">New Automobile Liability Insurance Policy [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_NewAutomobileLiabilityInsurancePolicyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">New automobile liability insurance policy.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Basic Earnings Per Share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Earnings Per Share, Basic</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long Term Debt And Finance Lease Liability Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Five</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Principal amount of long-term debt and finance lease liability maturing in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2029</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SalariesAndWages_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Salaries</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SalariesAndWages_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Salary and Wage, NonOfficer, Excluding Cost of Good and Service Sold</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Revolving Credit Facility [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Revolving Credit Facility [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total current liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liabilities, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Accounts receivable</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Stockholders&#8217; Equity:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Equity, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntitySmallBusiness_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Small Business</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntitySmallBusiness_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Small Business</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Retained earnings</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Claims and insurance accruals</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accrued Insurance, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Amendment Flag</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Amendment Flag</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Liabilities and Stockholders&#8217; Equity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Address, Postal Zip Code</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Address, Postal Zip Code</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net cash provided by operating activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common Stock [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_ExistingCreditAgreementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Existing Credit Agreement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_ExistingCreditAgreementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Existing Credit Agreement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_ExistingCreditAgreementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Existing credit agreement.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityIncludingCurrentMaturities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityIncludingCurrentMaturities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityIncludingCurrentMaturities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Total debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityIncludingCurrentMaturities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long Term Debt And Finance Lease Liability Including Current Maturities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityIncludingCurrentMaturities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Amount of long-term debt and finance lease liability including current maturities.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Initial Notes interest rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Address, Address Line One</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Address, Address Line One</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Earnings Per Share [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Balance Sheet Location</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement of Financial Position Location, Balance [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Less: Amounts Representing Interest on Finance Leases</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Document Type</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Document Type</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_ShelfAgreementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Shelf Agreement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_ShelfAgreementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Shelf Agreement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_ShelfAgreementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Shelf Agreement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long Term Debt And Finance Lease Liability Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Two</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Principal amount of long-term debt and finance lease liability maturing in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2026</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Central Index Key</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Central Index Key</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_DirectorDeferredValueActivity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Director deferred value activity.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_DirectorDeferredValueActivity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Director Deferred Value Activity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_DirectorDeferredValueActivity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Director deferred share activity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect, Including Discontinued Operation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill), Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Goodwill and Identifiable Intangibles, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common stock excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common stock, par value</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel">Total operating expenses</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total operating expenses</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Operating Costs and Expenses</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Base Rate Margin [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Base Rate [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Instruments [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Exercise of stock options less shares withheld for taxes, Shares</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long Term Debt And Finance Lease Liability Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Four</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Principal amount of long-term debt and finance lease liability maturing in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2028</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Current Fiscal Year End Date</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Current Fiscal Year End Date</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Debt Instrument [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Document Quarterly Report</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Document Quarterly Report</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_PercentageOfRevenue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Percentage of revenue derived from transporting</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_PercentageOfRevenue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Percentage Of Revenue</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_PercentageOfRevenue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Percentage of revenue.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabiliity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Long-term debt, less current portion</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabiliity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long Term Debt And Finance Lease Liabiliity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabiliity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Amount of long-term debt and finance lease liability due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Address, State or Province</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Address, State or Province</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Preferred stock, shares outstanding</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Dilutive effect of share-based awards</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accounts Receivable [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Finance Lease, Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Estimated fair value of total debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt, Fair Value</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other Noncurrent Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Assets, Noncurrent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_NumberOfFreightTerminals_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Number of freight terminals</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_NumberOfFreightTerminals_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Number of freight terminals</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Preferred Stock, Value, Issued</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Minimum [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Minimum [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Current Assets:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Assets, Current [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Current Liabilities:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liabilities, Current [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Secured Overnight Financing Rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Secured Overnight Financing Rate [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Secured Overnight Financing Rate [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accounts receivable, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Commitments and Contingencies</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Commitments and Contingencies (Note 3)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Deferred Compensation Trust [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Compensation, Share-Based Payments [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLaborRelatedExpenses_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Labor-related Expenses</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLaborRelatedExpenses_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Wages</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Stock compensation, including options and long-term incentives, Shares</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Rate margin</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other Liabilities:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Net income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Segment and Consolidated Net Income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Long-term Debt, Type</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average common shares</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Scenario</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Scenario [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnpaidPolicyClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpensePolicy_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Claims and Insurance Accruals</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnpaidPolicyClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpensePolicy_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Unpaid Policy Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income loss from continuing operations</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Borrowings on private shelf agreement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Credit Arrangements, described below</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Long-Term Debt, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Borrowing capacity under credit agreement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">APIC, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Stock compensation, including options and long-term incentives</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">APIC, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Variable Rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Variable Rate [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total stockholders&#8217; equity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Beginning Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Ending Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Equity, Attributable to Parent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Preferred stock, par value</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Basis of Presentation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingInsuranceAndClaimsCostsProduction_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Claims and insurance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingInsuranceAndClaimsCostsProduction_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Operating Insurance and Claims Costs, Production</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Address, Address Line Two</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Address, Address Line Two</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fair Value of Financial Instruments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Debt Instrument, Name</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other current assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Assets, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingOtherItemAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other Segment items</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingOtherItemAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Segment Reporting, Other Segment Item, Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Interest Expense</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Interest Expense, Operating and Nonoperating</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Interest Expense, Operating and Nonoperating, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Credit Facility</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Credit Facility [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_RevenuePerformanceObligationAverageTransitTime_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Average transit time</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_RevenuePerformanceObligationAverageTransitTime_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Revenue Performance Obligation Average Transit Time</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_RevenuePerformanceObligationAverageTransitTime_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Revenue, performance obligation, average transit time.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Asset Acquisition [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Asset Acquisitions</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Property and Equipment</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Address, City or Town</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Address, City or Town</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long Term Debt And Finance Lease Liability Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Three</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Principal amount of long-term debt and finance lease liability maturing in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2027</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_SecurityExchangeName_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Security Exchange Name</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_SecurityExchangeName_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Security Exchange Name</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Credit Facility</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Credit Facility [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Beginning Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Property and Equipment, at cost</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Income Before Income Taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income Before Income Taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_FirstTwelveMonthsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">First 12 months [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_FirstTwelveMonthsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">First Twelve Months [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_FirstTwelveMonthsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">First twelve months.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Continuing Operation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Cash and, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, beginning of period</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Statistical Measurement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statistical Measurement [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total current assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Assets, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Document Period End Date</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Document Period End Date</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Other operating, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Loss (gain) from property disposals, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Loss Contingency Nature</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Loss Contingency Nature [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Loss Contingency, Nature</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Summary of significant accounting policies.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Operating Expenses:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCash_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Restricted Cash, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCash_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Restricted Cash</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Variable Rate</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Variable Rate [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_Fueloperatingexpensesandsuppliesss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Fuel, operating expenses and supplies</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_Fueloperatingexpensesandsuppliesss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">FuelOperatingExpensesAndSupplies</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_Fueloperatingexpensesandsuppliesss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">FuelOperatingExpensesAndSuppliesss</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average common shares</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityFileNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity File Number</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityFileNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity File Number</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationAndExerciseOfStockOptions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Exercise of stock options less shares withheld for taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationAndExerciseOfStockOptions_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">APIC, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Recognition and Exercise</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_CoverAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cover [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DirectTaxesAndLicensesCosts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Operating taxes and licenses</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DirectTaxesAndLicensesCosts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Operating taxes and licenses</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DirectTaxesAndLicensesCosts_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cost, Direct Tax and License</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Scenario</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Scenario [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Noncash items included in net income:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Noncash Item [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Property and equipment, estimated useful lives</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_PrivateShelfAgreementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Private Shelf Agreement Member</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_PrivateShelfAgreementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Private Shelf Agreement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_PrivateShelfAgreementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Private Shelf Agreement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_AdjustedLeverageRatio_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Adjusted Leverage Ratio</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_AdjustedLeverageRatio_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Adjusted Leverage Ratio</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_AdjustedLeverageRatio_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Adjusted Leverage Ratio</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common stock, shares outstanding</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Current portion of operating lease liability</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Operating Lease, Liability, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Depreciation and amortization</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Depreciation and amortization</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentTransitionReport_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Document Transition Report</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentTransitionReport_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Document Transition Report</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Thereafter</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long Term Debt And Finance Lease Liability Maturities Repayments Of Principal After Year Five</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Principal amount of long-term debt and finance lease liability maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Computation of Earnings Per Share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Earnings Per Share [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesIssued_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel">Beginning Balance, Shares</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesIssued_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel">Ending Balance, Shares</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesIssued_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Shares, Issued</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net Income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Net income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income tax receivable</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income Taxes Receivable, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Proceeds from (Payment for) Other Financing Activity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other financing activity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Assets [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Document Fiscal Year Focus</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Document Fiscal Year Focus</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Payment terms</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Investing Activities:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Accounts Payable, Current, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Accounts payable</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accounts Payable, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseNonoperating_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Interest expense</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseNonoperating_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Interest Expense, Nonoperating, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseNonoperating_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Interest Expense, Nonoperating</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Proceeds from stock option exercises</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityIncludingInterestOnFinanceLeases_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityIncludingInterestOnFinanceLeases_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long Term Debt And Finance Lease Liability Including Interest On Finance Leases</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityIncludingInterestOnFinanceLeases_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Long term debt and finance lease liability including interest on finance leases.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Debt Instrument</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Current portion of long-term debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Revenues</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Revenues</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net cash used in investing activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_Security12bTitle_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Title of each class</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_Security12bTitle_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Title of 12(b) Security</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total other liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Liabilities, Noncurrent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Changes in operating assets and liabilities:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Pro rata share of letters of credit outstanding</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Letter of credit facility outstanding amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_TradingSymbol_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Trading Symbol</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_TradingSymbol_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Trading Symbol</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Wages, vacation and employees&#8217; benefits</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Employee-related Liabilities, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Financing Activities:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Letter of credit unused portion fee</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Ex Transition Period</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Equity Components</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Equity Components [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Nonoperating expenses, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Nonoperating Income (Expense)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel">Nonoperating expenses, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_Purchasedtransportations_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">PurchasedTransportations</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_Purchasedtransportations_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">PurchasedTransportations</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_Purchasedtransportations_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Purchased Transportation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_Purchasedtransportations_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Purchased transportation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Equity Component</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Equity Component [Domain]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Asset Class [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeInterestEarningAsset_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Interest Income, Interest-Earning Asset, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeInterestEarningAsset_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Interest Income, Interest-Earning Asset</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeInterestEarningAsset_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Interest income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeInterestEarningAsset_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Interest income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Maximum [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Maximum [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Statistical Measurement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Statistical Measurement [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Prepaid expenses</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Prepaid Expense, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Prepaid Expense, Current, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock, Value, Issued</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 26,642,641 and 26,598,512 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Property and Equipment [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Repayment of finance leases</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Finance Lease, Principal Payments</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_ScheduleOfMeasureOfSegmentAssetsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Schedule of Measure of Segment Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_ScheduleOfMeasureOfSegmentAssetsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Measure of Segment Assets (Table Text Block)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_ScheduleOfMeasureOfSegmentAssetsTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Schedule of Measure of Segment Assets (Table Text Block)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_EntireThirtySixMonthsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entire 36 Months [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_EntireThirtySixMonthsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entire Thirty Six Months [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_EntireThirtySixMonthsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Entire thirty six months.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Preferred stock, shares authorized</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Summary of Reconciliation of Debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_NumberOfCompletedAcquisitionLeasesFreightTerminals_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Number of completed acquisition leases freight terminals</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_NumberOfCompletedAcquisitionLeasesFreightTerminals_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Number of completed acquisition leases freight terminals</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Shares withheld for taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-Based Payment Arrangement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Registrant Name</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Registrant Name</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Debt and Financing Arrangements</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Other, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other, net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesHeldInEmployeeTrustShares_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Deferred compensation trust</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesHeldInEmployeeTrustShares_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust, Shares</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_TwelveMonthsExtensionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">One Year Extension Policy [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_TwelveMonthsExtensionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Twelve Months Extension [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_TwelveMonthsExtensionMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Twelve Months Extension [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Income Tax Expense</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Income Tax Provision</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_CreditAgreementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Credit Agreement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_CreditAgreementMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Credit Agreement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Acquisition of property and equipment</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Payment for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Other</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Total assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Assets</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Less: current portion of long-term debt</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long Term Debt And Finance Lease Liability Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Amount of long-term debt and finance leases due within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Income Statement [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Deferred income taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockIssuedEmployeeTrustDeferred_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Common Stock Issued, Employee Trust, Deferred</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockIssuedEmployeeTrustDeferred_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Deferred compensation trust, 69,573 and 70,100 shares of common stock at cost at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_BusinessPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Business</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_BusinessPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Business Policy [Text Block]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_BusinessPolicyTextBlock_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Description of the business and summary of the company accounting policies.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel">Diluted earnings per share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Diluted Earnings Per Share</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Earnings Per Share, Diluted</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_DirectorDeferredShareActivity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Director deferred share activity.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_DirectorDeferredShareActivity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Director Deferred Share Activity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_DirectorDeferredShareActivity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Director deferred share activity , Shares</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_ClaimsInsuranceAndOtherNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Claims, insurance and other</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_ClaimsInsuranceAndOtherNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Claims Insurance And Other Noncurrent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_ClaimsInsuranceAndOtherNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Claims insurance and other noncurrent.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SharesIssuedForLongTermIncentiveSharesAwardsNetOfSharesWithHeldForTaxes_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Shares issued for long-term incentive awards, net of shares withheld for taxes, Shares</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SharesIssuedForLongTermIncentiveSharesAwardsNetOfSharesWithHeldForTaxes_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Shares Issued For Long Term Incentive Shares Awards Net Of Shares With Held For Taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SharesIssuedForLongTermIncentiveSharesAwardsNetOfSharesWithHeldForTaxes_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Shares issued for long term incentive shares awards net of shares with held for taxes.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_CityAreaCode_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">City Area Code</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_CityAreaCode_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">City Area Code</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIssuedPrincipal_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Debt Instrument, Issued, Principal</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIssuedPrincipal_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Selling of aggregate principal amount</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_FourtyEightMonthsPolicyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Four Year Policy [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_FourtyEightMonthsPolicyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Fourty Eight Months Policy [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_FourtyEightMonthsPolicyMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Fourty Eight Months Policy [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Proceeds from Lines of Credit</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Proceeds from Lines of Credit, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Borrowings of revolving credit facility</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SaleOfSharesByDeferredCompensationTrust_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Sale of shares by Deferred Compensation Trust</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SaleOfSharesByDeferredCompensationTrust_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Sale Of Shares By Deferred Compensation Trust</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SaleOfSharesByDeferredCompensationTrust_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Sale of shares issued under share-based plans to employees or officers which is the unearned portion, accounted for under the fair value method.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Borrowing capacity under credit agreement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_PurchaseOfSharesByDeferredCompensationTrust_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Purchase of shares by Deferred Compensation Trust</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_PurchaseOfSharesByDeferredCompensationTrust_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Purchase Of Shares By Deferred Compensation Trust</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_PurchaseOfSharesByDeferredCompensationTrust_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Purchase of shares issued under share-based plans to employees or officers which is the unearned portion, accounted for under the fair value method.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net property and equipment</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Property, Plant and Equipment, Net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Operating Income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Operating Income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Operating Income (Loss)</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Retained Earnings [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Retained Earnings [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation, Total</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Long-term debt, less current portion</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Operating lease liability, less current portion</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel">Net cash provided by financing activities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Asset Acquisition [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_TwentyTwentyThreeCreditFacilityMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">2023 Credit Agreement Member</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_TwentyTwentyThreeCreditFacilityMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Twenty twenty Three Credit Agreement [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_TwentyTwentyThreeCreditFacilityMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Twenty twenty Three Credit Facility Member</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Deferred income taxes</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Nonoperating (Income) Expenses:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Interactive Data Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Interactive Data Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Operating Activities:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Asset Acquisition [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Repayments of revolving credit facility</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Repayments of Lines of Credit</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_UncommittedPrivateShelfAgreement_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Uncommitted Private Shelf Agreement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_UncommittedPrivateShelfAgreement_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Uncommitted Private Shelf Agreement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_UncommittedPrivateShelfAgreement_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Uncommitted Private Shelf Agreement</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Tax Identification Number</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Tax Identification Number</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_FinanceLeaseObligationsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Finance Lease Obligations [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_FinanceLeaseObligationsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Finance Lease Obligations [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_FinanceLeaseObligationsMember_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Finance lease obligations.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Long-term Debt, Type</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_AggregatePurchasePriceInCash_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Aggregate purchase price in cash</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_AggregatePurchasePriceInCash_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Aggregate purchase price in cash</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Interest Income, Other</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Interest Income</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_LocalPhoneNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Local Phone Number</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_LocalPhoneNumber_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Local Phone Number</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Other current liabilities</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Other Liabilities, Current</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasicAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Denominator:</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasicAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Accounting Policies [Abstract]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Operating Revenue</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel">Operating Revenue</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Numerator:</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Summary of significant accounting policies.</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Salaries, wages and employees' benefits</link:label>
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          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel">Entity Emerging Growth Company</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Entity Emerging Growth Company</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_AggregatePurchasePrice_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation">Aggregate purchase price</link:label>
          <link:label xml:lang="en-US" xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="saia_AggregatePurchasePrice_lbl" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label">Aggregate purchase price</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_lbl"/>
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  <xsd:element id="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" name="LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember" name="SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
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  <xsd:element id="saia_AdjustedLeverageRatio" name="AdjustedLeverageRatio" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_Purchasedtransportations" name="Purchasedtransportations" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_AggregatePurchasePrice" name="AggregatePurchasePrice" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_SaleOfSharesByDeferredCompensationTrust" name="SaleOfSharesByDeferredCompensationTrust" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_EntireThirtySixMonthsMember" name="EntireThirtySixMonthsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_Fueloperatingexpensesandsuppliesss" name="Fueloperatingexpensesandsuppliesss" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_DirectorDeferredValueActivity" name="DirectorDeferredValueActivity" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_SharesIssuedForLongTermIncentiveSharesAwardsNetOfSharesWithHeldForTaxes" name="SharesIssuedForLongTermIncentiveSharesAwardsNetOfSharesWithHeldForTaxes" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_ShelfAgreementMember" name="ShelfAgreementMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_ScheduleOfMeasureOfSegmentAssetsTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfMeasureOfSegmentAssetsTableTextBlock" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_CreditAgreementMember" name="CreditAgreementMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_ClaimsInsuranceAndOtherNoncurrent" name="ClaimsInsuranceAndOtherNoncurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_MaximumLeverageRatio" name="MaximumLeverageRatio" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_FinanceLeaseObligationsMember" name="FinanceLeaseObligationsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_FirstTwelveMonthsMember" name="FirstTwelveMonthsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_TwelveMonthsExtensionMember" name="TwelveMonthsExtensionMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_DirectorDeferredShareActivity" name="DirectorDeferredShareActivity" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_RevenuePerformanceObligationAverageTransitTime" name="RevenuePerformanceObligationAverageTransitTime" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_PercentageOfRevenue" name="PercentageOfRevenue" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_TwentyTwentyThreeCreditFacilityMember" name="TwentyTwentyThreeCreditFacilityMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" name="LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_NumberOfCompletedAcquisitionLeasesFreightTerminals" name="NumberOfCompletedAcquisitionLeasesFreightTerminals" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_FourtyEightMonthsPolicyMember" name="FourtyEightMonthsPolicyMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_ExistingCreditAgreementMember" name="ExistingCreditAgreementMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabiliity" name="LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabiliity" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear" name="LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_PurchaseOfSharesByDeferredCompensationTrust" name="PurchaseOfSharesByDeferredCompensationTrust" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_NumberOfFreightTerminals" name="NumberOfFreightTerminals" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_BusinessPolicyTextBlock" name="BusinessPolicyTextBlock" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="false"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityIncludingInterestOnFinanceLeases" name="LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityIncludingInterestOnFinanceLeases" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_NewAutomobileLiabilityInsurancePolicyMember" name="NewAutomobileLiabilityInsurancePolicyMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
  <xsd:element id="saia_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" name="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" abstract="true"/>
</xsd:schema>
