Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ:SAIA) Q2 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

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Now, going forward, in terms of how LTL is positioned? We think we think LTL stands to benefit really over some of the supply chain trends over the next decade and beyond, as you think about nearshoring and what that might mean and more cross border moves with Mexico and even Canada and the role of LTL play and smaller, more frequent shipments. We think that bodes well. We think LTL is well positioned to continue to benefit from the growth of residential deliveries and final mile activities. As consumers have gotten more and more comfortable ordering things online instead of visiting bricks and mortar retail, for example. Some of those things are heavier weighted and beyond what a parcel carrier can do. So LTL ends up playing a role in that.

So, I think we’re well positioned specularly to participate. But in terms of the immediate kind of economic backdrop, we weren’t calling out any green shoots.

Fritz Holzgrefe: I think to add to Doug’s comments, I think if you looked at our relative performance versus the — our peers in the rest of the space, in the last quarters or a year, you’ve seen that we’ve been in a position where our services differentiated and our performance, we probably outperform some of our peers from shipments and tonnage perspective. And I think that momentum, I think going forward is a significant part of what will drive our success. So I think that’s an important distinction as well.

James Mulligan: Got it. Thank you.

Operator: The next question is from Jordan Alliger, with Goldman Sachs, your line is open.

Jordan Alliger : I guess a couple of questions. One, I was wondering if you could maybe give some sense for how your yield ex-fuel looked as we move through the quarter and how it feels in July, maybe even especially with that step up in volume? That would be the first question.

Doug Col: Yes, in terms of yield, I mean, as the weight per shipment came down, there was a kind of a positive tailwind call it like later in June, we started seeing that. And on here and into July now, that’s the way procurement coming down, it’s a negative right to revenue per shipment. So we have to keep an eye on that and make sure that we’re getting properly concentrated. But so much of that yield is mix related. And that could be weight and length of haul, but it can also be geography and direction of rates moving and also a lot of things flow into yield. But like Fritz said, I mean, what we think about is the pricing environment, and that’s remain good. And is the yield up as much as the GRI are as our contractual renewals are running?

No, but pricing is positive. And that’s what we’re bringing to the bottom line. So yes, I’d say you got to watch that weight per shipment, for example. If that continues to trend negative in the quarter, like we’ve seen in July, that helps you reported yield.

Jordan Alliger: And then, sort of the second question is, you mentioned sort of the normal degradation on OR to 2Q to 3Q, but just curious what can make it work, I would think there’s a chance for it to do potentially decent amount better as there’s this certain volume step up. And I imagine at least some floor on price, given potentially uplifting prices, maybe a competitor kind of goes away. So curious, your thoughts on the variability around that normal or trajectory? Thanks.

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