Saia Adds Connection.(The Connection Company)

Regional LTL carrier Saia took another step in its goal toward full national coverage. Saia bought bought The Connection Company, a $70 million carrier with 20 terminals in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan, including sites adjacent to Saia's base in the Southeast.

The buy is the first for Saia since it bought Clark Bros. in 2004 and since it separated this year from its corporate sister company Jevic Transportation, a move aimed at giving Saia the opportunity to expand its profitable LTL portfolio without competing corporate interests.

Saia will pay about $17.5 million in cash for Columbus, Ohio-based Connection in a deal the company can complete easily …