PORT DIRECTORY
Drayage Carriers at the Port of Savannah
About Drayage at This Port
The Port of Savannah is one of the fastest-growing container ports in the United States, consistently ranked among the top five US ports by container volume. Operated by the Georgia Ports Authority, the port is anchored by Garden City Terminal, the largest single-terminal container facility in North America by acreage, handling over 6 million TEU per year. Savannah has become a critical Southeast US distribution hub, with a growing inland port network that includes the Appalachian Regional Port in Murray County and the Mason Mega Rail Terminal for direct rail-to-coast connections. The port serves a wide range of industries including retail, automotive, agricultural products, and industrial goods. Drayage carriers at Savannah operate across a large service area spanning Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina. UIIA membership and TWIC credentials are required for terminal access. DrayLocator lists verified drayage carriers in Georgia with live FMCSA data refreshed daily from SAFER.
Georgia Ports Authority Compliance Requirements
- TWIC Cards: All commercial motor vehicle drivers entering secure areas of Garden City Terminal must hold a valid TWIC credential.
- UIIA Membership: Required for chassis access at Garden City Terminal. The Georgia Ports Authority uses UIIA-affiliated chassis pools across the terminal.
- GPA Carrier Enrollment: Carriers must be enrolled in the Georgia Ports Authority's carrier management system before they can complete gate transactions.
- Clean Diesel Standards: While less restrictive than California, carriers are encouraged to operate newer, cleaner diesel trucks to meet GPA sustainability goals.
Carriers Serving This Port
View all 64 ›Operating at the Port of Savannah: Key Context
Savannah's growth story is remarkable: in 2000, it handled under 1 million TEU per year. By 2023, that figure exceeded 6 million. This growth was driven primarily by Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and other large retailers who built massive distribution centers within a day's drive of the port in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, taking advantage of lower real estate costs compared to the Northeast corridor. The automotive sector is also significant: several major manufacturers including Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and their suppliers use Savannah as a primary import point for parts and finished vehicles. The Mason Mega Rail Terminal, opened in 2020, can accommodate unit trains of 10,000 feet or longer, significantly expanding Savannah's inland reach without adding truck traffic. For drayage carriers, Savannah's growth means steady volume but also increasing competition. The Georgia Ports Authority has invested heavily in gate technology to reduce truck turn times, but carriers still benefit from experience with Garden City Terminal's appointment system and its particular operational rhythms during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the Port of Savannah grown so fast?
Savannah's growth is driven by several factors: its strategic location in the Southeast US within one day's drive of two-thirds of US manufacturing capacity, major investments in terminal expansion and deepening of the Savannah River to 47 feet, and the development of inland port connections that extend its reach into Tennessee and North Carolina.
What is the Garden City Terminal at the Port of Savannah?
Garden City Terminal is the primary container terminal at the Port of Savannah and is the largest single-terminal container facility in the US by acreage. It handles all major shipping lines calling on the port and features multiple berths, rail-served container yards, and an on-dock intermodal facility.
How do I find a drayage carrier serving the Port of Savannah?
DrayLocator lists verified drayage carriers in Georgia and surrounding states. You can filter by compliance type (UIIA, TWIC), fleet size, or specific service capabilities. All carriers are cross-referenced with FMCSA SAFER data updated daily.
Does the Port of Savannah have an inland port network?
Yes. The Georgia Ports Authority operates two inland ports: the Appalachian Regional Port in Murray County, GA, and the Mason Mega Rail Terminal for direct container-on-flatcar service. These facilities allow shippers in inland locations to access Savannah through short-haul rail rather than long-distance truck drayage.
Related Services
Top Cities Served
Other Ports