Savannah, GA
#11 US freight hub — owner-operator guide to rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities.
#11
Freight Rank
147,780
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Southeast
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.15 |
| Reefer | $2.55 |
| Flatbed | $2.80 |
Key Highways
I-16I-95US-17US-80SR-21
Top Industries
Port drayage
Import distribution
Paper & pulp
Tourism logistics
Automotive (Hyundai, nearby)
Major Distribution Centers
IKEA Distribution Center (Savannah)
Target Import Warehouse (Savannah)
Floor & Decor DC (Savannah)
Home Depot Import DC (Savannah)
Wayfair Distribution (Savannah)
Dollar Tree DC (Savannah)
Top Shippers
G
Georgia Ports AuthorityI
IKEAT
TargetG
Gulfstream AerospaceR
Rayonier Advanced MaterialsNearby Ports
Port of Savannah (Garden City Terminal)Port of Savannah (Ocean Terminal)
Truck Stops
Pilot Travel Center (Port Wentworth)
Love's Travel Stop (Hardeeville, SC)
TA Petro (Midway)
Flying J (Hardeeville, SC)
BP Truck Stop (Garden City)
Challenges
- Single-lane I-16 stretches between Savannah and Macon create bottlenecks
- Port congestion during peak import season (August-November)
- Limited truck parking near port terminals despite huge volume
- Hurricane evacuation routes compete with freight corridors
Opportunities
- Port of Savannah is the fastest-growing US container port — overtook Oakland
- Drayage rates premium due to chronic driver shortage near the port
- Hyundai EV plant (Bryan County) will generate massive inbound parts freight
- New inland port in Statesboro creating additional freight demand
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Peak import season runs July through November as retailers stock for holidays. Agricultural exports (cotton, peanuts, poultry) peak October through February. Port volume dips slightly January-March. Hurricane season (June-November) occasionally disrupts port operations.
Trucking in Savannah — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Savannah: Dry Van $2.15, Reefer $2.55, Flatbed $2.80. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions. Savannah is ranked #11 among US freight hubs by volume.
Truck parking in Savannah is rated "fair." Popular stops include Pilot Travel Center (Port Wentworth), Love's Travel Stop (Hardeeville, SC), TA Petro (Midway). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Savannah freight market include Georgia Ports Authority, IKEA, Target, Gulfstream Aerospace, Rayonier Advanced Materials. Key industries driving freight demand are port drayage, import distribution, paper & pulp.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Savannah include: Single-lane I-16 stretches between Savannah and Macon create bottlenecks; Port congestion during peak import season (August-November); Limited truck parking near port terminals despite huge volume. However, opportunities include port of savannah is the fastest-growing us container port — overtook oakland.