The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has opened its Gainesville Inland Port, launching direct daily rail service between Northeast Georgia and the Port of Savannah.
The facility began operations on 4 May 2026 and has since handled multiple trains and trucks, according to GPA. The inland port is intended to extend port services to a regional market that includes 330 manufacturers.
“With the start of operations in Gainesville, we’re extending the reach of the Port of Savannah deep into Northeast Georgia,” said Georgia Ports President and CEO Griff Lynch.
“Manufacturers across the region now have a seamless rail connection to more than 40 weekly vessel calls linking to global markets.”
READ: GPA to open inland port in regional trade boost
GPA said the Gainesville Inland Port will provide shippers with an alternative to a 600-mile round-trip truck route, reducing truck movements on Georgia’s highways and around the Atlanta region.
The authority expects to shift 26,000 containers to rail during the first year of operation, supporting traffic flow and lowering emissions.
Around 80 per cent of Savannah’s cargo currently moves inland by truck, while 20 per cent moves by rail. GPA noted that rail becomes more cost-effective beyond 250 miles, particularly as diesel prices rise.
The Port of Savannah currently offers 40 weekly vessel calls and 42 double-stack trains linking inland markets. GPA reported rail dwell times of 20 hours or less, while truck gates process 14,000 to 16,000 daily moves. Dual truck turns are completed in under 50 minutes, with single moves taking around 30 minutes.
The new service is being delivered in collaboration with Norfolk Southern. At full build-out, the $134 million Gainesville Inland Port will have an annual capacity of 200,000 containers.
READ: Georgia Ports unveils Savannah expansion plan
GPA also funded $4.8 million in Hall County road projects to reduce the railyard’s impact on nearby communities. The works included eliminating an at-grade rail crossing, rerouting White Sulphur Road and surfacing Cagle Road.
The new White Sulphur route, located south of the inland terminal, is intended to maintain emergency vehicle access and avoid traffic disruption from trains. GPA said the resurfacing of Cagle Road also provides an improved route for residents.
Both road projects were completed in late summer 2025.
For more information:
Georgia Ports Authority – https://gaports.com/
