New research from the Georgia Institute of Technology finds the Port of Savannah delivers over $1,000 per container in cost savings on inland US routes, as shippers weigh total supply chain performance over traditional West Coast gateways.
The findings build on earlier research focused on Atlanta, which showed that shorter inland distances from Savannah reduce handling points and overall transport costs, offsetting longer ocean transits from Asia to the US East Coast.
Chris Gaffney, Managing Director at the Supply Chain and Logistics Institute, said: “Our research shows that when shippers evaluate total landed cost and end-to-end reliability, routing cargo through Savannah provides a clear economic advantage compared to West Coast routes.
“For Atlanta, Memphis and Nashville, routing cargo through Savannah reduces congestion exposure, saves shippers money and delivers more consistent, predictable transit performance.”
READ: Port of Savannah reports 4 per cent TEU rise in 2025
Griff Lynch, President and CEO of the Georgia Ports Authority, said: “In today’s business environment, when lower cost and value are drivers for any decision, Savannah is clearly the best provider of great service and lower cost.”
The study highlights the port’s intermodal advantages, including on-terminal rail and direct interstate access.
Average rail dwell times stand at around 20 hours between vessel discharge and train departure, supporting faster inland distribution.
Researchers assessed end-to-end supply chains from 10 Asian ports to inland US destinations, incorporating both ocean and inland legs.
The analysis found that Savannah’s port efficiency and inland connectivity mitigate the impact of longer sea routes, while reducing congestion risks and variability often associated with West Coast gateways.
The study, titled “Gateway Choice is a Total Cost and Time Reliability Decision, Not an Ocean Rate Decision,” was conducted by PhD researchers and faculty at Georgia Tech’s Physical Internet Center, reinforcing the role of total supply chain performance in port selection decisions.
For more information:
Georgia Ports Authority – https://gaports.com/
