Georgia Freight
The goal of the Department is to use a strategic approach to provide well-planned transportation investments to accommodate freight growth and logistics needs statewide.
Freight & Logistics Plan
Freight in all forms must travel efficiently and effectively across Georgia’s transportation network. To ensure that Georgia’s transportation system is in balance with the demand for freight and logistics, GDOT and its partners developed Georgia’s first comprehensive, statewide freight and logistics plan. Learn more | View Recommendations Report |
Freight Rail
Georgia's Freight Rail system has approximately 5,000 miles of track and consists of Class I railroads operated by CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern Corporation and Shortline railroads which are managed by 24 independent or short-line operators. Learn more |
Importance of Freight
Freight and logistics demand is a critical component in Georgia’s economy. As described in the Governor’s Task Force on Freight & Logistics Final Report, the logistics industry in Georgia makes up 18 percent of the State’s gross state product (GSP). There are 5,000 companies providing logistics services. These companies employ 110,000 Georgians and generate over $50 billion in sales annually. Additionally, there are over 30,000 companies in Georgia that rely on the logistics industry to move goods through supply chains. These companies employ over 700,000 people and generate over a half trillion dollars of annual revenue.
Facts About Freight & Logistics
The importance of freight and logistics supply is demonstrated by the high levels of goods movement activity using the freight infrastructure for each mode.
- Trucks account for over 12 percent of the vehicle miles traveled on the State’s highways. There are a total of 22 freight railroads in the State operating on over 4,500 miles of track.
- The two east coast Class I railroads both use their Atlanta intermodal yards as major transfer facilities for their networks.
In March 2012, the Georgia Ports Authority marked its highest monthly numbers ever, handling 2.37 million tons of freight, including 2.03 million tons of containerized cargo. Container traffic was 9.2% higher year-over-year, totaling 259,796 TEUs. 203 vessels called on the Port of Savannah in March, an increase of 10.9% over February’s vessel calls. (Source: GPA)
- In March 2012, the Port of Brunswick handled 57,001 auto and machinery units, an increase of 30% from the previous year and a 79% increase over March 2010. (Source: GPA) .