Georgia Freight

GDOT completed its previous freight plan in 2012, before the federal requirement for states to complete Statewide Freight Plans was established with the passing of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act in December 2015. Since that time, the supply chain dynamics have changed drastically across the state, nation, and globe. Additional requirements for Statewide Freight Plans were also outlined in the most recent federal transportation bill, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) signed into law on November 15, 2021. The basis of the BIL is a new five-year authorization of the federal surface transportation program replacing the expired FAST Act.

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Georgia Freight Rail Program​

This freight rail funding program is designed to enhance state investment in freight rail for public benefit. Both Class 1 and Short line rail lines are eligible.

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Georgia Freight Planning Analysis

This document provides a business-focused planning analysis of the freight infrastructure in Georgia.

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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 and logistics demand is a critical component in Georgia’s economy. In recent years, Georgia’s transportation and logistics employment growth has outpaced the nation. Rail, water, freight and road transportation, as well as warehousing services all experienced significant growth, and in FY 22, 358 companies have expanded or located in Georgia, announcing $21.2 billion in private investment. This includes manufacturing and automotive, logistics/ distribution, and Agribusiness & Food Processing.

Georgia’s robust logistics and infrastructure combined with the best workforce training program in the nation has fostered a business-friendly environment. For the last several years, Georgia has been honored with the recognition of being the Top state for doing business. With the large number of economic development announcements over the last few years, including the Rivian and Hyundai Plants, as well as the growth at the Port of Savannah (the 3rd busiest container gateway in the US), Georgia’s logistics industry is a substantial and dependable source of jobs, economic activity, and economic growth. ​​

The s​tatewide impacts of Georgia’s logistics industry are:

239,406
direct jobs

495,064
total jobs in all industries
(10% of all jobs in Georgia)

$83.4 billion
in output/sales
(7% of Georgia’s total output/sales)

$46.6 billion
in state GDP
(7% of Georgia’s total GDP)

 

$29.5 billion
in labor income
(8%​ of Georgia’s total labor ​income)

$2.2 billion
in tax revenues for state government

$2.3 billion
in tax revenues for local governments​​


Georgia Freight Plan Update

The updated, BIL-compliant Georgia Freight Plan was completed in January 2023 and approved by FHWA on April 28, 2023. The plan is a comprehensive, strategic assessment of various demand scenarios on the state’s freight and logistics-related infrastructure assets and options for investments and operational and policy considerations that support Georgia shippers and logistics-enabled businesses, enable positive economic benefits statewide, and enhance the safe, efficient, and reliable movement of goods throughout Georgia.

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Designated State Freight Network Corridor Map’

Cemetery Locator

View Map​​

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The Georgia Freight Plan represents the next step in the progression of freight interest and activity.

The plan is organized into the following chapters:

CHAPTER FINAL REPORT
Full Report: Georgia Freight Plan
TOC: Table of Contents
Chapter 1: ​Introduction
Chapter 2: Georgia’s Freight Economy
Chapter 3: ​Georgia’ Freight Transportation Infrastructure
Chapter 4: Georgia’s Economic Competitiveness
Chapter 5: Georgia’s Freight Improvement Program

View Constrained Project List

Freight and logistics planning is critical to supporting Georgia’s businesses and shippers. The Georgia Freight Plan update is one of several GDOT studies that seeks to promote economic growth across the State.

The 2050 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (SWTP)/2021 Statewide Strategic Transportation Plan (SSTP) combines GDOT’s strategic business case for transportation investment with long-range, comprehensive transportation planning requirements defined in Federal law*. Additionally, the Georgia Freight Plan update’s Multimodal Financial Plan will be aligned with the SWTP/SSTP. Click here to learn more about the SWTP/SSTP.

*Federal State Freight Plan requirements are detailed in 49 U.S.C. § 70202.


Resources

 

 

Contact Information

Georgia Department of Transportation - Office of Planning
One Georgia Center
600 West Peachtree St NW, Suite 500
Atlanta, GA 30308​

NOTE: Information for DOT-related issues or inquiries can be found on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website

Visit FMCSA Website​​