SAVANNAH, Ga. – There will be more utilization of rail in Georgia, and less truck traffic in the future, according to a release from the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA).
The grand opening of the Georgia Inland Port in Gainesville was earlier in May.
Crews have worked multiple trains and trucks at the facility since that opening on May 4, 2026, kicking off direct daily rail service between the inland manufacturing hub and the Port of Savannah.
Georgia Ports issued a release with information about the port on Thursday morning.
“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.”
GPA says the Gainesville Inland Port gives shippers an alternative to a 600-mile round-trip truck route that will reduce trucks on Georgia’s highways and in the Atlanta region. GPA says it expects to shift 26,000 containers to rail in the first year of operation, improving highway traffic flow and reducing emissions.
About 80 percent of Savannah’s cargo moves inland by truck and 20 percent by rail, with rail becoming more cost-effective beyond 250 miles, especially as diesel prices rise.
The port’s speed and flexibility stand out: 40 weekly vessel calls, 42 double-stack trains linking inland markets, and industry-leading rail dwell of 20 hours or less. Truck gates process 14,000 – 16,000 daily moves, with dual turns under 50 minutes and single moves in 30.
GPA said it is collaborating with Norfolk Southern on the new service. At full build-out, the $134 million Gainesville Inland Port will have an annual container capacity of 200,000.
To reduce the new railyard’s traffic impact on local communities in Gainesville, GPA funded $4.8 million in Hall County road projects, eliminating an at-grade rail crossing, rerouting White Sulphur Road and surfacing Cagle Road. The new White Sulphur route south of the inland terminal ensures free access for emergency vehicles and avoids traffic disruption from trains. The resurfacing of Cagle Road also offers an improved alternative for residents. Both projects were completed in late summer 2025.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
