In March, Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) saw container volume grow 14 percent with 355,208 20-foot-equivalent unit containers moved.
The fiscal year began in July, and since then container trade increased 9 percent, 255,786 units, for a total of 3.08 million. This is a record for the Port of Savannah.
“Savannah’s continued strength is a reflection of our customers’ commitment, Georgia’s leadership, and the many dedicated service providers, GPA employees and ILA members who come together every day to achieve great things,” Griff Lynch, GPA executive director, said. “March marked our 17th consecutive month of business expansion thanks, in part, to a strong economy and growing market share.”
Intermodal rail also set a GPA record. In March, volumes spiked 20 percent. For the fiscal year to date, volume has grown 15.4 percent and 318,454 containers were handled.
Rail cargo is growing faster than overall trade, GPA Chairman Jimmy Allgood said, and is a key part of GPA’s growth strategy. By 2020, GPA anticipates rail infrastructure investments will remove 250,000 trucks off the road annually.
Roll-on/roll-off auto and machinery units also had a strong month. Ocean Terminal in Savannah handled 70,194 cars, trucks and tractors, a 17.2 percent increase, while Colonel’s Island Terminal at the Port of Brunswick handled 66,144.