The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) is embracing advanced technology to enhance cargo visibility for its customers, facilitate the movement of more containers, and streamline logistics. Susan Gardner, GPA’s vice president of operations, highlighted these developments during her speech at the annual Georgia Logistics Summit held in Atlanta.
Over the next decade, the Port of Savannah anticipates a surge in container volumes from the current 5.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to nearly 9 million TEUs per year. This port is notably the fastest-growing one along the U.S. East and Gulf coasts.
In 2024, Savannah is managing an impressive average of 35 ships weekly, along with 7,000 trucks and 14,000 gate movements each day between 4 a.m. and 6 p.m. The port also accommodates 42 double-stack trains weekly and will soon implement a new lay berth at Ocean Terminal to enhance operations further.
Notably, Savannah has achieved optimal container dwell times, averaging just 22 hours from vessel offloading to rail departure. To support this growth, GPA has invested $3.2 billion in infrastructure over the past decade and plans to dedicate another $4.5 billion to improve berth and yard capacity, truck gates, and rail connections.
The authority has also introduced innovative technologies that provide real-time terminal metrics and cargo visibility. GPA’s terminal operating system offers immediate updates on the location and status of containers.
It monitors vessel productivity, truck turn times, and rail container dwell time, allowing for targeted improvements in processes and infrastructure. The data gathered aids GPA’s logistical strategies and operational planning.
In addition, GPA has introduced a Trucker’s App that benefits logistics partners by enabling drivers to check container clearance, choose efficient entrance gates, and stay informed on gate hour changes. This technology underlines GPA’s commitment to future-proofing its operations in anticipation of increasing demand.