The Port of Savannah (SAV) is becoming an essential hub for imports from India to key U.S. markets. Investments in rail infrastructure and strategic port connections anchors SAV’s position as a reliable option for importers moving goods from India to destinations like Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas.
SPEED TO MARKET: INDIA-U.S. TRADE
Cargo processed at SAV reaches major markets up to eight days faster than traditional routes through West coast ports. The speed to market is an important factor for businesses that rely on just-in-time delivery systems to meet demand and maintain inventory.
Savannah connects to India through six weekly vessel services, with direct links to the following ports:
Direct Port Connections
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- Hazira
- Mumbai/Nhava Sheva
- Mundra
- Pipavav
Additional Regional Calls
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- Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Port Qasim, Pakistan
Top exports via Savannah to India include commodities such as forest products, resins and rubber, and iron and steel, while top import commodities include textiles, minerals, and machinery. These commodities highlight the diverse nature of trade between the U.S. and India, with Savannah serving as a key hub for goods destined for U.S. consumers and manufacturers.
EFFICIENCY AND CONNECTION
Key to the Port of Savannah’s efficiency is its 1-2-3 Strategy, a process that ensures cargo is offloaded from vessels, placed on rail, and shipped to inland destinations within three days. The Mason Mega Rail Terminal, located at the port supports SAV’s efficiency and speed. As the largest on-terminal rail facility in the Western Hemisphere, the rail terminal supports 42 weekly train services operated by Norfolk Southern and CSX, providing double-stack rail connections to major inland markets. Rail dwell times at Savannah average just over one day, making it one of the most efficient U.S. ports in terms of rail transit speed.
Further supporting operational speed and efficiency, the Port of Savannah is also expanding its reach with the development of the Northeast Georgia Inland Port, set to open in 2026. This facility, located in Gainesville, Georgia, will have a capacity of 200,000 lifts per year and is projected to handle 60,000 container lifts annually. The inland port will be served by Norfolk Southern, which will provide overnight rail service linking the facility to Savannah’s Garden City Terminal. The development of this inland port is part of efforts to improve the efficiency and reach of the regional logistics network.
SAVANNAH: REGIONAL GROWTH
Port expansion matches regional ongoing growth in infrastructure and warehousing. Over 6 million square feet of new warehouse space have been added in the surrounding region in recent years, supporting the increased volume of goods moving through the port. This growth is in line with broader industry trends as ports on the U.S. East Coast process more imports, especially as fluctuating congestion at West Coast ports has led to a shift in trade patterns.
As the global logistics landscape evolves, the Port of Savannah’s continued investments in infrastructure and efficient transit systems anchor its role as a key player in U.S. supply chain operations.
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NEED WAREHOUSING, DISTRIBUTION, CONSOLIDATION/DECONSOLIDATION, OR TRANSLOADING/CROSSDOCK SOLUTIONS IN SAVANNAH? Contact Green Worldwide’s freight experts at [email protected].
