Gainesville Inland Port expands access to global markets for Georgia businesses

A new chapter in freight movement is taking shape in Northeast Georgia. The Gainesville Inland Port is bringing the Port of Savannah closer to inland manufacturers, expanding access, improving efficiency and helping businesses scale for what’s next.

In partnership with the Georgia Ports Authority, Norfolk Southern is the exclusive rail provider, connecting the region directly to one of the nation’s fastest-growing ports.

Why it matters

The Gainesville Inland Port extends Savannah’s reach inland, giving companies faster, more reliable access to global markets.

With reliable rail service operating five days a week and capacity to handle up to 200,000 containers annually, the facility can support hundreds of regional manufacturers with a more efficient path to import and export markets.

Built for efficiency and growth

Traditionally, inland shippers rely heavily on long-haul trucking to reach coastal ports, a model increasingly strained by congestion, cost and capacity challenges.

Inland ports offers a smarter alternative:

• Streamlined access to global markets through direct rail connections
• More reliable transit times with reduced highway dependency
• Scalable capacity to support long-term growth

Reducing congestion, improving sustainability

The Gainesville Inland Port also plays a critical role in easing pressure on Georgia’s highways. By shifting freight from road to rail, the facility helps reduce truck traffic, improve corridor safety and support long-term infrastructure sustainability.

Rail remains one of the most fuel-efficient ways to move freight, enabling companies to lower emissions while moving higher volumes over longer distances—an increasingly important advantage as businesses balance growth with sustainability goals.

Strengthening Georgia’s supply chain advantage

Georgia has long been a leader in logistics. Investments like the Gainesville Inland Port build on that foundation, creating a more connected, flexible network that links inland production centers to global markets.

Norfolk Southern also serves inland ports in Greer, South Carolina and Front Royal, Virginia. Both have proven track records of success. Learn how rail is helping connect businesses to global markets through inland port solutions and its extensive intermodal network.

By Katie Byrd, Assistant Director Executive Communications

Katie Byrd leads external communications for Norfolk Southern in the areas of Executive Comms, Commercial and Strategic Planning. She joined NS in 2022, bringing nearly 10 years of strategic communications expertise.