You can’t discuss Georgia’s role as a national and international logistics hub without two other “G” words quickly entering the conversation: “gateway” and “growing.”
“Gateway” is straightforward. Georgia’s strategic location in the Southeast positions it as a natural distribution gateway to major U.S. consumer markets—including New York, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. Within a two-day truck haul, companies can reach the majority of the U.S. population. Add multiple federally designated Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) and extensive international trade routes, and Georgia becomes more than a domestic hub—it is a global gateway connecting the United States to Latin America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. But the second “G”—growing— requires a closer look. How does a state that has stood at the forefront of logistics for more than two centuries continue to increase its influence? The answer resides in a combination of long-term strategic vision, close public- private collaboration, and sustained investment in infrastructure, education, and innovation. Executives of Georgia- based companies point especially to the Port of Savannah, citing its strategic location in the state. About 20% of The Home Depot’s imports, for example, enter through the Port of Savannah. But that is only part of the story. In addition to the Savannah port, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) operates the Port of Brunswick and inland terminals in Murray County and Bainbridge. Together, these facilities support containerized cargo, automobiles, heavy machinery, and breakbulk freight, reinforcing Georgia’s
role as a premier—and growing— international trade gateway. Meanwhile, Hartsfield-Jackson
Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is itself a global gateway, offering nonstop service to more than 150 domestic and 70 international destinations. These include major commercial centers across Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Americas. ATL also holds the distinction of being the first airport in the world to serve more than 100 million passengers in one single year— an indicator of the scale and connectivity that define Georgia’s logistics ecosystem. MILES AHEAD In addition, there are some 130,000 miles of public roads and more than 4,600 miles of active rail lines in Georgia. The state’s location provides direct rail access to the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Midwest regions of the United States. Both Eastern U.S. Class I railroads, CSX and Norfolk Southern, along with 24 short-line railroads, track across the state. Infrastructure alone, however, does not secure long-term growth. Georgia’s educational institutions help ensure the pipeline of logistics talent remains strong. The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Georgia State University, and Georgia Southern University are nationally recognized for their supply chain and logistics programs, producing the next generation of industry leaders while supporting cutting-edge research and applied innovation.
March 2026 • Inbound Logistics 39
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