CHECKINGIN
The Logistics Leader of the Southeast
Vol. 45, No. 2 February 2025 THE MAGAZINE FOR DEMAND-DRIVEN ENTERPRISES www.inboundlogistics.com
STAFF
Keith G. Biondo publisher@inboundlogistics.com Felecia J. Stratton editor@inboundlogistics.com Katrina C. Arabe karabe@inboundlogistics.com
PUBLISHER
I f your company is thinking about opening up or expanding operations in the Southeast, I’ve got interesting news. The demographic shift of consumers and businesses, particularly manufacturing, is driving an uptick in logistics and supply chain activity across the South. That uptick is reflected in the phenomenal increase in logistics infrastructure investment, with one state leading the way. Let’s look at some investments in Georgia that are
EDITOR
SENIOR EDITOR
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC CONTENT
Amy Roach amy.roach@thomasnet.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Tom Gresham Karen M. Kroll
Keith Biondo, Publisher
Jeof Vita jvita@inboundlogistics.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
already in play and others that you’ll benefit from soon. Governor Brian P. Kemp announced a historic $1.5 billion investment in transportation infrastructure as part of the FY 2024 budget. This money is to : • Double state funding to cities and counties for local transportation projects. • Increase funding for general aviation airports. • Resurface additional state highways—truckers will love this one. • Pedal down on transportation projects already underway. • Look to the future to try and envision projects to prepare for Georgia’s continuing anticipated growth. Of the $1.5 billion investment to benefit general transportation projects, $500 million is set aside for a renewed Freight Program, specifically 18 projects earmarked for building out and amping freight-related infrastructure. These projects aim to improve the anticipated freight volumes through the ports, roads, airways, and rails. Additionally, Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) completed $262 million in improvements at the Port of Brunswick in 2024. Enhancements include new warehousing, processing space, and 122 acres of ro/ro storage for 2025 shipment levels and anticipated future growth in 2026 and beyond. For example, in the first half of fiscal year 2025 (July 1-Dec. 31, 2024), the Port of Savannah handled more than 2.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), an uptick of 11.4% compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. The GPA is investing $73.5 million to expand gate capacity at Savannah’s Ocean Terminal. The project includes constructing a new gate complex with 12 inbound and six outbound truck lanes, significantly improving the terminal’s efficiency. Upon completion, the terminal’s annual capacity is expected to increase from 250,000 TEUs to more than1.5 million TEUs. This growth is expected to continue throughout 2025 and into the future. Georgia aims to be the logistics leader of the Southeast. These, and other improvements, illustrate how the state, localities, and leading companies are investing the planning and money to make it happen.
DESIGNER Arlene So
DIGITAL DESIGN MANAGER PUBLICATION MANAGER CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Amy Palmisano apalmisano@inboundlogistics.com
Sonia Casiano sonia@inboundlogistics.com
Carolyn Smolin
SALES STAFF PUBLISHER: Keith Biondo
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4 Inbound Logistics • February 2025
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