All-time records were set for container traffic and tonnage at Georgia’s ports in October, according to a Georgia Ports Authority announcement last week.
GPA data shows that more than 161,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) moved across Georgia docks in October, a 12.5 percent increase over the previous October and a record high.
In another milestone, Georgia ports handled some 1.7 million tons of cargo in October, a 22.4 percent increase over the same period last year.
“To break two all-time records in a single month is an exciting development for the Georgia Ports Authority,” said Doug J. Marchand, executive director of GPA.
Also, Mayor’s Point terminal in Brunswick saw a 195 percent increase in breakbulk cargo compared to last October, with more than 55,000 tons moving through the terminal. Breakbulk cargo refers to non-containerized product that is shipped as a unit or package, such as palletized and boxed cargo, as well as large machinery and trucks.
In addition, intermodal traffic at the Garden City Terminal near Savannah increased by 19.9 percent.
This growth is expected to continue, said Robert Morris, GPA’s director of external affairs, due to increased capacity and efficiencies that are translating into increased business.
“GPA continues to increase market share due to ongoing infrastructure and IT improvements. In just the past year we have increased gate capacity by more than 50 percent and added considerable density to our container yard allowing us to move more freight faster than ever before,” Mr. Morris said.
Imports and exports continue to be split 50/50, with Asian trade outpacing growth in other markets, he said.
GPA’s ocean ports are located in Brunswick and Savannah. Barge terminals are located in Bainbridge and Columbus.
For more information, go to www.gaports.com.