The Port of Savannah posted an eight per cent year-on-year increase in container throughput in September, while Brunswick's roll-on/roll-off cargo volumes fell 30 per cent amid shifting auto industry trends, announced the Georgia Ports Authority.

Savannah handled 486,000 TEU last month, up 35,280 units from September 2024. For the fiscal year to date (July through September), container volumes rose 4.7 per cent to nearly 1.5 million TEU. Georgia Ports Authority president and CEO Griff Lynch said the port is focused on enhancing berth, rail, gate and yard operations.

Rail activity at Savannah reached a September record of 51,235 container lifts, up 21 per cent. Fiscal year rail lifts totalled nearly 150,000, also up 4.7 per cent. The Appalachian Regional Port moved 4,453 containers last month, a 48 per cent increase, and 11,465 containers since July, up 13 per cent.

Mason Mega Rail Terminal moved 46,782 containers in September, up 19 per cent. Since July, the terminal has handled over 138,400 containers, a four per cent increase year-on-year.

Truck gate transactions at Savannah totalled 316,889 in September. Single container moves averaged 32 minutes, while dual moves averaged 50 minutes. Dual moves, which represent 80 per cent of truck activity, reduce trips and emissions. Drivers complete six to eight turns daily, among the fastest in the industry.

Meanwhile, Brunswick's Colonels Island Terminal handled 55,811 units of autos and heavy equipment in September, down 30 per cent from a year earlier. Heavy equipment accounted for 4,119 units, down from 5,686.

Auto manufacturers have reduced shipments to the US while reassessing production locations and market strategies. Luxury vehicle exports to Asia declined due to stronger competition from domestic brands. Ro-ro volumes also fell in August amid paused shipments from Europe, Asia and Mexico.

Construction of Berth 4 at Brunswick continues, with completion expected in 2027. Lynch said market cycles are normal and the new berth will support future competitiveness for ro-ro customers.