Freight Shipping from Duluth to Savannah
Ship freight from Duluth, MN to Savannah, GA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $3,272-$4,033, LTL from $1,037-$1,694. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,522 mi
Drive Time
28 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$3,272-$4,033
LTL Rate Est.
$1,037-$1,694
Duluth to Savannah Freight Corridor
Duluth-Superior is the largest port by tonnage on the Great Lakes, moving 35+ million tons of iron ore, grain, and coal annually through its harbor. The Iron Range taconite mines north of the city generate massive bulk commodity movements by rail and truck. As a remote northern market, carriers earn premium rates but face long repositioning distances to their next load.
The Port of Savannah's Garden City Terminal is the largest single-operator container terminal in North America, and it has reshaped Southeast freight flows over the past decade. Georgia Ports Authority's $3 billion investment in the Mason Mega Rail terminal allows double-stacked trains to reach Midwestern markets in under 48 hours, pulling volume away from East Coast competitors. For a metro of just 400K people, Savannah moves a staggering amount of freight — container volumes rivaling ports in metros 10 times its size.
The Duluth-to-Savannah corridor spans 1,522 miles via I-35, US-53, I-16, I-95. This lane connects iron ore mining and grain export freight from the Duluth market to port operations and logistics & warehousing demand in Savannah. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Duluth
Duluth's economy is driven by iron ore mining, grain export, timber & paper, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
iron ore pellets
grain & soybeans
taconite
timber & logs
coal
paper products
What Savannah Receives
Savannah's port operations, logistics & warehousing, manufacturing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Duluth.
containerized imports
automobiles
machinery
raw materials
chemicals
retail merchandise
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Duluth and Savannah, these equipment types best serve this corridor.
Dry Van (FTL)
Ideal for palletized consumer goods, electronics, packaged foods, and general merchandise. Enclosed protection from weather and theft.
$3,272-$4,033 estimated for this lane
Flatbed
Best for steel, lumber, machinery, building materials, and oversized loads that cannot be palletized or loaded through standard dock doors.
$4,338-$5,555 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$4,794-$6,469 estimated for this lane
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
Cost-effective for shipments under 10,000 lbs or fewer than 10 pallets. Shared trailer space with other shippers reduces cost for smaller loads.
$1,037-$1,694 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Duluth to Savannah lane (1,522 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $3,272-$4,033 | 28 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,037-$1,694 | 30-32 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,947-$6,849 | 18 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,055-$2,816 | 31-33 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Duluth and Savannah that drive volume on this lane.
U.S. Steel (Minntac)
Cleveland-Cliffs
CHS Inc.
Georgia Ports Authority
Gulfstream Aerospace
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Duluth to Savannah
Duluth Seasonal Advisory
Great Lakes shipping season runs April through mid-January when the port is ice-free. Winter mine shutdowns and frozen harbor conditions from mid-January through March dramatically reduce freight volumes.
Savannah Seasonal Advisory
Import peak season (August-November) for holiday retail. Kaolin clay shipments from middle Georgia mines run year-round. Paper mill production is steady but dips slightly during summer maintenance shutdowns.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,522 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 28 hours without mandatory 10-hour rest breaks, cutting transit time nearly in half compared to a solo driver.
Book Early for Best Rates
Spot market rates fluctuate daily. Booking 3-5 days in advance typically saves 10-15% compared to same-day or next-day freight requests. For recurring shipments, ask about contract rates.
Duluth to Savannah Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Duluth to Savannah?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Duluth, MN to Savannah, GA currently range from $3,272-$4,033 for a standard dry van load over the 1,522-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,037-$1,694 depending on freight class, weight, and dimensions. Request a custom quote for exact pricing based on your specific shipment details.
How long does freight take from Duluth to Savannah?
Standard FTL transit from Duluth to Savannah is approximately 28 hrs by truck over 1,522 miles. LTL shipments add 2-4 business days due to terminal transfers. Expedited service with team drivers can reduce FTL transit by up to 40%. Intermodal rail-truck service takes 5-7 days but offers significant cost savings.
What equipment do I need for Duluth to Savannah freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Duluth commonly ships iron ore pellets, grain & soybeans, taconite, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Savannah commonly receives containerized imports, automobiles, machinery. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Savannah to Duluth?
Yes. Savannah is a strong outbound market shipping containerized imports (redistributed), paper & pulp products, kaolin clay. Carriers returning from Savannah to Duluth can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Duluth-to-Savannah lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Duluth to Savannah?
The Duluth-to-Savannah corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Duluth's top outbound commodities include iron ore pellets, grain & soybeans, taconite, timber & logs, coal, paper products. Savannah's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports, automobiles, machinery, raw materials, chemicals, retail merchandise. Industries driving this lane include iron ore mining and grain export from Duluth and port operations and logistics & warehousing in Savannah.
Get Exact Rates for Duluth to Savannah
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Duluth to Savannah lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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