Freight Shipping from Savannah to Charleston
Ship freight from Savannah, GA to Charleston, SC with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $232-$286, LTL from $259-$492. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
108 mi
Drive Time
2 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$232-$286
LTL Rate Est.
$259-$492
Savannah to Charleston Freight Corridor
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.
Charleston has emerged as the Southeast's premium port, with the deepest harbor on the East Coast and the brand-new Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal adding 700,000 TEUs of capacity. BMW ships every X3, X5, and X7 through Charleston — the plant in Greer, SC is BMW's largest factory worldwide — while Boeing's final assembly facility builds 787 Dreamliner fuselage sections. The port handles $75+ billion in annual trade, and the SC Ports Authority's inland port network extends the port's reach deep into the Carolinas and Georgia.
The Savannah-to-Charleston corridor spans 108 miles via I-16, I-95, I-26, I-526. This lane connects port operations and logistics & warehousing freight from the Savannah market to port & maritime logistics and automotive manufacturing demand in Charleston. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Savannah
Savannah's economy is driven by port operations, logistics & warehousing, manufacturing, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
containerized imports (redistributed)
paper & pulp products
kaolin clay
poultry products
resins & chemicals
forest products
What Charleston Receives
Charleston's port & maritime logistics, automotive manufacturing, aerospace sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Savannah.
containerized imports (Asia/Europe)
automotive parts
raw materials
machinery
retail merchandise
chemicals
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Savannah and Charleston, 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.
$232-$286 estimated for this lane
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Required for temperature-sensitive freight including fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and beverages. Maintains precise temperature control throughout transit.
$286-$362 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.
$308-$394 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$340-$459 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Savannah to Charleston lane (108 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $232-$286 | 2 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $259-$492 | 4-6 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $351-$486 | 1 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Savannah and Charleston that drive volume on this lane.
Georgia Ports Authority
Gulfstream Aerospace
International Paper
BMW Manufacturing (Greer)
Boeing Charleston
Volvo Cars (Ridgeville)
Shipping Tips for Savannah to Charleston
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.
Charleston Seasonal Advisory
Import volumes peak August through November ahead of holiday retail season. BMW production runs year-round with a two-week July shutdown. Boeing's delivery schedule creates irregular but high-value oversize moves throughout the year.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 108 miles, a single driver can complete this route within a standard driving window. Expedited same-day service is available for time-critical shipments at a premium.
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.
Savannah to Charleston Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Savannah to Charleston?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Savannah, GA to Charleston, SC currently range from $232-$286 for a standard dry van load over the 108-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $259-$492 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 Savannah to Charleston?
Standard FTL transit from Savannah to Charleston is approximately 2 hrs by truck over 108 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%.
What equipment do I need for Savannah to Charleston freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Savannah commonly ships containerized imports (redistributed), paper & pulp products, kaolin clay, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Charleston commonly receives containerized imports (Asia/Europe), automotive parts, raw materials. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Charleston to Savannah?
Yes. Charleston is a strong outbound market shipping BMW vehicles, containerized exports, Boeing 787 components. Carriers returning from Charleston to Savannah can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Savannah-to-Charleston lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Savannah to Charleston?
The Savannah-to-Charleston corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Savannah's top outbound commodities include containerized imports (redistributed), paper & pulp products, kaolin clay, poultry products, resins & chemicals, forest products. Charleston's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (Asia/Europe), automotive parts, raw materials, machinery, retail merchandise, chemicals. Industries driving this lane include port operations and logistics & warehousing from Savannah and port & maritime logistics and automotive manufacturing in Charleston.
Get Exact Rates for Savannah to Charleston
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Savannah to Charleston lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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