Freight Shipping from Savannah to Elizabeth
Ship freight from Savannah, GA to Elizabeth, NJ with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,972-$2,430, LTL from $704-$1,179. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
917 mi
Drive Time
17 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,972-$2,430
LTL Rate Est.
$704-$1,179
Savannah to Elizabeth 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.
Elizabeth is home to the largest container terminal complex in the Port of New York and New Jersey, processing millions of TEUs annually across the APM and Maersk terminals. The ExpressRail on-dock intermodal facility allows containers to move directly from ship to rail without a truck drayage move. Phillips 66's Bayway Refinery adds petroleum freight volume, while IKEA's massive distribution center serves the entire Northeast.
The Savannah-to-Elizabeth corridor spans 917 miles via I-16, I-95, NJ Turnpike, I-278 (Goethals Bridge). This lane connects port operations and logistics & warehousing freight from the Savannah market to container port operations and intermodal logistics demand in Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth Receives
Elizabeth's container port operations, intermodal logistics, petroleum refining sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Savannah.
imported containers
crude oil
consumer electronics
apparel
furniture & home goods
automotive parts
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Savannah and Elizabeth, 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.
$1,972-$2,430 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.
$2,430-$3,072 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,889-$3,897 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.
$704-$1,179 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Savannah to Elizabeth lane (917 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,972-$2,430 | 17 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $704-$1,179 | 19-21 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,980-$4,127 | 11 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,238-$1,696 | 20-22 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Savannah and Elizabeth that drive volume on this lane.
Georgia Ports Authority
Gulfstream Aerospace
International Paper
APM Terminals (Elizabeth)
IKEA Elizabeth DC
Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery
Shipping Tips for Savannah to Elizabeth
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.
Elizabeth Seasonal Advisory
Peak import season (August-October) can extend vessel wait times to 5-7 days at anchor, cascading into terminal congestion and chassis shortages that ripple through the entire regional freight market.
Overnight Transit
This 917-mile route typically requires one overnight stop for a solo driver. Schedule pickup before noon for next-day delivery in most cases.
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 Elizabeth Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Savannah to Elizabeth?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Savannah, GA to Elizabeth, NJ currently range from $1,972-$2,430 for a standard dry van load over the 917-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $704-$1,179 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 Elizabeth?
Standard FTL transit from Savannah to Elizabeth is approximately 17 hrs by truck over 917 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 Savannah to Elizabeth 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. Elizabeth commonly receives imported containers, crude oil, consumer electronics. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Elizabeth to Savannah?
Yes. Elizabeth is a strong outbound market shipping re-exported containers, refined petroleum, chemicals. Carriers returning from Elizabeth to Savannah can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Savannah-to-Elizabeth lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Savannah to Elizabeth?
The Savannah-to-Elizabeth 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. Elizabeth's primary inbound freight includes imported containers, crude oil, consumer electronics, apparel, furniture & home goods, automotive parts. Industries driving this lane include port operations and logistics & warehousing from Savannah and container port operations and intermodal logistics in Elizabeth.
Get Exact Rates for Savannah to Elizabeth
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Savannah to Elizabeth lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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