Freight Shipping from Tampa to Savannah
Ship freight from Tampa, FL to Savannah, GA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $830-$1,023, LTL from $412-$728. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
386 mi
Drive Time
7 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$830-$1,023
LTL Rate Est.
$412-$728
Tampa to Savannah Freight Corridor
Tampa Bay's freight economy revolves around three pillars: Mosaic's massive Bone Valley phosphate mining operations that generate millions of tons of bulk freight annually, the Port Tampa Bay petroleum and bulk cargo terminals, and the rapidly growing I-4 corridor distribution zone stretching east toward Orlando and Lakeland. The region's population growth consistently ranks among the fastest in the US, fueling construction material demand that keeps flatbed carriers busy year-round.
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 Tampa-to-Savannah corridor spans 386 miles via I-75, I-4, I-16, I-95. This lane connects healthcare and financial services freight from the Tampa 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 Tampa
Tampa's economy is driven by healthcare, financial services, tourism, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
phosphate rock & fertilizer
citrus products
medical devices
seafood
beer & beverages
recycled materials
What Savannah Receives
Savannah's port operations, logistics & warehousing, manufacturing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Tampa.
containerized imports
automobiles
machinery
raw materials
chemicals
retail merchandise
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Tampa 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.
$830-$1,023 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.
$1,023-$1,293 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.
$1,100-$1,409 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,216-$1,641 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Tampa to Savannah lane (386 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $830-$1,023 | 7 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $412-$728 | 9-11 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,255-$1,737 | 5 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Tampa and Savannah that drive volume on this lane.
Mosaic Company (HQ)
Amazon (3 facilities)
Jabil Inc. (HQ)
Georgia Ports Authority
Gulfstream Aerospace
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Tampa to Savannah
Tampa Seasonal Advisory
Citrus season (November-May) drives reefer demand from groves in Polk and Highlands counties. Strawberry harvest from Plant City peaks January through March. Hurricane season can disrupt port operations and trigger emergency supply freight.
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.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 386 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.
Tampa to Savannah Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Tampa to Savannah?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Tampa, FL to Savannah, GA currently range from $830-$1,023 for a standard dry van load over the 386-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $412-$728 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 Tampa to Savannah?
Standard FTL transit from Tampa to Savannah is approximately 7 hrs by truck over 386 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 Tampa to Savannah freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Tampa commonly ships phosphate rock & fertilizer, citrus products, medical devices, 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 Tampa?
Yes. Savannah is a strong outbound market shipping containerized imports (redistributed), paper & pulp products, kaolin clay. Carriers returning from Savannah to Tampa can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Tampa-to-Savannah lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Tampa to Savannah?
The Tampa-to-Savannah corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Tampa's top outbound commodities include phosphate rock & fertilizer, citrus products, medical devices, seafood, beer & beverages, recycled materials. Savannah's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports, automobiles, machinery, raw materials, chemicals, retail merchandise. Industries driving this lane include healthcare and financial services from Tampa and port operations and logistics & warehousing in Savannah.
Get Exact Rates for Tampa to Savannah
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Tampa to Savannah lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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