“We already received avocados, citrus and a large share of Peruvian sweet onions in the fall,” noted Chris Logan with the Georgia Ports Authority. “Now with the first Peruvian Red Globes coming in, we're getting all of the category leaders from Peru.” The goal is to brand Savannah as a fast, cost-efficient alternative to the Northeast and South Florida ports for shippers who want to get their products into the Southeast.
“Savannah is the fourth-largest container port behind Los Angeles, Long Beach and New York,” noted Logan. “So this is the most efficient corridor to serve the wholesale and retail markets in Atlanta and other major Southeast markets. A big component of our value proposition is the cost savings on inland transportation when compared to arriving in the Northeast and trucking it south or arriving in South Florida and trucking it north. The savings per container are $1,000, if not more.” The port is owned and operated by the Ports Authority itself, so another advantage is the direct working relationship we have built with importers, exporters and service providers.
“Our strategy is to not only deal with vessel operators, but with importers, exporters and cargo owners that, ultimately, dictate the routing of freight,” said Logan. The strategy is already paying dividends, with a large, purpose built, perishable facility soon to open 15 miles from the port that will offer ancillary services for shippers, including refrigerated facilities where re-packaging, fumigation and de-consolidation of perishable cargo can take place. Logan calls that part the missing link that will turn the port into a favored destination for perishable container cargo.
For now, the amount of grapes making the 17-day journey from Peru to Savannah is relatively small. But Logan believes the volume of grapes, as well as other fresh produce items, will only increase as the benefits of the port become more apparent. He also believes Chilean and Central American commodities will more frequently come through the port.
“We've worked with customs and the USDA to ensure inspection capabilities are all in place so we can offload a vessel, inspect it and get it out in six hours,” said Logan. “We're optimistic that the strong success we've had in receiving perishables will only encourage more perishables in the future.”
For more information: Robert Morris
Senior Director of Corporate Communications
T: (912) 964-3855
(912) 964-3855 E: rmorris@gaports.com
www.gaports.com