Most of Georgia’s top trucking routes run directly through Atlanta, which is an extremely convenient transportation hub in the Southeastern part of the USA. Atlanta is located at an intersection of major highways, I-75 and I-85 which makes the wider country easily accessible as these highways connect to the city. These two highways in particular are in the top 10 of the busiest freight routes in the USA. There’s no wonder there are currently over 32,000 trucking companies in Georgia alone when they have such a fantastic connective highways system 🚚.

As a Georgia based trucking company ourselves, we know the Peach State’s roads like the back of our hands 🍑. With our knowledge of Georgia’s top trucking routes, which we navigate every day we thought it’d be fun to share the top 5 trucking routes that weave up and down our state and how these routes affect your shipments 🛣.

Georgia’s Top Trucking Routes:

1. Interstate 75 (I-75)

The lifeline of the Southeast, the I-75 runs all of the way from the tippy top point of Michigan at the Canada/US border, all of the way through the heart of Georgia, and down through to Miami, Florida. Totalling 2,875km from start to finish, this interstate is a vital corridor for freight travelling between the Northeastern and Southeastern states. Due to the popularity of this freight route, delays from traffic congestion are notoriously bad, especially around Atlanta at peak times ⏰.

So, What Does This Mean For Your Freight?

Efficiency

Despite peak time congestion delays, the direct route of the I-75 often means much faster transit times when compared with other similar routes.

Tons of Available Capacity

Again, because of the popularity of this route, the I-75 is no stranger to thousands of trucks travelling on it daily. Meaning, there’s always capacity for your freight, no matter the volume.

Delays

But don’t forget, to be prepared for potential delays. Although your shipping partner will do whatever they can to avoid delays from congestion, like travelling at off-peak times, etc. Holiday seasons present a peak amount of traffic along this route, that can’t always be avoided so do be prepared.

2. Interstate 85 (I-85)

I-85 runs through the Southeastern states of the USA. From Montgomery, Alabama to Petersburg, Virginia and totals 1,076 km in length. This crucial route is frequently used to connect the Carolina’s to the Gulf Coast, through major cities and transportation hubs including, Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC and Montgomery, AL.

So, What Does This Mean For Your Freight?

Regional Access

The I-85 primarily connects markets in the Southeast, but allows for freight to be transported way beyond, onto connecting interstates and across the entire US 🛣.

Efficiency

Although the I-85 is a popular freight route, it usually is still less congested than the I-75 around the Atlanta, GA region.

3. Interstate 20 (I-20)

I-20 is a major West – East interstate spanning 2,477 km in total distance between Reeves County, Texas and ending in Florence, South Carolina. Through Georgia the I-20 runs from the Alabama state line all of the way to the Savannah River on the South Carolina state line, cutting right through the busy Metro Atlanta area.

So, What Does This Mean For Your Freight?

Extensive Cover

This route offers a direct transportation route from the Western and Eastern regions of the USA. Making it a critical corridor for long-haul trucking 🚛.

Access To Major Cities

On the Georgia state section of the route, this highway offers access to major cities, transportation hubs and distribution centers and warehouses through Atlanta and Augusta.

Interconnectivity With Other Major Highways

The I-20 provides access to other major roadways, like I-75, I-85 and I-95 . Making it flexible for routing and allows access to a wide range of destinations.

Congestion

As this major highway travels through 2 major cities in Georgia, it’s no surprise that it struggles with large amounts of congestion during peak times through Atlanta and Augusta. So again, be prepared for potential delays ⏰.

4. Interstate 95 (I-95)

I-95 has gained it’s title as the main North-South interstate highway on the East Coast of the USA. It runs a total of 3,096 km from the Canadian boarder in Maine all of the way down to Miami, Florida. Along route, the I-95 runs through Georgia, but this time along the Atlantic Coast. The I-95 route through Georgia makes up around 112 miles of the entire route and take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to drive the GA leg 🌊.

So, What Does This Mean For Your Freight?

Long-Haul Trucking

The I-95 connects Georgia to the Northeast and Floria. Making it a perfect shipping corridor for long-haul freight.

Port Access

The I-95 provides direct access to major shipping ports like Savannah port and Brunswick port. Making the import and export of goods much simpler and enhances Georgia’s global connectivity.

Interconnectivity

I-95 intersects with multiple other major highways with East – West access. Like the I-16 and I-20, offering easy access to inland routes and destinations.

Congestion

Due to the boom of Savannah port as of recent years, the traffic congestion around this area is excessive, causing delays and longer transit times.

5. Georgia State Route 400 (GA-400)

GA-400 is a vital artery connecting the bustling city of Atlanta with it’s Northern communities. It’s a freeway and state highway that travels through the state of Georgia, from Buckhead up to just Southeast of Dahlonega. Making this route a major North-South freeway, the GA-400 spans a total of 86km and serves parts of Metro Atlanta.

Side note: Be sure if you’re ever travelling along the GA-400 to take in the surroundings on this route, with views of the Chattahoochee River and rolling Georgia hills, it’s beautiful! 🏞

So, What Does This Mean For Your Freight?

Efficiency

The GA-400 is a direct link between the major city and transportation hub of Atlanta and the surrounding suburbs north of Atlanta.

Congestion

Heavy traffic in peak travel hours especially around the Metro Atlanta area. However, outside of these times the GA-400 creates a much more efficient route than other roads.

Express Lane Tolls

The GA-400 has extremely efficient express lanes. However, these lanes are toll lanes and come with an extra cost, which racks up in transportation costs 💵.

Limited Access Points

Along the GA-400 there are only very limited access points and interchanges, which means pick-ups and deliveries around this route may require extra travel along side roads. In turn this can result in longer transit times.

How Can PEI Help?

Understanding Georgia’s top trucking routes is key to efficiency when moving freight through and around the Peach state. Navigating these route alone can be extremely daunting. However, with the help of the right shipping partner your toughest shipments can be a breeze!

Contact us today, to learn how we can ease your stresses and deliver greatness using our knowledge of our home state, we might even know a few hidden shortcuts to optimize your shipments 😉

 

Need help with any of your specialized shipments?

At PEI we’re experts in dealing with specialized freight and can handle yours with any custom requirements.