Exporting Heavy Equipment Through the Port of Savannah: A Complete Logistics Guide

Why the Port of Savannah for Equipment Exports

The Port of Savannah offers several advantages for heavy equipment exporters:

• Strategic location: Direct access to I-95 and I-16 provides efficient inland connectivity to the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest equipment markets
• RORO infrastructure: Savannah's Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) terminals handle drivable equipment efficiently, with regular sailings to major global markets
• Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ 104): FTZ benefits allow equipment exporters to defer duties and manage inventory more efficiently
• High weight permits: Georgia allows gross vehicle weights up to 100,000 lbs with special permits, facilitating transport of heavy machinery to the port
• Regional hinterland: Savannah's port hinterland covers approximately 44% of the US population, making it accessible from major equipment markets across the Southeast and beyond

Shipping Methods: RORO vs Container vs Breakbulk

The right export method depends on the equipment's condition, dimensions, and destination:

Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO)

RORO is the most common method for drivable heavy equipment. The machine is driven onto the vessel under its own power (or towed if non-operational) and secured in the ship's cargo hold. RORO is cost-effective for large, self-propelled machines and offers faster port processing than container or breakbulk methods. Best for: excavators, dozers, wheel loaders, motor graders, and other self-propelled construction equipment.

Containerized (Flat-Rack)

Smaller equipment (compact excavators, forklifts, skid steers) can be loaded onto flat-rack containers for export. Flat-rack containers accommodate oversized loads that don't fit in standard 20- or 40-foot containers. This method offers better protection from weather and theft than RORO for smaller, higher-value machines. Best for: compact equipment, attachments, and machines with sensitive electronics.

Breakbulk

Very large or non-standard equipment (large cranes, mining equipment, industrial machinery) that doesn't fit RORO or container methods is shipped as breakbulk cargo — loaded individually onto the vessel using cranes. Breakbulk requires more planning and port coordination but handles the largest and heaviest loads. Best for: crawler cranes, large mining equipment, and oversized industrial machinery.

Inland Transport to the Port of Savannah

Getting equipment from its origin to the port is the most complex part of the export logistics chain:

• Nationwide pickup: IronHaul picks up equipment from auction yards, dealer lots, job sites, and storage facilities anywhere in the US and delivers to the Port of Savannah
• Trailer selection: RGN trailers for self-propelled equipment; lowboys for non-drive-on loads; step decks for compact equipment
• Multi-state permits: Long-distance moves require oversize/overweight permits from each state on the route. IronHaul coordinates all permits simultaneously.
• Port delivery timing: Port operators require advance notice of equipment arrivals. IronHaul coordinates delivery windows with port staff to ensure smooth gate entry.

Georgia GDOT Permit Requirements

Transporting heavy equipment in and around Savannah requires Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) permits:

• Width over 8.5 ft: Oversize permit required via GAPROS (Georgia Permitting and Routing Optimization System)
• Width over 12 ft: Certified pilot car required; over 14 ft: two pilot cars
• Height over 13.5 ft: Permit required; route survey for loads over 15 ft
• GVW over 80,000 lbs: Overweight permit required; Georgia allows up to 100,000 lbs with special permits
• Port area restrictions: Oversize loads near the port and major interchanges (I-16, I-95) may be subject to daylight-only travel and peak-hour restrictions

Export Documentation Requirements

Equipment exporters must prepare the following documentation before port delivery:

• Bill of Lading (BOL): Issued by the ocean carrier; describes the cargo and terms of shipment
• AES/EEI Filing: Electronic Export Information must be filed through the Automated Export System for shipments over $2,500
• Title/Ownership Documentation: Clear title or proof of ownership is required for customs clearance
• Commercial Invoice: Describes the equipment, its value, and the buyer/seller information
• Packing List: Details the equipment's dimensions, weight, and any attachments included in the shipment
• CARB Compliance (California-origin equipment): Equipment originating in California may require CARB emissions documentation

Common Equipment Exported Through Savannah

The Port of Savannah handles a wide range of heavy equipment exports:

• Used excavators, dozers, and wheel loaders from Southeast auction yards and dealers
• Agricultural equipment (tractors, combines, planters) from Southeast and Midwest farms
• Forklifts and material handling equipment from industrial facilities
• Generators and power equipment for international infrastructure projects
• Construction equipment purchased at Ritchie Bros., IronPlanet, and Purple Wave auctions

IronHaul Logistics specializes in inland transport for equipment exporters shipping through the Port of Savannah. We handle nationwide pickup, multi-state permits, and port delivery coordination. Get a quote online, call (208) 495-2260, or email [email protected].