Shipping Heavy Equipment from Augusta, GA to Savannah, GA

Route Overview: Augusta to Savannah

The primary route from Augusta, GA, to Savannah, GA, follows US Highway 25 South through Waynesboro and Statesboro before connecting to Interstate 16 East into Savannah. The total distance is approximately 130 miles, with a driving time of roughly 2–2.5 hours for standard freight. Heavy-haul moves typically complete in 1–2 days from pickup to delivery.

An alternate routing via I-20 East to I-95 South is sometimes used for very wide loads that benefit from the higher-capacity interstate infrastructure, though it adds approximately 20 miles to the trip.

The Port of Savannah: Why This Lane Matters

The Port of Savannah's Garden City Terminal is one of the top U.S. ports for construction and agricultural equipment exports. Equipment dealers and exporters moving machinery from Augusta-area auction yards — including Ritchie Bros. and IronPlanet events — to Savannah for container loading or RoRo shipment are among the most frequent shippers on this lane.

Key port logistics considerations for equipment exporters:

• TWIC credentials: Drivers delivering to the port must hold Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC). IronHaul uses TWIC-credentialed drivers for all port deliveries.
• EEI/AES filing: Electronic Export Information must be filed at least 72 hours before scheduled export for used self-propelled vehicles. IronHaul coordinates with freight forwarders to ensure documentation is in order.
• RoRo vs. container: Self-propelled equipment in working condition is typically exported via Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels. Non-operational equipment may require flat rack or container loading.
• Port scheduling: Delivery windows at the Garden City Terminal must be pre-scheduled. IronHaul coordinates port appointments as part of the transport package.

GDOT Permit Requirements

Georgia's oversize/overweight permits are issued by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Legal limits and permit thresholds:

Dimension	Legal Limit	Permit Required Above
Width	8'6"	8'6"
Height	13'6"	13'6"
Length (combination)	100'	100'
Gross Vehicle Weight	80,000 lbs	80,000 lbs

Georgia requires pilot cars for loads exceeding specific dimension thresholds, and police escorts may be required for very wide or heavy superloads. GDOT permits are typically processed within 1–3 business days for standard oversize loads.

Trailer Selection for This Lane

• Flatbed: Suitable for equipment within legal height and width — skid steers, forklifts, attachments, and smaller construction equipment
• Step-deck: Used for mid-size equipment needing additional height clearance; common for telehandlers and mid-size excavators
• Lowboy / RGN: Required for large excavators, cranes, motor graders, and other tall or heavy machines destined for port delivery

Cost Factors on the Augusta–Savannah Lane

Heavy equipment transport on this 130-mile corridor typically carries minimum-load charges. Expect rates in the range of $900–$2,800 for most moves, depending on equipment size and permit requirements. Port delivery adds coordination costs but is often offset by the efficiency of combining inland transport with export logistics.

• GDOT permit fees: typically $75–$250 for standard oversize loads
• Escort vehicles: required for loads over 14' wide; $150–$300 per pilot car
• Port delivery coordination: TWIC driver, port appointment scheduling, documentation support
• Minimum-load charges: short-distance moves often have flat minimums regardless of mileage

Moving equipment from Augusta to Savannah — or coordinating a port delivery for export? IronHaul Logistics handles the full move, from inland pickup to port gate. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or get a quote online. We know the Port of Savannah's requirements and handle all GDOT permitting in-house.