Trucking News · Georgia · November 3, 2026

Georgia's $134 Million Gainesville Inland Port Is Open to Truckers From I-85 and I-985, With Plans to Move 26,000 Containers to Rail in Year One

By Big Rig Daily Staff

Georgia has opened a new inland terminal in the northeastern part of the state. Gov. Brian Kemp and the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) officially opened the $134 million Gainesville Inland Port on Oct. 29, 2026, in a ceremony at the site, according to CDL Life. Big Rig Daily's earlier report on the Gainesville terminal covered the opening; this report adds the access and capacity details.

What opened

The facility has a capacity of 200,000 containers per year and is accessible to trucks from Interstates 85 and 985. It connects Northeast Georgia to the Port of Savannah through rail.

Gov. Kemp said in the ceremony: "Georgia's ports are a major reason companies choose to invest and create jobs here, and the Gainesville Inland Port brings that advantage directly to Northeast Georgia. Connecting this region to the Port of Savannah with new supply chain options makes it easier for Georgia businesses to reach customers around the world and helps ease congestion on our highways."

Rail or truck

According to the GPA, customers can now choose rail for greater affordability and for heavier loads, or truck-only for faster transit. The authority expects to shift 26,000 containers to rail in the terminal's first year of operation, which it says will improve emissions and reduce the number of trucks on Atlanta and Georgia highways.

Georgia Ports Chairman Alec Poitevint thanked Gov. Kemp, the General Assembly and the Georgia Department of Transportation. GPA President Kevin Price said the authority is working with customers and the logistics community to create more business opportunities.

What it could mean for truckers

The GPA's stated goal is to put fewer trucks on the roads between the port and the Atlanta area. That could change how containers move in the region, but the sources do not say whether it will mean more or less work for trucking companies or owner-operators. Big Rig Daily is not guessing at the effect on pay or loads.

What is not known

The announcement does not give gate hours, the truck appointment process, the number of trucks expected per day or the first date for rail service. Truckers who plan to call at the terminal should confirm procedures with the Georgia Ports Authority.

Related coverage

Big Rig Daily has also reported on how railroads are winning truck freight as diesel rises, which looks at how rail and drayage interact.

Quick facts

• Facility: Gainesville Inland Port, Georgia.
• Opened: Oct. 29, 2026, by Gov. Brian Kemp and the Georgia Ports Authority.
• Cost: $134 million.
• Capacity: 200,000 containers a year.
• Truck access: Interstates 85 and 985.
• Year-one rail target: 26,000 containers.

FAQ

Does the terminal take only rail freight?

No. The GPA says customers can choose rail or truck-only service.

Which highways reach it?

Interstates 85 and 985, according to CDL Life.

Does the report say how many trucks will use it?

No. It gives only the year-one expectation of 26,000 containers shifting to rail.

A question for readers

Truckers who haul containers in Georgia, how do you think a new inland terminal will change your route to and from the Port of Savannah?

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