What is Garden City Terminal?
Garden City Terminal is the primary container terminal at the Port of Savannah, operated by the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA). Located in Garden City, Georgia, it is the largest single-operator container terminal in North America, handling over 5.5 million TEUs annually.
Garden City Terminal tracking allows freight forwarders to monitor container status, vessel arrivals, and availability through GPA’s WebAccess system—essential for managing shipments through the East Coast’s fastest-growing port.
Why Garden City Terminal Matters for Freight Forwarders
The Port of Savannah has emerged as a critical gateway for U.S. imports and exports, particularly for cargo destined for the Southeast and Midwest. For freight forwarders, Garden City Terminal offers:
- Strategic location: Closest major port to Atlanta, Memphis, and Charlotte by rail
- Speed: Fastest intermodal transit times to major inland markets
- Capacity: Continuous expansion to handle growing container volumes
- Efficiency: Industry-leading truck turn times
With many importers shifting cargo from congested West Coast ports, mastering Garden City Terminal operations is increasingly important for forwarders serving e-commerce, retail, and manufacturing customers.
Garden City Terminal Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 2 Main St, Garden City, GA 31408 |
| Operator | Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) |
| FIRMS Codes | L737 (Garden City), L738 (Garden City West) |
| Size | 1,345 acres |
| Berths | 30 ship-to-shore cranes across 9 berths |
| Annual Capacity | 7+ million TEUs |
| Rail Service | On-terminal rail with Norfolk Southern and CSX |
| Truck Turn Time | Under 30 minutes average |
Major Shipping Lines at Garden City Terminal
- Maersk
- MSC
- CMA CGM
- COSCO
- Evergreen
- Hapag-Lloyd
- ONE (Ocean Network Express)
- Yang Ming
- ZIM
How to Track Containers at Garden City Terminal
Step 1: Access GPA WebAccess
Navigate to webaccess.gaports.com — the Georgia Ports Authority’s container tracking system.
Step 2: Select Terminal
Choose either: - L737 - Garden City Terminal (main terminal) - L738 - Garden City Terminal West (expansion facility)
Step 3: Enter Container Information
Input one of the following: - Container number - Bill of Lading number - Booking number
Step 4: Review Container Status
The system shows: - Vessel/voyage information - Discharge date - Last Free Day (LFD) - Container location (yard position) - Holds (customs, freight, terminal) - Available for pickup status
Required Information
- Container number (11 characters, e.g., MSCU1234567)
- Import/export designation
- For multiple containers: comma-separated list (max 25)
Garden City Terminal Gate Hours
| Day | Gate Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed (except during peak) |
Extended Hours: GPA frequently offers extended gate hours during peak season (August-October). Check the GPA website for current schedules.
Appointment System: Truck appointments are required for all container pickups and deliveries. Book through GPA’s online portal.
Understanding L737 and L738 Tracking
Garden City Terminal uses two FIRMS codes:
| FIRMS Code | Terminal | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| L737 | Garden City Terminal | Main terminal facility |
| L738 | Garden City Terminal West | Newer expansion area |
When tracking containers, always note which FIRMS code applies—this affects your customs clearance location and trucking dispatch instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Garden City Terminal located?
Garden City Terminal is located at 2 Main St, Garden City, Georgia 31408, approximately 5 miles west of downtown Savannah along the Savannah River.
What is the FIRMS code for Garden City Terminal?
Garden City Terminal uses two FIRMS codes: L737 for the main terminal and L738 for Garden City Terminal West. Verify which code applies to your container for accurate customs documentation.
How do I track a container at Garden City Terminal?
Use GPA’s WebAccess system at webaccess.gaports.com. Enter your container number, bill of lading, or booking reference to view real-time status including location, holds, and Last Free Day.
What shipping lines use Garden City Terminal?
Major carriers including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, Yang Ming, and ZIM operate regular services through Garden City Terminal.
What are Garden City Terminal gate hours?
Standard hours are Monday-Friday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM and Saturday 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Extended hours are common during peak shipping season.
Do I need an appointment for Garden City Terminal?
Yes, truck appointments are required for all import pickups and export deliveries. Schedule through GPA’s online appointment system.
What is the difference between L737 and L738?
Both are part of Garden City Terminal but represent different areas. L737 is the original main terminal, while L738 (Garden City Terminal West) is the newer expansion facility. Your container’s FIRMS code determines which area to dispatch trucks.
Automate Garden City Terminal Tracking with GoFreight
Manually checking WebAccess for every container? GoFreight automatically pulls container status from Garden City Terminal and other major ports, sending you real-time alerts for vessel arrivals, LFD changes, and availability updates.
Keep your customers informed and avoid demurrage charges with automated tracking workflows.
[See How GoFreight Streamlines Port Tracking →]
