Customs Clearance at Port of Savannah
Port of Savannah is the fastest-growing major container port in the United States and #3 by volume. Learn clearance timelines, Garden City Terminal procedures, and CBP requirements.
TL;DR — Savannah At a Glance
- Container volume: 5.9M TEUs/year; #3 US port by TEUs (behind LA/LB and NY/NJ)
- Average clearance time: 16-28 hours for compliant shipments; 3-5 days if exam selected
- Key facility: Garden City Terminal (largest single-terminal container facility in North America)
- Unique considerations: Fastest-growing US port; excellent rail connectivity (42% intermodal); lower congestion than NY/NJ
- Local contact: CBP Port of Savannah — (912) 652-4256
Port Overview & Import Volume
The Port of Savannah is the #3 busiest U.S. container port (5.9M TEUs in 2024) and the fastest-growing major port nationally (+8.2% annual growth 2020-2024). Its Garden City Terminal is the largest single-terminal container facility in North America, offering exceptional efficiency compared to congested multi-terminal ports.
2024 Import Statistics
- TEU Volume: 5.9 million TEUs (2024); +8.2% from 2023
- Top Import Categories: Retail goods (31%), automotive parts (18%), machinery (15%), chemicals (12%)
- Primary Trade Lanes: China (38%), Vietnam (16%), India (11%), South Korea (9%)
- Average Vessel Dwell Time: 2.3 days — fastest major East Coast port
- Rail vs. Truck: 42% rail, 58% truck (highest rail percentage on East Coast)
- Average Container Turn Time: 52 minutes (industry-leading efficiency)
For real-time stats, see Georgia Ports Authority.
Typical Clearance Timeline
Based on our 2024 clearance data across 3,400+ entries at Port of Savannah:
| Scenario | Typical Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Release (No Exam) | 16-28 hours | Fastest among major East Coast ports |
| Intensive Exam (CET) | 3-5 days | Lower exam backlog than NY/NJ |
| FDA/CPSC Hold | 3-9 days | Common for retail/consumer goods |
| UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor) Hold | 7-30 days | High China import volume = frequent UFLPA holds |
| IP/Trademark Hold | 5-14 days | Retail/consumer goods counterfeits |
Port-Specific Entry Procedures
1. Pre-Arrival Filing Best Practices
Savannah's exceptional efficiency means cargo moves fast once released. Early filing = faster pickup and lower storage costs.
- ISF Filing: Must be submitted 24+ hours before vessel loading. CBP strictly enforces $5,000 late ISF penalties.
- Entry Summary (ACE): File 24-48 hours before arrival. Pre-arrival filing qualifies for accelerated release.
- Customs Bond: Continuous bond required for frequent importers; single transaction bonds available for one-time imports.
- Free Time: Terminals offer 4-5 days free time; demurrage $75-150/day after expiration.
2. Common Exam Triggers at Savannah
- 🔍 Retail Goods from China: Section 301 tariff verification; UFLPA screening for Xinjiang-linked products
- 🔍 Automotive Parts: Origin verification for USMCA compliance; counterfeit parts detection
- 🔍 Machinery & Equipment: Accurate HTS classification required for complex machinery
- 🔍 Consumer Products: CPSC safety testing for toys, electronics; lead/phthalate testing
- 🔍 First Shipment After Long Gap: Importers with >6-month inactivity face higher exam rates
3. Local CBP Office & Contact
CBP Port of Savannah
1 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 652-4256
Hours: Entry processing 24/7; in-person inquiries Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Why Choose Williamsburg Customs for Savannah Clearance
- ✓ Fast-growing port expertise: Deep experience with Savannah's unique procedures and rapid cargo flow
- ✓ Retail/consumer goods specialists: Navigate CPSC, FDA, and PGA requirements efficiently
- ✓ UFLPA compliance: Proactive supply chain documentation to avoid forced labor holds
- ✓ Pre-arrival filing priority: Maximize Savannah's speed advantages with early entries
- ✓ Transparent pricing: $125-175 per ocean entry; volume discounts for 100+ entries/month
Need Customs Clearance at Port of Savannah?
Licensed customs broker with expertise in Savannah port procedures. Fast, compliant clearance to match the port's industry-leading efficiency.