Logistics is big business in the Peach State. Major interstates, the world’s busiest airport, and ports that are among the busiest in the country mean a significant share of the nation’s commerce runs through Georgia – an impact of $107 billion in 2023. With this level of impact, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and its strategic arm the Georgia Center of Innovation host an annual Logistics Summit. The summit is a chance for experts from government, business and higher education to discuss the state of the industry, tech an other investments. The event started in 2009, as one of the Southeast’s key events to connect industry professionals.
“Georgia’s unmatched global connectivity is one of the driving forces behind our economic success. Decades of strategic investment in our logistics and supply chain infrastructure – from our ports and rail lines to our highways and air cargo capabilities – have led to record-breaking economic investments and trade,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson.
According to an economic impact study by the University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth, that $107 billion impact totals out to nearly 600,000 jobs, more than 10 percent of the state’s total employment. From 2010 to 2023, the industry’s employment grew by 68 percent, beating out the national rate of 52 percent.
“The Logistics Summit brings together private sector, government, and education leaders to learn from experts, exchange best practices, and explore opportunities in the rapidly evolving logistics landscape to maximize opportunities,” said Wilson. “Events like this strengthen collaboration and spark new ideas that keep Georgia businesses competitive on a global scale.”
One of the major speakers at the summit was Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner (GDOT) Russel McMurry who pointed to the assistance from Governor Brian Kemp and the General Assembly with $1 billion in assistance for the new Georgia Freight Program. Other investments include moving up timelines for interstate upgrades and bridge replacements. The still-expanding multimodal transportation network – ship to rail to truck – carried nearly half a billion tons of freight in 2019, and this is expected to nearly double in volume by 2050 to 900 million tons. GDOT is also planning on adding 50 percent more truck parking and installing fiber internet on Georgia interstates.
“Digital technologies are reshaping supply chains in various ways, and Georgia is working to stay ahead of the curve,” said Center of Innovation Executive Director David Nuckolls. “The Center of Innovation and our specialized logistics team work alongside this dynamic industry, helping to position businesses for growth. The annual Georgia Logistics Summit is a powerful opportunity to build connections and equip businesses with crucial knowledge and resources.”
