Atlanta's Freight Market: Opportunities for 3PLs and Freight Brokers

Georgia is renowned as the logistics and transportation hub of the Southeast. Home to 85% of the world's top third-party logistics companies (3PLs), Georgia's freight network extends its reach far and wide. An impressive 80% of the U.S. market is accessible within a 2-hour flight or a 2-day truck drive from the state, highlighting its pivotal role in the distribution chain.

The heart of Georgia's logistics prowess lies in its world-class facilities. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest and most efficient airport and features extensive cargo capabilities. With over 2 million square feet of warehousing space and a unique USDA-approved On-terminal Perishables Complex, it handles an astonishing 650,000 metric tons of cargo annually.

Complementing the airport's capacity is the Port of Savannah. Georgia's port is a leader in American-made exports and boasts 67 cold chain facilities encompassing 189 million cubic feet of space. 

This article breaks down the facets of Georgia's freight market that make it a hotspot for 3PLs and freight brokers. From industry-driving sectors to emerging trends and strategic insights, we explore what makes Georgia an ideal landscape for logistics success.

Georgia's Economy and Industries

Georgia's economy is characterized by growth and diversification, making it one of the leading economic centers in the Southeast. In recent years, the state has experienced significant economic development, marked by increased investment, job creation, and technological innovation.

Georgia is known for its business-friendly climate, which includes competitive tax incentives, a skilled workforce, and a strategic location that provides easy access to domestic and international markets. This environment has attracted many businesses, from manufacturers to multinational corporations.

Top Industries

Understanding Georgia's industrial landscape is crucial as you look to expand your business and diversify your client base. Keeping an eye on growing industries can provide new opportunities and help in strategic planning for business expansion.

Top 5 Industries By Number of Companies According to NAICS: 

• Retail Trade: A primary industry in Georgia, comprising everything from large retail chains to independent stores, significantly influencing the movement of consumer goods.
• Construction: The construction industry drives substantial freight movement from building materials to equipment. Although there was a 4.1% decrease in revenue last year, it remains a vital part of the state's economy.
• Wholesale Trade: This sector, contributing $43 Billion to Georgia's GDP, acts as a critical link in the distribution of products throughout the state and beyond.
• Manufacturing: Manufacturing is central to Georgia's economy, growing 4.3% and accumulating $59 Billion in GDP last year. 
• Transportation and Warehousing: This sector is crucial to Georgia's supply chain and boasts a 3.5% annual growth rate.

Top Manufacturing Goods

Georgia boasts a substantial manufacturing sector with 8,100 companies employing 476,170 workers. A significant portion of these companies, 12%, are publicly owned, and the same percentage imports raw materials. Notably, 25% of these manufacturers distribute their products internationally.

Atlanta, Georgia's largest industrial city, houses 679 manufacturers with 49,090 workers. Other key industrial cities include Dalton, Savannah, Gainesville, Marietta, Alpharetta, and Columbus.

Georgia's manufacturing landscape is diverse, featuring significant aeronautics, automobile manufacturing, and food processing players. These industries and cities are crucial to the state's robust industrial sector.

Below are the top industries by GDP according to Georgia Tech’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership: 

• Food and Tobacco Manufacturing ($11,650 million in GDP)
• Chemical Manufacturing ($6,350 million in GDP)
• Aerospace and Transportation Manufacturing ($5,975 million in GDP)
• Textile and Textile Product Mills ($4,454 million in GDP)
• Paper Manufacturing ($4,381 million in GDP).

New and Rising Manufacturers in Georgia

Georgia's business-friendly environment attracts many companies to metro Atlanta and other parts of the state. Various businesses are opening headquarters, distribution centers, and customer service offices. 

Here are some of the significant business moves happening in the area.

1. Meissner Corporation: Specializing in bioprocessing and therapeutic manufacturing systems, Meissner Corporation plans to invest $250 million in a new facility in Athens-Clarke County, creating over 1,700 jobs. Their products are crucial for pharmaceuticals, including COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics.

‍2. Hanwha Advanced Materials Georgia, Inc. (HAGA): HAGA will build a new $147 million manufacturing facility in Cartersville, creating over 160 jobs. This plant will be the only U.S. company to produce solar encapsulants, supporting domestic solar panel production.

3. Sam's Club: Investing more than $142 million, Sam's Club will establish a new fulfillment center in Douglas County, creating 600 jobs. This facility is part of their strategy to enhance supply chain capabilities in the southeastern U.S.

‍4. SK Battery America (SKBA): A subsidiary of SK Group, SKBA is opening a regional IT hub in Roswell, creating 200 jobs with a $19 million investment. They are also investing $2.6 billion in two lithium-ion battery manufacturing facilities in Jackson County.

5. Seohan Auto Georgia: An automotive parts manufacturer, Seohan Auto will invest over $72 million in a new facility in Liberty County, creating at least 180 jobs. This facility will produce parts for Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America.

6. PHA: A global auto parts manufacturer, PHA plans to invest more than $67 million in a new facility in Chatham County, creating 402 jobs. The facility will produce various auto parts for Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America.

7. Seoyon E-HWA: Investing almost $76 million, Seoyon E-HWA will establish a new manufacturing facility in Chatham County, creating 740 jobs. The facility will produce automotive interior parts for various car manufacturers.

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Opportunities for Freight Brokers and 3PLs in Atlanta

Atlanta's economy and freight market offers many opportunities for freight brokers and 3PLs looking to expand or diversify their business. Georgia's strategic position as the logistics and transportation hub of the Southeast, combined with its access to 80% of the U.S. market, provides an unparalleled platform for growth.

The state's robust manufacturing sector, including solid industries like food processing, transportation equipment, and chemicals, continues to drive demand for freight and logistics services. 

With Georgia's economy experiencing substantial growth and the freight and logistics industry contributing significantly to the state's GDP, there is an apparent demand for efficient, innovative logistics solutions. The influx of new businesses and business expansions in the state further underscores the need for capable freight brokers and 3PLs to facilitate these operations.

Are you growing your Atlanta freight brokerage or trucking company? Need an Atlanta factoring company? Denim has your cash flow needs covered. With flexible factoring solutions, Denim can set you up for success in Georgia's growing market. Tap into the potential of this thriving economy and let Denim help you navigate the financial aspects easily. Learn how Atlanta-based Scale Logistics grew with Denim.