Forward Air Corporation Selects Savannah as First Market for Innovative New Business Model with the Introduction of Expedited Freight Service
Monday, July 13th, 2020
Forward Air Corporation is executing a growth strategy that involves organic infrastructure investments as well as acquisitions of complementary businesses. Today, Forward announces that they will introduce their less-than-truckload (LTL) service to Savannah. Forward has selected the Savannah region as the first market for its new business model which introduces LTL by leveraging the company’s existing infrastructure to offer its full suite of services. The introduction of the LTL expedited freight service significantly improves freight options for businesses of every size and type in the Savannah region.
Forward offers the fastest expedited LTL service in the Savannah market, giving customers access to a national network covering 90 percent of the United States. This development is significant for the port and local businesses in the Savannah area, as it enables products to be brought to inland markets much faster than before, which is especially important for regions without a major airport, such as Savannah.
Forward Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Schmitt said, “We selected Savannah because we recognize the significance of its economic growth and the impact of the Georgia Ports Authority in global commerce. By introducing LTL to Savannah and offering the transportation of relatively small freight to our other established services, Forward now has the ability to create customized solutions for any customer – from a large retailer to a local small business owner.”
Forward selected Savannah as the first market to introduce its expedited LTL freight service by utilizing the company’s existing infrastructure in the region, demonstrating its network and adaptability. Savannah is an important market for Forward and following the successful introduction of LTL, Forward will follow this new business model across other facilities throughout the USA.
Tennessee-based Forward has provided services in the Savannah region for eight years, serving as a significant employer in Chatham County and throughout business-friendly Georgia.
Forward expanded operations in Savannah in 2015, 2019 and now in 2020. The introduction of the LTL service will eventually double the company’s number of employees at Forward’s Final Mile facility on Artley Road in Pooler, where LTL will be based initially. Savannah marks the first time that the company has expanded their LTL offering into a new market through their existing Final Mile network. Final Mile was established in Savannah in 2019 to provide businesses with a vital link in solving logistical challenges. Forward’s Final Mile delivery brings products directly to customers’ homes and has seen significant growth due to increased demand during the pandemic. Forward Intermodal (previously known as CST) has been a market leader in Savannah’s import delivery and export pickup between ports/rails and customer distribution centers for five years.
Forward is a transportation company that was founded on the simple idea of improving reliability and lowering costs by grounding air freight for short distances. Over the past 30 years, Forward has grown into a leader in the ground transportation industry with a portfolio of services that has evolved to meet customers’ unique shipping needs, including expedited linehaul (TL & LTL), pick-up and delivery, intermodal drayage, final mile and specialized temperature-controlled logistics services.
Forward acts a supply chain partner and a single resource for customers’ shipping needs. Visit www.forwardaircorp.com for more information.