International Car Shipping Blog

Poti Port Georgia: Hub for Used & Salvage Car Imports

Written by Felix Cater | May 9, 2025 at 7:11 PM

Poti Port has emerged as the undisputed leader in Georgia's auto import sector, handling the majority of all vehicle shipments entering the country. As West Coast Shipping's primary destination for US-sourced vehicles, Poti combines strategic location, streamlined logistics, and cost efficiency to serve both local markets and regional re-export networks.

Unmatched Infrastructure for Auto Imports

Expanding Capacity for Growing Demand

Recent infrastructure investments have solidified Poti's position as Georgia's automotive gateway. The port has seen significant year-over-year increases in vehicle handling, processing thousands of cars monthly. The ongoing expansion project includes:

  • A new quay for larger vessels

  • Modern cargo handling equipment

  • Increased annual container capacity

These upgrades enable faster turnaround times, critical for time-sensitive salvage car shipments.

Strategic Advantages for US Importers

Direct Routes & Cost Savings

West Coast Shipping leverages Poti's infrastructure to offer:

  • Weekly container consolidations from New Jersey and Florida

  • No additional chassis fees through our owned fleet

  • Efficient transit times from East Coast ports

Our market analysis for Georgia shows Poti's handling process is more efficient than alternatives, with clearance typically completed in a matter of days rather than weeks.

Salvage Car Specialization

Poti's repair ecosystem makes it ideal for salvage imports:

  • Significantly lower labor costs compared to the EU

  • Numerous certified repair shops near the port

  • Streamlined inspection process for salvage titles

We recommend enclosed containers for non-running vehicles, with competitive rates available through our instant quote calculator.

Customs Efficiency & Regional Re-Export

Streamlined Clearance Process

Our partnership with Poti-based agents ensures:

  • Expedited customs clearance for pre-documented shipments

  • Standard import duty and VAT processing

  • Efficient inland transfer options

As highlighted in our Georgia car shipping guide, a significant percentage of vehicles cleared at Poti are re-exported within days to:

  • Azerbaijan through established routes

  • Armenia via the Georgian Military Highway

  • Kazakhstan with growing annual volume

Competitive Edge for US Exporters

Market-Driven Service

Poti's continued growth confirms its regional dominance, handling increasing container volume and vessel traffic year over year. This scale allows West Coast Shipping to offer:

  • Competitive shipping rates from our East Coast facilities

  • Free pre-shipment storage for customers

  • Volume discounts for multiple vehicle shipments