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Kroger offers $4 prescriptions
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Kroger pharmacist prepares for the start of the new drug plan. - photo by Alena Parker / Coastal Courier
Consumers now have more money-saving options, banking as much as an extra $40, after Kroger debuted its new, $4 generic prescription drug program Feb. 6, widening the door to more than 300 medications.
The store's pharmacy will provide buyers a 30-day supply of generic drugs, equivalent to popular brand names but normally at lower prices. These commonly used medications will also include two birth control variants and a fertility drug for $9 each.
In step with Wal-Mart's introduction of a similar drug plan in 2006 and, according to Kroger spokesperson Jeff Barwick, "in an effort to remain more competitive and benefit our customers," Kroger decided to kick off the initiative.
"Everybody's really excited to be able to present this to the public," Barwick said.
The pharmacy will act only as a dispensing point, not a source for obtaining the written prescription, which will need to come from a doctor.
Barwick verified that Kroger's selection of prescription variations is "frequently prescribed," meaning minimal concerns for those considering the generic brand switch.
"For most cases, it's an easy change," Barwick said. "But it wouldn't hurt to have a doctor opinion on it. Certainly we want them to feel good about switching to a generic."
He also mentioned how developments such as Kroger's drug program could have help some overcome obstacles in affording prescription medication.
"Definitely you'll see an improvement in the economic situation of those families that don't have any insurance currently," he said.
Barwick made a trip to Hinesville's Kroger last Thursday and visited with employees and shoppers.
"The customers that I've had interaction with are very, very positive about it and so is our pharmacy team," Barwick said. "This is by far the biggest program that we've had in years, that we'll probably have this year."
Kroger will continue to carry brand name drugs, at customers' requests.
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GPA grows trade, market share
Intermodal volume up 20 percent
port photo
Rubber tired gantry cranes handle cargo at the Chatham Intermodal Container Transfer Facility at the Port of Savannah. The Georgia Ports Authority's Mason Mega Rail project will double rail lift capacity to 1 million containers per year by 2020 - photo by Provided

The Georgia Ports Authority achieved 14 percent growth in March container volumes, moving 355,208 20-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers.

From July 2017 to March, TEU container trade grew by 9 percent, or 255,786 additional units for a total of 3.08 million, a new record for Savannah.

"Savannah's continued strength is a reflection of our customers' commitment, Georgia's leadership, and the many dedicated service providers, GPA employees and ILA members who come together every day to achieve great things," said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. "March marked our 17th consecutive month of business expansion thanks, in part, to a strong economy and growing market share."

Intermodal rail volumes jumped by 20 percent in March and 15.4 percent for the fiscal year to date, for a total of 318,454 containers handled over nine months – another record for the GPA.

"As the numbers show, our rail cargo is growing at a faster pace than our overall trade," GPA Chairman Jimmy Allgood said. "This is important because rail is playing a key role in our responsible growth strategy. We anticipate our rail infrastructure investments to take 250,000 trucks off the road each year by 2020."

The GPA recently broke ground on its Mason Mega Rail Terminal, on which the Port of Savannah will build 10,000-foot unit trains within its own footprint. From the expanded rail infrastructure at Garden City Terminal, Class I rail providers CSX and Norfolk Southern will provide direct rail service to major Southeast and Midwestern markets from Memphis to St. Louis, Chicago to Cincinnati.

An added benefit is that the Mason Mega Rail project will move all rail switching on terminal – improving vehicle traffic flow around the port.

In August, the GPA will open its Appalachian Regional Port in Murray County. Located in an industrial belt, including the production and export of carpet and flooring, automobiles and tires, the ARP will provide an alternative to all-truck transit to Northwest Georgia.

Each round-trip container moved via the Appalachian Regional Port will offset 710 truck miles on Georgia highways.

March was also a strong month for roll-on/roll-off auto and machinery units at the Port of Brunswick and Ocean Terminal in Savannah. Colonel's Island Terminal in Brunswick handled 66,144 cars, trucks and tractors, while Ocean Terminal added 4,050, for a total 70,194, a 17.2 percent increase.

"The global economy is thriving and our volumes are following suit," Lynch said. "As existing accounts grow their footprint in the expanding auto facility in Brunswick, Georgia's competitive logistical advantages are drawing additional business across all of our docks."

Lynch noted that for the fiscal year to date, Mayor's Point breakbulk terminal in Brunswick grew by 44 percent (34,515 tons) to reach 112,728 tons of forest products. At East River Terminal, bulk cargo expanded by 34 percent July-March (189,918 tons) for a total of 750,384 tons.

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