Overview
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Office of Freight Management and Operations, developed the Urban Freight Cases Studies as a way to document notable practices in urban goods movement. These case studies provide information on freight-related initiatives that mitigate congestion and improve the safety and efficiency of commercial vehicle travel in urban areas. Los Angeles is one of four urban areas selected for study. The other areas are Orlando, New York City, and Washington, DC.
In order to develop the most useful case studies, FHWA conducted an extensive review of freight-related projects and strategies that provide practical information and transferable solutions to the challenges that confront urban goods movement. The project team also conducted site visits and interviews with organizations involved in project implementation, including state departments of transportation (DOTs), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), city governments, and private-sector businesses. The results of the site visits and interviews are highlighted here.
As this region's largest city, Los Angeles plays an important role in developing and supporting business and trade. Because of its ideal location as a hub for global trade, its large manufacturing sector, and its massive size and population, the City of Los Angeles' transportation system carries a significant share of the nation's freight. Approximately 35 percent of the nation's waterborne freight travels through the gates of the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, also known collectively as the San Pedro Ports.