Overview
Freight traffic has generally been growing at a rate faster than passenger traffic on the nation’s highway network. As a result, freight bottlenecks have begun to develop at various points throughout the network. These have historically been near ports and other intermodal facilities. However, future travel forecasts are beginning to show the effects on congestion of growing freight traffic on urban freeways, urban arterials, and some cross-country routes in rural areas. The ability to understand freight flows and forecast freight demand is taking on greater and greater importance. Efficient freight movement is directly tied to the economic well-being of states and localities. Most transportation agencies are increasingly focusing on effectively engaging and seeking the input (and ultimately meeting the needs) of private freight stakeholders.
This report provides guidance to transportation agencies at the state, regional, metropolitan, and local levels on how best to collaborate with private-sector freight stakeholders in planning and developing future highway capacity. As