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Freight Home

Freight and goods movement is at the heart of the American economy. The nation’s $1.75 trillion transportation infrastructure makes it possible to move $6 trillion worth of freight each year. Transportation services make up a substantial portion of the economy—about 11% of the gross domestic product. Over 13 million people work directly or indirectly in transportation services
 

Despite the importance of freight and goods movement to the economy, investment in the system has lagged behind amounts needed to accommodate growth. To simply maintain the nation’s already crowded interstates and highways at their current level of service, about $34 billion more is needed per year. Even more money is needed to actually improve road conditions for motorists and truckers. Railroads will need to invest up to $175 billion over the next 20 years, principally through private financing sources. To accommodate the 827 million enplanements expected by 2008, airport capacity will need to be expanded by the equivalent of ten airports the size of Chicago’s O’Hare. 

 

 

 
 
 

 

 

Freight Updates

Talking Freight Series

The Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA's) Office of Freight Management and Operations and Office of Planning is sponsoring a net-conference entitled “Virtual Weigh Stations” on August 15, 2007 from 1:00 - 2:30 PM (EDT).   This session is part of the "Talking Freight" Seminar Series, which was designed to provide a convenient, no-cost way for transportation practitioners in all sectors to broaden their freight knowledge base and develop/strengthen their skills. Space is still available for this session.  To register for this session, as well as future sessions, please go to http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/FPD/talking_freight.htm

Freight Finance Guidebook Available

FHWA’s Office of Freight Management and Operations has posted a Freight Finance guidebook on their website. To obtain a copy, please visit http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/. We have been advised by FHWA that once hard copies are available they will be provided to MPOs and COGs through the FHWA division offices in each state.

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