DOT Home > Freight Transportation > National Freight Policy

Framework for a National Freight Policy - Existing Elements

DATE: November 24, 2009

Comments and questions concerning this framework should be directed to freight@dot.gov

Introduction
- The United States freight system underpins the nation's continued economic growth, and historically the U.S. has led the world in freight system design and management. Today the nation faces a new challenge. Dramatically increasing freight flows have created congestion in the transportation system, imposing costs on shippers, consumers, and the environment. The U.S. freight system faces significant capacity constraints at key freight gateways, and the Department of Transportation doesn't have the tools--or the authority--to remedy all of the problems on its own. Effective policy solutions will require coordinated and collaborative action by both public and private parties. That coordination and collaboration starts with focused communication about a framework for action.
  To bring together public and private stakeholders around a common vision, the U.S. Department of Transportation proposes this Framework for a National Freight Policy. The framework lays out a vision and objectives, then details strategies and tactics that the Department and its partners - both public and private sector - can pursue to achieve those objectives. To be credible and achievable, the framework requires input and buy-in from the broader freight sector, including both public and private sector interests. The Department has begun the process of soliciting such input, and DOT looks forward to working with its partners to further develop the framework over the coming months.
  Comments and questions concerning this proposed framework should be directed to freight@dot.gov
Vision Statement
- The United States freight transportation system will ensure the efficient, reliable, safe and secure movement of goods and support the nation's economic growth while improving environmental quality.
Overarching Themes
- Framework for National freight policy, not Federal freight policy. The United States freight transportation system is a national system, not a Federal system, composed of a vast array of inter-connected public and private sector institutions and organizations. In recognition of that fact, this framework includes strategies and tactics that draw upon not only the U.S. DOT, but also many other public and private sector organizations.
- Importance of investment. The national freight transportation system is a tremendous asset, and like any asset it requires investment to maintain its high level of performance - performance upon which the nation's economic growth depends. Historically public sector investment has largely taken the form of Federal grants. Going forward, this framework takes a broader perspective, leveraging a wide range of public and private investment tools to finance the construction and operation of freight infrastructure.
- Public-private collaboration. Historically the public sector and private sector have played clearly divided roles in relation to freight transportation: the public sector has built, owned, and operated transportation infrastructure - predominantly highways - and the private sector has used that infrastructure to conduct freight operations. This division has limited the opportunities for leveraging private sector efficiencies and expertise in the construction and operation freight infrastructure. Consequently, this framework focuses on facilitating freight transportation through collaborative action between the public and private sectors.
- Living document. This framework must be as dynamic as the freight sector and the economy it serves. This framework will evolve as conditions change and as strategies and tactics are tried and evaluated.
Existing Framework Elements
- Activity 1.1.04.01 Port and Other Freight Gateway Peak Pricing Program Evaluation
  - Description: Conducting research on the applicability, policy implications, and possible public and private sector roles related to peak pricing strategies in other ports or trade gateways.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/maritime
- Activity 1.1.05.01 Overnight Freight Services
  - Description: Companies such as UPS and FedEx utilize the transportation system at night to transport large amount of shipments during times of the day when the system has excess capacity
  - Lead: Various
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Private
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 1.1.06.01 Keep National Network Current
  - Description: Review applications to add or delete National Network routes which must accommodate trucks with single 48' or twin 28' long and 102" wide trailers
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 1.1.06.02 Continue Current Interstate Truck Weight Limits
  - Description: Limit truck weights to 80k lbs and Bridge Formula on Interstates
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 1.1.06.03 Continue Current Longer Combination Vehicle Routes
  - Description: Allow longer combination trucks to continue operating on routes where previously allowed
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 1.1.06.04 Study the feasibility of increases in truck size and weight
  - Description: Reconsider the economic, highway, and freight benefits and costs of increased truck sizes and weights and tie increases to improved safety, pavement and bridge impact performance, and revenue increases necessary to cover additional costs States, in collaboration with the freight transportation industry and the federal government should investigate the feasibility of adjustments in truck size and weight in particular corridors that demonstrate important economic benefits and meet safety, pavement/bridge impact, and financing criteria
  - Lead: AASHTO
  - Status: Planned
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 1.1.06.06 Truck Size and Weight Certification
  - Description: Ensure annual truck size and Weight Certification properly addresses any modifications to the National Network
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 1.1.07.01 Use and Expansion of Double Stack Container Train Service
  - Description: Norfolk Southern Railroad Corporation is clearing tunnel and overhead obstructions along the Heartland Corridor. The provision for double-stack via the Heartland Corridor will reduce the rail mileage for those containers moving from port terminals in Virginia to the Midwest by over 200 miles, making rail service more efficient and effective (increasing the volume of freight moved) and making rail a more attractive option for shippers.
  - Lead: FHWA/NS
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: rail
- Activity 1.1.08.01 Growth in size of ships operating in US ports
  - Description: Steamship lines are using larger container ships on their routes. An example is A.P. Moeller's Emma Maersk, a new 11,000 TEU container ship
  - Lead: Various
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Private
  - Mode: maritime
- Activity 1.1.09.01 Short Sea Shipping
  - Description: In Detroit, the Detroit-Windsor Truck Ferry crosses the Detroit River between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan on a scheduled basis in 20 minutes.
  - Lead: Various
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Private
  - Mode: maritime
- Activity 1.1.09.03 America's Marine Highway Program
  - Description: The US Secretary of Transportation will designate marine highway corridors based on recommendations submitted by corridor sponsors. Once corridors are established, designated projects will be eligible for support from the USDOT Maritime Administrations Office of Marine Highways & Passenger Services.
  - Lead: MARAD
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: maritime
- Activity 1.2.01.01 Use Federal Aid funding for (4R) work on the Interstate System
  - Description: Continue to ensure that the Interstate Maintenance and other FHWA categories support funding for resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation and reconstruction (4R) work, including added lanes to increase capacity, on most existing Interstate System routes.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 1.2.02.01 Truck Size and Weight Annual Certification by States
  - Description: Continue each State's annual certification to the Federal Highway Administrator that it is enforcing all State laws respecting maximum vehicle size and weight and enforcing and complying with the ISTEA freeze on the use of Longer Combination Vehicle's (LCV's) and other multi-unit vehicles
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 1.2.02.02 Public awareness
  - Description: Generate a wider and stronger understanding of the importance of highway freight transportation to the nation's economic well being and competitiveness; Reaffirm the need for national network of highways that connect business and communities; Update the national highway system; and Identify freight corridors, connectors, DND gateways, that are critically important to the supply chains of key industries. The states, the federal government and the private sector should collaborate to reaffirm the need for a national network of highways that connect businesses and communities and work to generate a wider and stronger understanding of the importance of highway freight transportation to the nation's economic well being and competitiveness
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 1.2.06.01 Federal Railroad Administration assistance to Short Lines
  - Description: FRA will continue to make RRIF Loans and Rail Line Relocation grants to Short Lines
  - Lead: FRA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: rail
- Activity 1.2.06.02 Minnesota Rail Service Improvement Program
  - Description: This State program is used to prevent the loss of rail service on lines subject to abandonments by providing loans and loan guarantees for rail rehabilitation, service improvements, and capital projects
  - Lead: Minnesota
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: rail
- Activity 1.4.01.02 University Transportation Centers
  - Description: SAFTEA-LU authorized up to $76.7 million per year from Federal FY2005-2009 funds for grants to establish and operate up to 60 University Transportation Centers (UTCs) throughout the United States. The mission of these UTCs is to advance U.S. technology and expertise in the many disciplines comprising transportation through the mechanisms of education, research and technology transfer at university-based centers of excellence. A number of these centers focus on aspects of the freight system
  - Lead: RITA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 1.4.02.01 Partnerships between transportation companies and Universities
  - Description: An example of this is Metropolitan College in Kentucky. UPS, along with the State of Kentucky, University of Louisville and Jefferson Community and Technical College created the Metropolitan College to serve as an education program that would recruit and retain a well-qualified workforce that would be available to staff its state-of-the-art facility in Louisville.
  - Lead: RITA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 1.4.03.01 FMCSA Commercial Drivers License Program
  - Description: FMCSA is exploring ways to enhance and improve the effectiveness of the CDL program.
  - Lead: FMCSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 1.4.04.01 LALB Dockworker recruiting
  - Description: The Port of Los Angles Strategic Plan seek ways to become competitive to attract and retain quality employees
  - Lead: Various
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Private
  - Mode: maritime
- Activity 1.4.04.02 AAR Careers in Industry
  - Description: The Association of American Railroads hosts a web page with education and employment resources for rail careers
  - Lead: AAR
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Private
  - Mode: rail
- Activity 2.1.01.01 FHWA Federal Aid Funding Programs
  - Description: Continue to utilize Federal Aid funding such as NHS and other programs to support new construction
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 2.1.02.01 Airport Improvement Program
  - Description: The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) provides grants to public agencies and, in some cases, to private owners and entities -- for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS).
  - Lead: FAA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
- Activity 2.2.03.01 Corridors of The Future
  - Description: This program is aimed at developing innovative national and regional approaches to reduce congestion and improve the efficiency of freight delivery. Multi-state corridor agreements will detail the financing, planning, design, construction, and maintenance commitments of the federal, state, and local governments involved.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 3.1.01.01 United States Code Title 23, Chapter 1 Federal Aid Highways
  - Description: The revenue title of Highway Trust Fund sets out apportionments, eligible costs and uses of Federal-aid funds
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 3.1.01.02 Highway Cost Allocation Study of 1997
  - Description: Utilize the Federal Highway Administration highway cost allocation studies to evaluate highway-related costs attributable to different vehicle classes and the extent to which user fees paid by different vehicles cover their highway cost responsibility. This comparison of user fee payments and cost responsibility indicates the relative equity of Federal highway user fees. The closer the match between user fees and highway cost responsibility for each vehicle class, the more equitable is the user fee structure
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 3.1.01.03 Cost Allocation Model for States
  - Description: Encourage use of the State Highway Cost Allocation Study Model Tools. FHWA worked closely with States to develop software that States could use in conducting their own highway cost allocation studies.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 3.1.02.01 SAFETEA-LU Value Pricing Pilots
  - Description: The Value Pricing Pilot (VPP) program encourages implementation and evaluation of value pricing pilot projects to manage congestion on highways through tolling and other pricing mechanisms.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 3.1.02.02 Urban Partnership Agreements
  - Description: Urban Partnership Agreements are agreements between the USDOT and model cities to implement "broad congestion pricing." The Department sought cities to aggressively use four complementary and synergistic strategies (referred to as the "4Ts") to relieve urban congestion: Tolling, Transit, Telecommuting, and Technology.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 3.2.01.01 Urban Partnership Agreements
  - Description: Urban Partnership Agreements are agreements between the USDOT and model cities to implement "broad congestion pricing." The Department sought cities to aggressively use four complementary and synergistic strategies (referred to as the "4Ts") to relieve urban congestion: Tolling, Transit, Telecommuting, and Technology.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 3.2.01.02 SAFETEA-LU Value Pricing Pilots
  - Description: The Value Pricing Pilot (VPP) program encourages implementation and evaluation of value pricing pilot projects to manage congestion on highways through tolling and other pricing mechanisms.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 3.3.01.01 United States Code Title 23
  - Description: Continue to support the definitions and declaration of policy for the Federal Aid Highway Program as defined in 23 USC Section 101
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 4.1.01.01 National Cooperative Freight Research Program Project # 4 - Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints
  - Description: The objectives of this project are to develop a more standardized description of the dimensions of the freight system analyze explicitly the business practices and institutional factors that influence freight-system decisionmakers , develop and apply a methodology that private- and public-sector decisionmakers can use to identify, categorize, and evaluate quickly implementable, low-cost capital, operational, and public policy actions that can enhance freight mobility by addressing system constraints
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 4.1.02.01 National Cooperative Freight Research Program Project # 2 - Impacts of Public Policy on the Freight Transportation System
  - Description: The objective of this research is to identify intended and unintended impacts (either direct or indirect) of a broad array of public policies on the freight system. The intent is to promote a better understanding of these complex relationships and foster appreciation for how public policies affect the freight transportation system.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 4.1.03.01 FHWA Planning Tool Kit for Integrating Land Use and Transportation Decision-Making
  - Description: Tool kit is designed to assist metropolitan and regional planning organizations, State departments of transportation (DOTs), transit agencies, and other organizations involved in the transportation planning process in incorporating land use considerations into their planning and project development activities.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 4.2.01.01 Oregon Innovative Partnerships Program (OIPP)
  - Description: This Initiative will permit tests and experimentation in the entire Federal-aid highway project development process that are specifically aimed at attracting private investment and lead to increased project management, flexibility, more innovation, improved efficiency, timely project implementation, and new revenue streams for three construction undertakings under the Oregon Innovative Partnerships Program (a proposed widening of 1-205 (the "South 1-205 Corridor Undertaking"), the proposed construction of a new facility between 1-205 and US 26 (the "Sunrise Undertaking"), and the proposed construction of a new bypass between the cities of Newberg and Dayton (the "Newberg-Dundee Transportation Improvement Undertaking")
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 4.3.01.01 USDOT Southern California Gateway Office
  - Description: USDOT has opened a Long Beach Office to serve as a one-stop shop point of access to USDOT. This office keep the Department fully informed on gateway issues, and the Department has formed a multi-modal SoCal Congestion team which is expediting both technical assistance and the transfer of funds allocated for freight is SAFETEA-LU. MARAD is spearheading this SoCal congestion team effort and is working closely with CA stakeholders at all levels to cut redtape and to promote best environmental practices which MARAD closely monitors
  - Lead: MARAD
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime
- Activity 4.4.01.01 Columbus Electronic Freight Management (CEFM)
  - Description: The CEFM Deployment Test used standardized data exchange among trading partners based on the Universal Business Language (UBL) version 2.0 data standards and then extended for use within the chosen supply chain. In addition, EFM allows users to reliably and uniquely identify each transaction for all authorized supply chain partners. This unique consignment reference (UCR) was developed based on the approach favored by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and was used satisfactorily as the key shipment identifier in the deployment test. The transportation status data element used in CEFM was submitted as a standard and has been accepted into the next UBL revision.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Complete
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime
- Activity 5.1.01.01 Census Commodity Flow Survey
  - Description: Promote the continuation and use of the Commodity Flow Survey
  - Lead: RITA/FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 5.1.01.02 BTS Transborder Data Program
  - Description: Promote the continuation and use of the Transborder Data program
  - Lead: RITA/FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 5.1.01.03 AAR Rail Waybill Program
  - Description: Promote the continuation and use of the AAR Rail waybill program
  - Lead: FRA/FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: rail
- Activity 5.1.01.04 USACE Waterborne Commerce Survey
  - Description: Promote the continuation and use of the USACE Waterborne Commerce Survey
  - Lead: USACE/FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: maritime
- Activity 5.1.02.01 Freight Performance Measures Program
  - Description: FHWA established a partnership with the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) to determine whether and how information derived from communications technologies used by the freight industry could provide FHWA with data to support the measurement of freight performance on the surface transportation system. ATRI worked with technology vendors and motor carriers to demonstrate that data from automatic vehicle location (AVL) technologies could be used to derive measures of speed and reliability on specific Interstate routes . The FPM program now works with industry technology vendors to collect data from over 500,000 trucks to help determine speed and reliability on the nation's highways.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 5.1.03.03 Freight Analysis Framework version 3 (FAF3)
  - Description: FHWA is currently developing FAF3. This new version will be available in 2010 and will: produce the FAF origin-destination commodity flow and highway network databases for 2007, forecasts to 2040, and provisional annual updates with equal or improved transparency and quality, maintaining comparability of FAF origin-destination commodity flow estimates for the base years of 1997, 2002, and 2007; Enhance access to FAF data through an extensive set of maps and summary tables; Add local freight and intermodal trucking to the highway network database; Expand the network database to include rail and water and a hazardous materials origin-destination database; Establish procedures for disaggregating FAF commodity flows into statistically reliable estimates of flows among counties based on a prescribed set of locally collected supplemental data; Improve linkages between FAF data and freight performance measures.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 5.1.03.04 Highway Freight Logistics Reorganization Benefits Estimation Tool
  - Description: To date, benefit-cost analyses of transportation investments, usually highway improvements, have not captured all the benefits derived from improvements in freight transportation. Models attempting to capture the benefits of highway investment to trucking have tended to parallel studies of passenger travel. The result has been that the benefits of a better road network for freight transportation are assumed to be limited to the carrier, the actual road user. Benefits to the shipper of a better road network, such as faster and more reliable delivery, are not fully accounted for in this traditional BCA approach. Capturing these second order economic benefits, is the purpose of this new FHWA modeling tool.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Complete
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 5.1.03.05 Freight Model Improvement Program
  - Description: The Freight Model Improvement Program is a collaborative effort of the transportation research community, technology vendors, consultants, and public agencies to improve the state-of-the-art and the state-of-the-practice in freight-demand models and their application to transportation policy and planning in federal, state, and local governments.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail
- Activity 5.1.04.01 National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission
  - Description: Prepared by a specially convened Commission, meets the charge given under Section 1909 of the Safe Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the Report includes detailed recommendations for creating and sustaining a pre-eminent surface transportation system in the United States. FHWA -HOFM will contribute to the freight section of this report.
  - Lead: OST
  - Status: Complete
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 5.1.04.02 FHWA Conditions and Performance Report Freight Section
  - Description: The C&P report is intended to provide Congress and other decision makers with an objective appraisal of highway, bridge and transit system characteristics, finance, physical conditions, operational performance, and future capital investment requirements.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 5.2.02.02 Hazardous Materials Cooperative Research Program
  - Description: The HMCRP is intended to complement other U.S. DOT research programs as a stakeholder-driven, problem-solving program, researching real-world, day-to-day operational issues with near- to mid-term time frames
  - Lead: PHMSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 5.2.02.03 National Cooperative Highway Research Program
  - Description: The NCHRP conducts research in problem areas that affect highway planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance nationwide.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 5.4.01.01 FHWA/I-95 Study on Multi-State Institutions for Implementing Improved Freight Movement in the U.S
  - Description: Promote use of organizational structures and mechanisms for effectively implementing multi-state freight projects
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime
- Activity 5.4.02.03 Title 23 PART 450Planning Assistance and Standards
  - Description: Promote use of updated regulations that include provision for streamlining
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Complete
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 5.4.03.05 Title 23 PART 450Planning Assistance and Standards
  - Description: Promote use of updated regulations that include provision for incorporation of freight in the planning process
  - Lead: FHWA/AASHTO
  - Status: Complete
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 6.1.01.01 FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Program
  - Description: FMCSA develops, monitors, and ensures compliance with the commercial driver licensing standards for drivers, carriers, and States.
  - Lead: FMCSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 6.1.01.02 FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
  - Description: FMCSA develops, maintains, and enforces Federal regulations that promote carrier safety, industry productivity, and new technologies. FMCSRs establish safe operating requirements for commercial vehicle drivers, carriers, vehicles, and vehicle equipment.
  - Lead: FMCSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 6.1.01.03 FMCSA Household Goods Program
  - Description: FMCSA regulates interstate household goods movers and requires them to register with the agency.
  - Lead: FMCSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 6.1.01.04 FMCSA Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP)
  - Description: A Federal grant program that provides States with financial assistance to hire staff and implement strategies to enforce FMCSRs and HMRs. MCSAP funds are used to conduct roadside inspections and review motor carriers' compliance with FMCSRs and HMRs. MCSAP funds promote detection and correction of commercial motor vehicle safety defects, commercial vehicle driver deficiencies, and unsafe motor carrier practices before they become contributing factors to crashes and hazardous materials incidents.
  - Lead: FMCSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 6.1.01.05 FMCSA Border and International Safety
  - Description: FMCSA supports the development of compatible motor carrier safety requirements and procedures throughout North America. FMCSA works closely with the governments of Canada and Mexico to ensure that these countries' motor carriers, drivers, and vehicles operating in the United States (U.S.) meet the same safety standards as U.S. carriers.
  - Lead: FMCSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 6.1.01.06 Performance & Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM)
  - Description: A Federal-State partnership that makes safe performance a requirement for obtaining and keeping commercial vehicle registration. PRISM links Federal motor carrier safety records with the State's vehicle registration system. The USDOT number of the carrier responsible for safety is identified at the vehicle level allowing the State to determine a carrier's safety fitness before issuing license plates. Safety performance is continuously monitored, and carriers prohibited by FMCSA from operating in interstate commerce may have their ability to register vehicles denied. PRISM plays a key role in FMCSA's effort to remove high-risk carriers from our highways.
  - Lead: FMCSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 6.1.03.01 FRA Automated Track Inspection Program (ATIP)
  - Description: ATIPs function is to minimize the risk of a passenger or catastrophic hazardous material accident/incident by insuring measured and recorded values accurately represent track conditions, and timely distributing track geometry. Key to ATIPs safety success is the advance detection of potential accident-causing hazards and the appropriate basis for inspectors to impose and safeguard rail transportation with compulsory operational and maintenance remediation.
  - Lead: FRA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: rail
- Activity 6.1.03.01 FRA Drug and Alcohol Program
  - Description: ATIPs function is to minimize the risk of a passenger or catastrophic hazardous material accident/incident by insuring measured and recorded values accurately represent track conditions, and timely distributing track geometry. Key to ATIPs safety success is the advance detection of potential accident-causing hazards and the appropriate basis for inspectors to impose and safeguard rail transportation with compulsory operational and maintenance remediation.
  - Lead: FRA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: rail
- Activity 6.1.03.02 FRA Safety Improvement and Development Team (SIDT)
  - Description: The primary mission of the SIDT is to manage the Office of Safetys Technical Training Program for the 600 Federal and participating State railroad safety inspectors and specialists of the five technical disciplines (Hazardous Materials, Motive Power and Equipment, Operating Practices, Signal and Train Control, and Track).
  - Lead: FRA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: rail
- Activity 6.1.03.03 FRA State Rail Safety Participation Program
  - Description: The Rail Safety Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-458) authorized the States to work with the Federal Railroad Administration to enforce Federal railroad safety regulations. The Rail State Safety Participation Program consists of 30 States employing 160 safety inspectors in the five rail safety inspection disciplines. State programs generally emphasize planned, routine compliance inspections; however, States may undertake additional investigative and surveillance activities consistent with overall program needs and individual State capabilities.
  - Lead: FRA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: rail
- Activity 6.1.04.01 US DOT National Highway-Rail Crossing Inventory Program
  - Description: The major goal of the National Highway-Rail Crossing Inventory Program is to provide information to Federal, State, and local governments as well as the railroad industry for the improvement of safety at highway-rail crossings. The National Inventory provides a uniform inventory data base which can be merged with accident files and used to analyze information for planning and implementation of crossing improvement programs by public and private agencies responsible for highway-rail crossing safety.
  - Lead: FHWA/FRA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail
- Activity 6.1.04.02 FRA's Highway-Rail Crossing Safety and Trespass Prevention Program
  - Description: The FRA's Highway-Rail Crossing Safety and Trespass Prevention Program is committed to reducing the number of collisions at highway-rail grade crossings and along railroad rights-of-way, where approximately 900 deaths occur every year. Using the "Three E" approach (Education, Enforcement, and Engineering), the crossing team has helped to reduce the number of fatalities at highway-rail crossings by 42 percent since 1994.
  - Lead: FHWA/FRA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail
- Activity 6.1.04.03 FHWA Railway-Highway Crossings Program
  - Description: The Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1987 established Section 130 of Chapter 23 of the United States Code, giving the Federal-Aid Rail-Highway Grade Crossing Safety Program permanent status under the law for the first time. SAFETEA-LU continues the Section 130 program and continues the option under Section 120 of funding highway-rail crossing safety measures, other than the construction of highway-rail grade separations, utilizing 100-percent federal funding. A total of $220 million in highway-railroad crossing safety funds is to be apportioned among the states for fiscal years 2006 through 2009. Half of these funds will be apportioned among the states according to the formula for apportionment of STP funding; the other half will be apportioned according to the number of public highway-rail crossings in each state.
  - Lead: FHWA/FRA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail
- Activity 6.1.05.01 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Program
  - Description: The Coast Guard's Marine Safety Program promotes safety through both its regulatory and inspection roles, inspecting merchant vessels and licensing their masters and crews. The Coast Guard's goal is to reduce crewmember deaths and injuries on U.S. commercial vessels; passenger deaths and injuries; and the number of collisions and groundings in the waters under Coast Guard jurisdiction.
  - Lead: Coast Guard
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: maritime
- Activity 6.1.05.02 Continue U.S. representation on the International Maritime Organization
  - Description: The U.S. Coast Guard is the lead U.S. representative to the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, they are the driving force behind the implementation of international safety and pollution standards. The Coast Guard has developed a comprehensive U.S. strategy to promote and improve the Port State Control program, an international effort to bring substandard ships into compliance with applicable international standards or remove them from the sea.)
  - Lead: Coast Guard
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: maritime
- Activity 6.1.06.01 FAA Office of Security and Hazardous Materials
  - Description: The FAA Office of Security and Hazardous Materials ensures the integrity of those who work in or support the National Airspace System (NAS).
  - Lead: FAA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
- Activity 6.1.07.01 PHMSA's Pipeline Safety Enforcement Program
  - Description: The Pipeline Safety Enforcement Program is designed to monitor and enforce compliance with pipeline safety regulations and confirm operators are meeting PHMSA expectations for safe, reliable, and environmentally sound operation of their facilities.
  - Lead: PHMSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: pipeline
- Activity 6.2.01.01 National Response Center
  - Description: The primary function of the National Response Center is to serve as the sole national point of contact for reporting all oil, chemical, radiological, biological, and etiological discharges into the environment anywhere in the United States and its territories.
  - Lead: Coast Guard
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: maritime
- Activity 6.2.01.02 National Hazardous Materials Route Registry
  - Description: The NHMRR is the national repository of both non-radioactive hazardous materials (NRHM) and Radioactive (RAM) routes which are either designated for the hazmat transportation or restricted from use by hazmat carriers. The primary means of identifying and storing a particular route in the registry is through a textual description of the route which is stored in a database. This information is collected from each State, Territory, and Indian Tribe that has assigned a routing agency
  - Lead: PHMSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: truck/rail
- Activity 6.2.01.03 Hazmat Incident Database
  - Description: PHMSA receives, reviews, and maintains important hazmat records (e.g., incident reports); Accidents and incidents as well as average, annual, and summary statistics.
  - Lead: PHMSA/FMCSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 6.2.02.01 Issue rules regulations for the safe transportation, including security, of hazardous material in intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce.
  - Description: PHMSAs regulatory functions include Issuing rules and regulations governing the safe transportation of hazardous materials; PHMSA issues the HMR. PHMSA also has issued procedural regulations, including provisions on registration and public sector training and planning grants (49 CFR Parts 105, 106, 107, and 110). PHMSA Office of Hazardous Materials Safety This Office develops and recommends regulatory changes governing the multimodal transportation of hazardous materials. It develops long and short-term plans, schedules for hazardous materials regulatory actions and carries them out in accordance with the plan. When proposed regulations apply exclusively to a single mode, the HMS Office develops and coordinates those regulations with the appropriate DOT Operating Administration before issuance.
  - Lead: PHMSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 6.2.02.02 PHMSA Participation in International Hazmat Standards Forums
  - Description: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration represents DOT in international organizations and working to assure the compatibility of domestic regulations with the regulations of international participates in a number of international forums as part of the on going process of harmonizing the US Hazardous Materials Regulations with international standards and regulations. Participation ensures that US interests are communicated and considered in the development of international standards. The objective is to establish and maintain a global regulatory system for hazardous materials transportation that will enhance the safe, secure, and efficient movement of hazardous materials. Harmonization of international and domestic standards enhances compliance and improves the efficiency of the transportation system by minimizing the regulatory burden on the public.
  - Lead: PHMSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 6.2.02.03 Office of Hazardous Materials Technology
  - Description: Office of Hazardous Materials Technology To provide the scientific, engineering, radiological and risk analysis expertise and to conduct coordinated and effective technical programs in order to provide the knowledge that is the technical foundation of international and national hazardous materials transportation safety standards and programs.
  - Lead: PHMSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 6.2.03.01 Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs)
  - Description: FMCSA enforces HMRs, which are designed to ensure the safe and secure transportation of hazardous materials. These rules address the classification of hazardous materials, proper packaging, employee training, hazard communication, and operational requirements.
  - Lead: FMCSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 6.2.03.02 PHMSA Issuance of Special Permits and Approvals to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
  - Description: Office of Hazardous Materials Special Permits and Approvals in the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has the primary responsibility for the issuing, renewing, modifying, and terminating of DOT Special Permits and Approvals to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). A Special Permit or Approval is a document which authorizes a person to perform a function that is not currently authorized under the authority of the HMR
  - Lead: PHMSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail
- Activity 6.2.03.03 Hazardous Materials (HM) Safety Permits
  - Description: carriers of certain hazardous materials to hold an HM Safety Permit issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
  - Lead: FMCSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 6.2.03.04 FAAs Office of Hazardous Materials
  - Description: FAA enforces all regulations applicable to air carriers and shippers by air issued under the Federal Aviation Act (49 U.S.C. § 40101 et seq.). FAAs Office of Hazardous Materials strives to increase safety in air transportation by preventing hazardous materials accidents and incidents aboard aircraft. Over 100 special agents dedicated to enforcement and educational outreach, ensure compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations
  - Lead: FAA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: aviation
- Activity 6.2.03.05 FRA Hazardous Materials Division
  - Description: FRA enforces the safety regulations (49 CFR 200-268) issued under the Federal Rail Safety Act (49 U.S.C. § 20101 et seq.). Education, safety assurance, compliance, and accident investigation are part of the Division's duties
  - Lead: FRA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: rail
- Activity 6.2.03.06 CDL HAZMAT Endorsement
  - Description: FMCSA will implement hazardous materials endorsement for a commercial drivers license
  - Lead: FMCSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 6.2.03.07 PHMSA's Hazmat Enforcement Office
  - Description: The Office of Hazardous Materials Enforcement plans and manages the national program of safety inspection and enforcement of the hazardous materials regulations.
  - Lead: PHMSA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
- Activity 6.3.01.01 US DOT Office of Intelligence and Security and Emergency Response
  - Description: Located in the Secretary of Transportation's Office, this office serves to maintain dialogue and coordinate responses among DOT Operating Administrations and with other Departments such as DHS and state agencies
  - Lead: OST
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
- Activity 7.1.02.01 U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Combustion Engine Research Program
  - Description: Research and development (R&D) efforts focus on improving engine efficiency while meeting future federal and state emissions regulations through a combination of: combustion technologies that minimize in-cylinder formation of emissions; and aftertreatment technologies that further reduce exhaust emissions.
  - Lead: DOE
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Private
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 7.1.04.01 Maritime Administration's Maritime Energy and Clean Emissions Program
  - Description: MARAD supports research and other efforts to control air pollution from vessels, particularly the development and demonstration of appropriate technologies aboard vessels to accelerate the use of economical, low air polluting marine power plants. The Agency engages in public/private partnerships related to the development and deployment of clean engine, clean fuel, and fuel cell technologies for shipboard and port applications.
  - Lead: MARAD
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: maritime
- Activity 7.2.01.01 Highway Noise Barriers
  - Description: Noise barriers are solid obstructions built between the highway and the homes along a highway. They do not completely block all noise they only reduce overall noise levels. A barrier which achieves a 10-dB reduction can reduce the sound level of a typical tractor trailer pass-by to that of an automobile. State transportation departments include the costs of noise barriers in their proposed Federal-aid highway projects.
  - Lead: FHWA
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: truck
- Activity 7.2.02.01 Alliance Texas Logistics Park
  - Description: This 17,000 acre industrial park is a greenfeld project that integrated air, rail, and truck service with warehouse and distribution facilities
  - Lead: DOT
  - Status: Complete
  - Sector: Private
- Activity 7.4.01.01 Ballast Water Demonstration Project
  - Description: NOAA/Fish and Wildlife Service/MARAD have teamed up by way of a federal funding opportunity (FFO) that allows researchers to apply, not only for grant funding from NOAA or the Fish and Wildlife Service, but also for use of a ship from the MARAD Ready Reserve Force (RRF)to serve as an experimental test platform. MARAD also provides ship/industry knowledgeable representatives to the proposal evaluation team.
  - Lead: MARAD
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Public
  - Mode: maritime
- Activity 7.4.01.02 Great Lakes Research on Ballast Water Treatment Technology
  - Description: MARAD signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NOAA for developing a ballast water treatment technology testing platform that will be used for research on the Great Lakes. MARAD, using in-house marine engineers and naval architects, will convert one of its barges into a platform for testing technologies
  - Lead: MARAD
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: maritime
- Activity 7.4.01.03 Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force
  - Description: MARAD became a member in May 2005. The ANS Task Force is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to preventing and controlling aquatic nuisance species, and implementing the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (NANPCA) of 1990. The various NANPCA mandates were expanded later with the passage of the National Invasive Species Act (NISA) in 1996.
  - Lead: MARAD
  - Status: Underway
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: maritime
- Activity 7.4.01.04 MARAD Ballast Water Test Platforms
  - Description: MARAD is seeking excess barges or other suitable platforms for conversion to testing platforms. Once acquired, MARAD will provide the technical expertise to develop specification packages, conceptual drawings, and cost estimates for conversion.
  - Lead: MARAD
  - Status: Planned
  - Sector: Joint
  - Mode: maritime
- Objective 1 Improve the operations of the existing freight transportation system.
  - Strategy 1.1 Improve management and operations of existing facilities.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 1.1.01 Systems management and operations for freight are implicitly eligible in selected Federal-aid highway programs.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
      - Activity 1.1.01.01 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ)
        
        Description: CMAQ is a special federal aid funding program under which funds can be used for freight related projects that improve air quality by reducing truck, locomotive or other emissions
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime
    - Tactic 1.1.02 Pursue information technology initiatives to improve freight operations.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
      - Activity 1.1.02.01 Intermodal Freight Technology Working Group (IFTWG)
        
        Description: The IFTWG is a collaborative public/private partnership focused on the identification and evaluation of technology-based options for improving the efficiency, safety and security of intermodal freight movement. Working from this common goal, the IFTWG engages in efforts to marry industry and government priorities in a way that leverages collective experience and shared investment.
        
        Lead: FHWA/Union Pacific Railroad
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/aviation
        
        Obstacles: Continued funding
      - Activity 1.1.02.02 Electronic Freight Management (EFM) Initiative
        
        Description: The EFM initiative seeks to improve the operational efficiency, productivity and security of the transportation system by demonstrating the use of a common message set that enables the electronic transfer of shipment information between supply chain partners in a common template and access to that information by all supply chain partners in real time by deploying Web services in a Service Oriented Architecture environment.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/aviation
        
        Obstacles: No obstacles anticipated at this time.
      - Activity 1.1.02.03 Cross-Town Improvement Project (C-TIP)
        
        Description: C-TIP is a four part pilot demonstration that seeks to provide a sustainable solution to the challenges associated with cross-town intermodal interchanges. The intent of the project is to leverage technology advancements in a way that will maximize benefits to the public while minimizing the cost to both the public sector and private industry. The C-TIP project will improve the efficiency and safety of the transportation network as well as reduce the negative environmental factors of un-productive cross-town truck traffic. The reduction of empty and bobtail moves will improve carrier efficiency, reduce asset inventory and driver requirements, and lower load dwell time
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail
        
        Obstacles: No obstacles anticipated at this time
    - Tactic 1.1.03 Promote equipment pooling in regions where it seems most promising.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck Rail
      - Activity 1.1.03.01 Cooperative chassis pools at various ports
        
        Description: The Ocean Carriers Equipment Managers Association (OCEMA) through its Consolidated Chassis Management subsidiary manages cooperative chassis pools in 10 major cities. These pools are enterprises that can free up valuable terminal space and increase distribution efficiencies
        
        Lead: Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association (OCEMA)
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/maritime
        
        Obstacles: Capitalization of projects ;Developing industry consensus and coordination could be a challenge
    - Tactic 1.1.04 Establish extended gate hours in regions where they seems most promising.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
    - Tactic 1.1.05 Operate intercity truck and air cargo at night.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck Air
      - Activity 1.1.10.01 Rest Area Quality Improvement Pilot Program
        
        Description: Develop the legislative text for a Rest Area Quality Improvement Pilot Program that includes selection criteria for the rest areas and the States to be selected.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck
  - Strategy 1.2 Maintain and preserve existing infrastructure.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 1.2.01 Maintain the National Network through Federal-aid Highway Program investments.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
      - Activity 1.2.03.01 Establish methodology for determining condition of intermodal connectors
        
        Description: Intermodal connectors are monitored as part of a number of different databases. This project is to consolidate disparate information in one location and augment it, if necessary, with on-the-ground information to routinely assess the status of the intermodal connectors that are relevant to freight movement
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
        
        Obstacles: Acquiring on-the-ground data points
    - Tactic 1.2.02 Maintain the National Network through enforcement of weight limits.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
    - Tactic 1.2.03 Target resources to existing intermodal connectors.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
    - Tactic 1.2.04 Prioritize timely operations and maintenance projects for inland waterways and great lakes.
      - Lead: USACOE
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Water
    - Tactic 1.2.05 Dredge port channels to maintain depth.
      - Lead: USACOE
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Water
    - Tactic 1.2.06 Maintain short line railroads.
      - Lead: FRA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Rail
  - Strategy 1.3 Explore opportunities for privatization.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 1.3.01 Explore and monitor opportunities for private operation of highways.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
  - Strategy 1.4 Ensure the availability of a skilled labor pool sufficient to meet transportation needs.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 1.4.01 Improve freight professional capacity of state and metropolitan agencies.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 1.4.03.02 Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Operator Training Grants
        
        Description: The CMV Operator Training Grant Program was created in SAFETEA-LU to promote the safe operation of CMVs through the training of operators and future operators. One million dollars are authorized annually through FY09. The grant program will provide financial assistance to State and local governments, and accredited post-secondary educational institutions such as colleges, universities, vocational-technical schools and truck driver training schools.
        
        Lead: FMCSA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck
    - Tactic 1.4.02 Promote private sector logistics and freight professional development through universities and colleges.
      - Lead: RITA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
    - Tactic 1.4.03 Identify and address barriers to truck driver availability.
      - Lead: FMCSA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
- Objective 2 Add physical capacity to the freight transportation system in places where investment makes economic sense.
  - Strategy 2.1 Provide physical access to interstate commerce.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 2.1.01 Extend arterial access and improve arterial capacity through the Federal-aid Highway Program.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
    - Tactic 2.2.01 Focus DOT attention on facilitating SAFETEA-LU-designated "Projects of National or Regional Significance" likely to generate the greatest economic returns.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck Rail
      - Activity 2.2.01.01 Establish guidelines for project description submissions
        
        Description: In order to evaluate which projects are likely to generate the greatest improvement in freight movement and to write coherent reports to Congress on the implementation of the program, FHWA required the project sponsors to submit project descriptions prior to receiving funding.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail
      - Activity 2.2.01.02 Evaluate PNRS project submissions to determine which ones are likely to generate the greatest improvement in freight movement.
        
        Description: The PNRS program earmarked 25 projects for funding. As project descriptions are received by FHWAs Office of Operations an intermodal team will review the descriptions to determine which projects should receive focused US DOT attention
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail
        
        Obstacles: None
    - Tactic 2.1.02 Airport Improvement Program.
      - Lead: FAA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Air
    - Tactic 2.2.02 Establish regulatory framework for projects of national or regional significance, then encourage additional public sector investment toward projects that meet these criteria.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck Rail
      - Activity 2.2.02.01 Publish an NPRM proposing the PNRS program
        
        Description: The SAFETEA-LU legislation establishing the PNRS Program required the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to publish regulations establishing the PNRS program. The first step in doing so is publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that lays out the program.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Complete
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail
        
        Obstacles: None
      - Activity 2.2.02.02 Publish Final Rule on the PNRS program
        
        Description: The SAFETEA-LU legislation establishing the PNRS Program required the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to publish regulations establishing the PNRS program. The second step in doing so is publishing a Final Rule on the program.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Complete
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail
        
        Obstacles: None
      - Activity 2.2.04.01 The Waterfront Coalitions 2005 Report, A Call to Action
        
        Description: The Waterfront Coalition report outlined several projects that the group deemed regionally or nationally significant, including rail projects at Western intermodal gateways, and intermodal development in the Oakland, California area. The report also called for additional containership callings at alternate seaports
        
        Lead: Waterfront Coalition
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Private
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime
      - Activity 2.2.04.02 CalMITSAC report
        
        Description: The California Marine and Intermodal Transportation System Advisory Council (Cal MITSAC) report outlined freight system investment priorities across the state of California.
        
        Lead: CalMITSAC
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime
    - Tactic 2.2.04 Encourage private-sector identification of and investment in nationally or regionally-significant freight infrastructure projects.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
  - Strategy 2.2 Facilitate regionally-based solutions for nationally significant freight corridors and major gateways.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Activity 2.3.01.01 American Association of Railroads (AAR) legislative proposal
      - Description: AAR has proposed tax credits for investments in new rail capacity projects. The proposal provides for a 25% tax credit for qualifying capacity expansion capital expenditures
      - Lead: American Association of Railroads
      - Status: Underway
      - Sector: Private
      - Mode: rail
      - Obstacles: Current Administration is opposed to this proposal
    - Activity 2.3.02.01 Private Activity Bonds
      - Description: Private Activity Bonds (PABs) are a special class of tax-exempt bonds created by the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-514). SAFETEA-LU amended the Internal Revenue Code by allowing the issuance of such bonds for the private development of roads, international tunnels and bridges, and truck-rail transfer (intermodal) projects. The amount of such bonds authorized by SAFETEA-LU is $15 billion, over a period of six (6) years. The Secretary of Transportation is responsible for allocating amounts among specific projects.
      - Lead: OST/FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Sector: Public
      - Mode: truck/rail
      - Obstacles: None known at this time.
    - Tactic 2.2.03 Focus DOT resources on national freight corridors and projects of national and regional significance.
      - Lead: USDOT
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 2.3.03.01 Alameda Corridor
        
        Description: The Alameda Corridor is a 20-mile long rail expressway connecting POLB/POLA with the national rail network; three (3) separate lines were replaced with one (1) main line, and 200 street crossings were eliminated. The project was completed in 2002 at a cost of $2.5B, including $400M in TIFIA loans. Debt is currently retired by railroad user fees of $15/loaded TEU and $4/empty TEU. All other car using the Alameda Corridor pay $8.
        
        Lead: Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA)/USDOT/Union Pacific (UP) Railroad/Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: rail
      - Activity 2.3.03.02 Port of Anchorage
        
        Description: The Port of Anchorage submitted a Letter of Interest in FY 2004, followed by an application in FY 2005 for its Marine Terminal Redevelopment Project. The completed Marine Terminal Redevelopment project will include new ship berths, new rail access, and more efficient intermodal freight transfer facilities. The total eligible costs of the project are estimated at $366 million, and the Port is seeking a direct loan of $50 million from the TIFIA program. This was the only application for TIFIA assistance received in FY 2005. The application is currently under review
        
        Lead: Municipality of Anchorage/USDOT
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: maritime
        
        Obstacles: Project must receive approval from DOT for TIFIA funding
      - Activity 2.3.03.03 Discussions with Corpus Christi, VPA, and Port of Baltimore
        
        Description: FHWA is currently in the midst of Discussions with Corpus Christi, TX, the Virginia Port Authority (VPA), and the Port of Baltimore regarding the potential use of TIFIA loans for financing port projects.
        
        Lead: FHWA /VPA/Corpus Christi/Port of Baltimore
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: maritime
        
        Obstacles: None
      - Activity 2.2.03.04 Multi-state Corridor Projects of National and Regional Significance
        
        Description: Develop the legislative text to create an unearmarked program for projects of national and regional significance that can effectively fund multi-state corridor projects.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail
      - Activity 2.3.04.01 RRIF Loans Completed
        
        Description: $517 million in Loans have been made. Loans have been made for a variety of purposes, such as refinancing, upgrading infrastructure and purchasing cars.
        
        Lead: FRA
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: rail
      - Activity 2.3.04.02 RRIF Loans Under Consideration
        
        Description: $2.5 billion in Loans are being considered by FRA.
        
        Lead: FRA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: rail
        
        Milestones: F
        
        Obstacles: Applicants must provide detailed information indicating how the project will enable them to repay the loan.
      - Activity 2.3.04.03 RRIF Future Loans
        
        Description: FRA is authorized to lend up to $35 billion for eligible projects. However, additional projects depend on applicants asking FRA for loans
        
        Lead: FRA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: rail
  - Strategy 2.3 Utilize and promote new/expanded financing tools to incentivize private sector investment in transportation projects.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 2.3.01 Explore tax incentives as stimuli for infrastructure construction.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
    - Tactic 2.3.02 Use private activity bonds to stimulate private sector investment in transportation infrastructure.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck Rail
      - Activity 2.4.02.01 Chicago Skyway
        
        Description: A 7.8-mile toll road; connects the Dan Ryan Expressway to the Indiana Tollway; operated by Chicago Dept. of Streets & Sanitation since its construction in 1958. 18.7 M motorists utilize the bridge annually. 2002 toll revenues were to $43M. The Skyway Concession Company, LLC (SCC) assumed operations with a 99-year operating lease, and will receive all concession revenue. This was the first successful privatization of an existing toll roll in the U.S
        
        Lead: Macquarie Infrastructure/Cintra SA
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck
      - Activity 2.3.02.02 Remove Private Activity Bonds National Volume Cap
        
        Description: Develop the legislative text that removes national volume cap created in SAFETEA-LU.
        
        Lead: OST/FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail
      - Activity 2.4.02.02 Indiana Toll Road
        
        Description: In March 2006 the Indiana Legislature granted a 75-year concession to Macquarie Infrastructure Group and Cintra SA to operate the 157-mile Indiana Toll Road, in exchange for $3.85B. Macquarie and Cintra will enjoy all toll and concession revenue during this time. Indiana will use the proceeds to partially fund Governor Mitch Daniels "Major Moves" Initiative, a 10-year, $10.6B, statewide road construction plan.
        
        Lead: INDOT/Macquarie Infrastructure Group
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck
      - Activity 2.3.02.03 Amend Internal Revenue Code to Facilitate Use of Private Activity Bonds
        
        Description: Develop the legislative text that amends the Internal Revenue Code for highway and freight transfer facilities to authorize accelerated depreciation, back loaded structures on toll projects, and the use of private activity bonds for financing private investment in existing infrastructure.
        
        Lead: OST
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime
      - Activity 2.4.02.03 Trans Texas Corridor
        
        Description: Trans Texas Corridor is a proposed statewide transportation network incorporating existing and new highways, railways and toll roads. Some portions of the network will include truck-only lanes. The Project has two main components: TTC-35, which would run parallel to Interstate 35, and TTC-69, which would run from the Texas-Mexico border toward Shreveport, La. Both of those highways would be built by private companies that would recover their cost and make money through toll fares. The total estimated cost for the project exceeds $6B
        
        Lead: TxDOT
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Private
        
        Mode: truck
        
        Obstacles: Environmental studies and financing issues must still be resolved.
    - Tactic 2.3.03 Utilize Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loans to leverage private sector transportation infrastructure investment.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 2.3.03.04 TIFIA Loan Repayment Flexibility
        
        Description: Develop the legislative text that increases TIFIA loan repayment flexibility.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime
      - Activity 2.3.03.05 TIFIA Credit Assistance Title 23 and Title 49 Requirement Modifications
        
        Description: Develop the legislative text that eliminates the requirement that TIFIA credit assistance is subject to Title 23 and Title 49 requirements, excluding the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage laws.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: maritime/pipeline/aviation
      - Activity 2.3.03.06 TIFIA Credit Assistance Repayment Regulations
        
        Description: Develop the legislative text that allows TIFIA credit assistance to be repaid from direct facility pricing for up to 50% of the eligible project costs and also allows TIFIA credit assistance repaid from direct facility pricing and that provides for 33% or less of eligible project costs to not be subject to Title 23 and Title 49 requirements apart from the Davis-Bacon provisions.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
      - Activity 2.3.03.07 TIFIA Loan Guarantees and Lines of Credit Guidance
        
        Description: Develop the legislative text that allows TIFIA loan guarantees and lines of credit would be available to supplement a secured loan provided for 33% or less of eligible project costs, as long as the total amount of TIFIA credit assistance did not exceed 40% of eligible project costs.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime
    - Tactic 2.3.04 Encourage use of Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF).
      - Lead: FRA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Rail
- Objective 3 Better align all costs and benefits among parties affected by the freight system to improve productivity.
  - Strategy 3.1 Utilize public sector pricing tools.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 3.1.01 Set federal highway user charges in proportion to costs occasioned by class of vehicle.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
    - Tactic 3.1.02 Implement congestion pricing pilot programs.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
    - Tactic 3.1.03 Pursue the possibility of user fees for financing landside access projects.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Water
      - Activity 3.1.03.01 Dialogue on user fees
        
        Description: Many port authorities have the ability to assess fees commensurate with the cost of providing services to seaport users. There should be wider discussion on user fees to finance landslide access infrastructure that directly benefits users. Fees will likely ensure predictability in the planning process, and promote rational seaport infrastructure development where demand is greatest. Funds raised by a user-fee should not be used for discretionary purposes by port authorities, nor should they underwrite operating expenses. Rather, the types of projects supported by user fees must be narrowly defined
        
        Lead: USDOT/Various interests at the Ports of NY/NJ and L.A./Long Beach/AAPA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime
        
        Obstacles: Ports are very cautious regarding user fees due to competitive pressures
    - Tactic 3.1.04 Fund airport improvements through passenger facility charges.
      - Lead: FAA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Air
    - Tactic 3.1.05 Expand tolling and pricing authority on the Interstate System.
      - Lead: USDOT
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
      - Activity 3.1.05.01 Expansion of Interstate System Tolling and Pricing Authority
        
        Description: Develop legislative text that expands the tolling and pricing authority to the entire Interstate System.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck
  - Strategy 3.2 Utilize private sector pricing tools.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 3.2.01 Institute variable pricing on toll roads.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
      - Activity 3.2.02.01 PierPass
        
        Description: PierPass is a not-for-profit organization created by marine terminal operators to reduce congestion and improve air quality in and around the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Under PierPass, a Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF) is assessed on all container traffic passing through terminal gates during peak hours 3 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday.
        
        Lead: PierPass
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Private
        
        Mode: truck/maritime
        
        Obstacles: Ports are very cautious regarding user fees due to competitive pressures
    - Tactic 3.2.02 Institute variable pricing in terminals.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
  - Strategy 3.3 Spend public revenues raised from transportation on transportation.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 3.3.01 Finance the Federal-Aid Highway Program from the Highway Trust Fund.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
    - Tactic 3.3.02 Finance the navigation improvements from the inland waterway and harbor maintenance trust funds.
      - Lead: USACOE
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Water
    - Tactic 3.3.04 Enhance State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) flexibility.
      - Lead: USDOT
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck, Rail
      - Activity 3.3.04.01 Expansion of State Infrastructure Bank Highway Trust Fund Capitalization Opportunities
        
        Description: Develop legislative text that expands the flexibility of SIBs to allow capitalization with a larger percentage of HTF funds.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
    - Tactic 3.3.05 Allow broad multimodal flexibility for the selection of projects for the movement of people and goods.
      - Lead: USDOT
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 3.3.05.01 Metropolitan Mobility Program Implementation
        
        Description: Develop the legislative text to develop the Metropolitan Mobility Program.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail
    - Tactic 3.3.06 Transition public sector transportation funding towards a sustainable user charge system.
      - Lead: USDOT
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
      - Activity 3.3.06.01 Sustainable User Charge System
        
        Description: Develop the legislative text to enable the U.S. DOT and U.S. Treasury Department, in consultation with trucking, automotive, and other industry groups, to develop a transition policy guide and recommendations.
        
        Lead: OST/FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck
      - Activity 3.3.07.01 Federal Interest Highway Program Funding Formula
        
        Description: Develop legislative text that allows diesel fuel usage in each State to be included as part of the funding formula for the Federal Interest Highway Program.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
  - Strategy 3.4 Explore opportunities for public-private partnerships and/or privatization.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 2.4.01 Facilitate public-private partnerships for the design, construction, ownership, and operation of transportation infrastructure.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
    - Tactic 2.4.02 Encourage private sector institutional investment (both debt and equity) in transportation infrastructure projects.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
  - Strategy 3.5 Track progress of performance management at a system and program level.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
  - Strategy 3.6 Ensure benefit-cost analysis and informed decision-making are enacted at a system and program level.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
- Objective 4 Reduce or remove statutory, regulatory, and institutional barriers to improved freight transportation performance.
  - Strategy 4.1 Identify/inventory potential statutory, regulatory, and institutional changes.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 4.1.01 Review private sector institutional arrangements for opportunities to improve freight operations.
      - Lead: USDOT
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
    - Tactic 4.1.02 Review public sector statutes, regulations, institutional arrangements and human capital for opportunities to improve freight operations.
      - Lead: USDOT
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
    - Tactic 4.1.03 Encourage localities to consider freight needs in their land use decisions.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck Rail
  - Strategy 4.2 Provide pilot projects with temporary relief from unnecessarily-restrictive regulations and/or processes.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 4.2.01 Implement SEP-15.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
  - Strategy 4.3 Encourage regionally-based intermodal gateway responses.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 4.3.01 Establish DOT intermodal facilitation teams for key gateway projects.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 4.3.01.02 Chicago CREATE Gateway Team
        
        Description: The Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Project (CREATE) is a proposed $1.5B public/private partnership including the City of Chicago DOT (CDOT), the State of Illinois DOT (IDOT), and the American Association of Railroads (AAR), representing six freight railroads and Chicagos commuter railroad, Metra. The program would create four streamlined freight rail corridors and a commuter rail corridor in the Chicago area. The program of approximately 75 individual projects includes six rail-rail flyovers, 49 miles of new track, centralized traffic control for the corridors 122 route miles, 364 new higher speed turnouts, and 25 road/rail grade separations. In recognition of the importance of CREATE to the nations freight distribution system, Congress authorized $100M in Federal funding for CREATE Program within SAFETEA-LU. DOT has also established a gateway team for CREATE. This team consists of one staff member in FHWAs Illinois Division Office, supported by DOT headquarters staff from the Office of the Secretary, FRA, and FHWA
        
        Lead: FHWA/OST
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public (DOT)
        
        Mode: rail
        
        Obstacles: Federal share of funding is insufficient to support the project as planned
      - Activity 4.3.01.03 Alaska Way Viaduct (Seattle) Gateway Team
        
        Description: The Alaska Way Viaduct (AWV) and Seattle Seawall are critical components of transportation infrastructure in downtown Seattle, WA. The AWV carries 110,000 vehicles per day and provides a vital access alternative to heavily congested I-5. The Seattle Seawall structure along Elliott Bay stabilizes the waterfront area and associated facilities of the Port of Seattle, and also provides structural support for foundations of the AWV. Both structures were damaged by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in 2001 and are currently functionally obsolete. Each is scheduled to be replaced or reconstructed, at a combined cost of around $4B. To coordinate these projects, DOT has established a Seattle freight gateway team. This team consists of FHWAs Division Administrator for the State of Washington, supported by DOT headquarters staff from the Office of the Secretary and FHWA.
        
        Lead: FHWA/OST
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: rail
        
        Obstacles: The City of Seattle is pushing for design modifications to the SR-519 interchange with the AWV, which would complicate freight movements from Seattle Port Terminals and the BNSF rail terminal
      - Activity 4.3.01.04 Anchorage Gateway Project
        
        Description: The Port of Anchorage Intermodal Expansion Project is a major transportation infrastructure project designed to meet the current and future needs of the municipality, the state, and the nation. The project includes both waterside development activities and backland intermodal development, and is designed to stimulate local and regional economies, accommodate larger container and cruise ships, barges, and tankers, support new military requirements, and enhance intermodal (rail, road, and marine) transportation systems.
        
        Lead: OST/MARAD
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: maritime
        
        Obstacles: Project sponsors seek to lock in project financing based upon a projected revenue stream
      - Activity 4.3.01.05 Washington State FAST corridor
        
        Description: The Freight Action Strategy for Everett-Seattle-Tacoma (FAST) is an innovative partnership between transportation agencies, ports, cities, economic development organizations, trucking, rail and business interests to streamline the movement of freight through the central Puget Sound region of Washington State. Since 1996, the FAST partnership has studied freight movement via rails, roads and shipping ports to develop projects that move freight more efficiently and increase safety for cars, trucks and trains. FAST identified 15 top priority projects from Everett to Tacoma for phase I: seven projects are complete. The partnership is currently carrying out phase II.
        
        Lead: Puget Sound Regional Council
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime
        
        Obstacles: None
  - Strategy 4.4 Actively engage and support the establishment of international standards to facilitate freight movement.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 4.4.01 Promote establishment of international data standards through the International Standards Organization (ISO).
      - Lead: AASHTO
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
- Objective 5 Proactively identify and address emerging transportation needs.
  - Strategy 5.1 Develop data and analytical capacity for making future investment decisions.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 5.1.01 Promote adequate coverage of freight transportation in government statistics.
      - Lead: RITA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 5.1.01.05 Conduct transportation elements of 2002 Economic Census
        
        Description: The 2002 Economic Census included the Commodity Flow Survey, the Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey, and coverage of the for-hire trucking, public warehousing, and courier industries. All national and state-level tabulations were released to the public by the beginning of CY 2006
        
        Lead: Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of the Census/FHWA
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
      - Activity 5.1.01.06 Commodity Flow Survey Update and Improvement
        
        Description: The Commodity Flow Survey (CFS) is the basic source of data on shipments by manufacturers, wholesalers, mining, and selected other industries for all modes and intermodal combinations, and is the foundation of the Freight Analysis Framework. The CFS is conducted jointly by the Bureau of the Census and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics every 5 years. The next survey is scheduled for CY 2007
        
        Lead: Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of the Census/RITA/BTS
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
        
        Obstacles: Funding for the BTS airline statistics program must be secured to release funds for the CFS.
      - Activity 5.1.01.07 Transportation Elements of Foreign Trade
        
        Description: Foreign Trade Statistics are compiled by the Census Bureau. The Maritime Administration and the Corps of Engineers identify commodities arriving and departing by water, and the Bureau of Transportation contracts with Census to distinguish transborder shipments by mode of transportation
        
        Lead: RITA/BTS
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
        
        Obstacles: Funding for the maritime component has been significantly reduced
      - Activity 5.1.01.08 Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey
        
        Description: The Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey (VIUS) is the principle source of data on the characteristics and use of the nation's truck fleet, and provides the key link between commodity flows and truck activity. Conducted by the Census Bureau every 5 years since the early 1960s, the VIUS is scheduled for termination due to budget reductions. The Department of Transportation is exploring ways to salvage at least the heavy truck portion of the VIUS for 2007
        
        Lead: FHWA/Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of the Census
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
        
        Obstacles: The 2007 VIUS will cost approximately $2 million, and is currently unfunded.
      - Activity 5.1.01.09 Transportation and the National Input-Output Account
        
        Description: The contribution of transportation to each sector of the economy is measured in the National Input-Output Account by the Bureau of Economic Analysis for for-hire carriers, and in the Transportation Satellite Account by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics for private carriers.
        
        Lead: RITA/BTS
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
    - Tactic 5.1.02 Fully engage private sector data sources.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 5.2.02.05 TRBs freight modeling conference
        
        Description: In the fall of 2006 the Transportation Research Board (TRB) held freight modeling conference, funded by several Federal agencies internal and external to USDOT. The conference is designed to complement the U.S. Federal Highway Administrations work on the Freight Model Improvement Program and will focus on modeling methodologies, applications of existing models at the national and local levels, and related data needed to support modeling efforts. Participants will include both public and private sector modeling experts
        
        Lead: OOST/RITA/FHWA/TRB
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail
      - Activity 5.2.02.04 Two conferences to engage private sector sources of freight data
        
        Description: With the help of TRB, DOT plans to institute an annual state of the freight system event (modeled after the annual FAA aviation forecasting conference), where diverse freight interests who track and forecast freight movements will present industry perspectives to the department.
        
        Lead: OST/RITA/FHWA/TRB
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
    - Tactic 5.1.03 Improve analytical tools.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 5.3.01.01 Establish the institutional capacity to promote professional capacity building for freight in the government sector
        
        Description: Improving the professional capacity of the public sector workforce in freight issues is crucial to improving freight transportation. There was an identified need to create the ability to assist state departments of transportation (DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) in building freight professional capacity through training, education and technical assistance
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
      - Activity 1.4.01.01 FHWA's Freight Professional Development Program (FPD)
        
        Description: The FPD program develops a broad range of professional capacity building courses, seminars and workshops that advance the professional capacity of transportation professionals in the government sector. These opportunities can be found at http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/fpd/Docs/training.htm
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
        
        Obstacles: None
        
        DOT Actions: .
      - Activity 5.3.01.02 Develop courses, seminars, and workshops that advance the professional capacity of transportation professionals in the government sector
        
        Description: The FPD program has created a broad range of professional capacity building courses, seminars and workshops. These opportunities can be found at http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/fpd/Docs/training.htm
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
        
        Obstacles: None
      - Activity 5.3.01.04 Work with industry, government and academia to integrate an understanding of the public sector planning process into academic courses on logistics and transportation.
        
        Description: Academic institutions offer a multitude of courses at the graduate and undergraduate level on logistics and transportation that do not include any information on the public sector transportation planning process how the public sector makes transportation infrastructure investments. We need to educate the next generations of transportation professionals on transportation infrastructure so they can best engage in the planning process
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
        
        Obstacles: None
      - Activity 5.3.01.05 Conduct a follow-up conference to the meeting of FHWA Freight Council members and State DOT freight contacts that was held in Columbus, OH in April 05.
        
        Lead: FHWA/AASHTO
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
        
        Obstacles: None
      - Activity 5.1.03.01 Freight Analysis Framework: 1998-2020
        
        Description: The Freight Analysis Framework version 1 (FAF1) is an estimate of freight flows among key sectors of the economy by truck, rail, and water for 1998 with forecasts to 2010 and 2020.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
      - Activity 5.1.03.02 Freight Analysis Framework: 2002-2035
        
        Description: The Freight Analysis Framework version 2 (FAF1) is an estimate of freight flows by all modes and all sectors of the economy using publicly available data and transparent methods for 2002 with forecasts through 2035 and provisional current year estimates/
        
        Lead: FHWA/RITA/BTS
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
        
        Obstacles: None
      - Activity 5.1.03.07 Improved national freight policy models
        
        Description: National models such as the Highway Economic Requirements System must be adapted to take into account changing patterns of freight movement
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
      - Activity 5.1.03.06 Freight trend identification
        
        Description: International and domestic forces are changing patterns of freight movement in the US, and should be monitored and assessed to anticipate the changes
        
        Lead: RITA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
  - Strategy 5.2 Conduct freight-related research and development.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 5.2.01 Ensure that public sector research and development places a sufficient emphasis on freight-related projects.
      - Lead: RITA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 5.2.01.03 SAFETEA-LU Grant - Advanced Intermodal Transportation Technologies, University of Memphis, TN
        
        Description: The Center for Advanced Intermodal Transportation Technologies (CAITT) at the University of Memphis, TN will conduct research on advanced technologies in intermodal transportation.
        
        Lead: OST/FHWA/RITA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime
      - Activity 5.2.01.05 SAFETEA-LU Grant Rural Transportation Research, Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI), North Dakota State University
        
        Description: The UGPTI will conduct research on rural transportation issues
        
        Lead: OST/FHWA/RITA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail
      - Activity 5.2.01.04 SAFETEA-LU Grant Appalachian Regional Commission
        
        Description: The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will conduct a feasibility study for the creation of a system of inland ports and distribution centers in Appalachia
        
        Lead: OST/FHWA/RITA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime
    - Tactic 5.2.02 Fully utilize the Transportation Research Board's National Cooperative Freight Research Program.
      - Lead: RITA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 5.2.02.01 National Cooperative Freight Research Program (NCFRP)
        
        Description: The NCFRP is created in SAFETEA-LU to conduct research in the following areas; (1) Techniques for estimating and quantifying public benefits derived from freight transportation project;(2) Alternative approaches to calculating the contribution of truck and rail traffic to congestion on specific highway segments; (3) The feasibility of consolidating origins and destinations for freight movement (4) Methods for incorporating estimates of international trade into landside transportation planning; (5) The use of technology applications to increase capacity of highway lanes dedicated to truck-only traffic (6) Development of physical and policy alternatives for separating car and truck traffic (7) Ways to synchronize infrastructure improvements with freight transportation demand (8) The effects of changing patterns of freight movement on transportation planning decisions relating to rest areas (9) Other research areas to identify and address emerging and future research needs related to freight transportation by all modes."
        
        Lead: OST/FHWA/RITA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
    - Tactic 5.2.03 Focus U.S. DOT national research on freight logistics and global challenges.
      - Lead: USDOT
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 5.2.03.01 Government-Conducted Freight Transportation Research
        
        Description: Develop legislative text that focuses government-conducted freight transportation research primarily on areas of national significance.
        
        Lead: DOT
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
      - Activity 5.2.03.02 College and University-Conducted Freight Transportation Research
        
        Description: Work with colleges and universities to better ensure the freight-related transportation research they conduct focuses on areas of national significance.
        
        Lead: FHWA/RITA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
  - Strategy 5.3 Maintain dialogue between and among public and private sector freight stakeholders.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 5.3.01 Increase public sector awareness of trends in private sector freight operations and investment.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
    - Tactic 5.3.02 Strengthen interagency dialogue (DOT, DOD, EPA, DOL, Corps of Engineers, etc.) on freight issues.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 5.3.01.03 Support AASHTO's Private Sector Financing Techniques work
        
        Description: Work with AASHTO and the project finance center at USC to put on several workshops and seminars on private sector financing techniques
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail
    - Tactic 5.3.03 Continue dialogue between DOT and stakeholder associations.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 5.3.02.01 Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS)
        
        Description: The CMTS is a Federal cabinet-level interagency body, headed by the Secretary of Transportation and including representation from thirteen different Federal agencies; its core members include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Maritime Administration, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
        
        Lead: FHWA/AASHTO
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: maritime
      - Activity 5.4.03.04 Conduct an International Scan on Urban Goods Movement
        
        Description: Resolution of urban goods movement is a challenge many of the major metropolitan areas in the U.S. are facing. This same challenge is being addressed around the globe by various means. Utilize the international scan program to identify best practices used by other countries in moving freight through urban areas through the use of technology and/or operational procedures. Practices will be reviewed for potential adoption by urban areas within the United States.
        
        Lead: FHWA/AASHTO
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime
        
        Obstacles: Selection by the committee that reviews international scans; this is a very competitive process.
    - Tactic 5.3.04 Endorse/establish freight advisory boards for public agencies.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 5.3.03.01 Eno Foundation freight policy forum luncheon series
        
        Description: DOT and EPA jointly sponsored the Eno Transportation Foundation to conduct a freight policy forum luncheon series. The series examined the effects of freight volumes upon land use, energy consumption, the transportation network, and the environment. Participants included representatives from industry, the environmental community, government, and academia
        
        Lead: OST/EPA
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
      - Activity 5.3.03.02 Transportation Research Board (TRB) Freight Industry Roundtable
        
        Description: TRBs Freight Industry Roundtable, sponsored by DOT, includes representatives from major freight carriers, shippers, and academia, and serves three purposes: (1) improving DOTs understanding of 21st century supply chain logistics (SCL), (2) improving industrys understanding of the Federal role and capabilities, and (3) facilitating a dialogue through which industry and government can form a common policy approach. This dialogue has been instrumental in informing DOTs National Freight Policy Framework
        
        Lead: OST
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
        
        Obstacles: None
      - Activity 5.3.04.03 Continuing dialogue with the Freight Stakeholders Coalition
        
        Description: DOT keeps in regular contact with the Freight Stakeholders Coalition, a national organization of associations that represent freight transportation providers and users. The Coalition is co-chaired by representatives from the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) and the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).
        
        Lead: OST/Freight Stakeholders Coalition
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
        
        Obstacles: None
      - Activity 5.3.03.04 Continuing conversation between DOT and other freight interests
        
        Description: DOTs policy leadership meets regularly with various individuals and organizations with an interest in freight. Depending upon the issue at hand, these meetings may involve anyone from the Secretary of Transportation down to policy staff in the Office of the Secretary or various DOT modal administrations
        
        Lead: OST
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
      - Activity 5.3.04.01 Develop a workshop on how the public sector can engage the private sector freight community in transportation planning through the Freight Professional Development program.
        
        Description: Public sector planning organizations have had difficulty reaching out to the freight community to gain their input, likewise the freight community has not been receptive to working with the public sector transportation planning community. This workshop is designed to bridge that gap by providing a range of options for the public sector to use to engage the private sector freight community.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
      - Activity 5.3.04.02 Work with industry organizations (NITL, CSCMP, etc.) to encourage/ promote their constituencys involvement in the public sector transportation planning process.
        
        Description: The public sector course "Engaging the Private Sector" (see completed projects) was designed to energize the public sector planning community to reach out to the private sector for their input. This activity is to promote the private sectors involvement.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
        
        Obstacles: Getting time slotted in the industry events to discuss this issue
  - Strategy 5.4 Make public sector institutional arrangements more responsive.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Activity 5.4.02.03 Environmental Streamlining pursuant to Executive Order 13274
      - Description: Promote use of updated regulations that include provision for streamlining
      - Lead: OST/FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Sector: Public
      - Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
    - Tactic 5.4.02 Adopt fast track/streamlined planning/environmental processes.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 5.4.02.01 NEPA Process Reforms
        
        Description: Develop legislative text that allows NEPA Process Reforms, including clarifying applicable standards for determining a reasonable alternative, utilizing a simplified process for an EIS, creating a formal scoping decision point, broadening categorical exclusion assignment authority to the states, and extending current NEPA delegation pilot authority for an additional 5-10 years, to be implemented.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
      - Activity 5.4.02.02 Environmental Decision-Making Process Mitigation-Based Alternatives
        
        Description: Develop legislative text that allows the creation of a mitigation-based alternative to the environmental decision-making process.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
    - Tactic 5.4.03 Incorporate goods movement into public sector transportation planning.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 5.4.03.01 Develop training on how to best incorporate freight perspectives into the transportation planning process.
        
        Description: Public sector planning organizations have had difficulty understanding the freight transportation issues and many stakeholder perspectives on the freight transportation system. This course provides information about key freight trends, identifies key stakeholders and issues, so that public-sector transportation planners are better able to incorporate freight into transportation planning processes and programs.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
      - Activity 5.4.03.02 Develop training on how freight can be incorporated into state and MPO planning and project programming processes
        
        Description: This course will provide techniques and strategies designed for those individuals directly involved in the implementation of transportation planning, programming and allocation of resources. It will provide participants with the skills needed to identify, prioritize, develop and implement freight supportive projects
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail/maritime/pipeline/aviation
        
        Obstacles: None
      - Activity 5.4.03.03 Broaden knowledge in urban goods movement practices
        
        Description: To address the challenge of efficient and effective movement of urban freight materials are under development to broaden knowledge and enhance skills of the freight transportation and planning workforce about these practices
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
        
        Obstacles: None
  - Strategy 5.5 Make the public sector transportation system and investments more accountable and performance outcome-oriented.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Activity 5.5.01.01 Federal Interest Highway and Metropolitan Mobility Program Performance Standards
      - Description: Develop the legislative text to establish quality and performance standards for transportation system management and project selection on Federal Interest Highways and for Metropolitan areas.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Planned
      - Sector: Public
      - Mode: truck
    - Activity 5.5.01.02 State and Metropolitan Area-Developed Performance Criteria
      - Description: Develop the legislative text to require the development performance criteria and measures (targets to be developed by individual State DOTs and metropolitan areas).
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Planned
      - Sector: Public
      - Mode: truck/rail
    - Activity 5.5.02.02 Federal Interest Highway and Metropolitan Mobility Program Benefit-Cost Requirements
      - Description: Develop the legislative text to establish benefit-cost procedures and requirements for transportation system management and project selection on Federal Interest Highways and in Metropolitan areas.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Planned
      - Sector: Public
      - Mode: truck
    - Activity 5.5.02.02 Benefit-Cost Criteria
      - Description: Develop the legislative text to establish benefit-cost procedures and requirements for transportation system management and project selection on Federal Interest Highways and in Metropolitan areas.
      - Lead: FHWA
      - Status: Planned
      - Sector: Public
      - Mode: truck
  - Strategy 5.6 Establish the federal role in freight transportation.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 5.6.01 Focus federal resources on the parts of the transportation network that contribute most to interstate trade and travel.
      - Lead: USDOT
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 5.6.01.01 Federal Transportation Role on the National Highway Network
        
        Description: Develop the legislative text of a Federal Interest Highway Program that defines the federal role on the national highway network.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
    - Tactic 5.6.02 Focus federal resources on transportation infrastructure that provides the most support to the movement of goods in large metropolitan areas.
      - Lead: USDOT
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 5.6.02.01 Federal Transportation Role in Large Metropolitan Areas
        
        Description: Develop the legislative text of a Metro Mobility Program that defines the federal role in large metropolitan areas.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail
- Objective 6 Maximize the safety and security of the freight transportation system.
  - Strategy 6.1 Pursue activities that improve the safety of the freight transportation system.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 6.1.01 Inspect and enforce safety requirements for motor carriers.
      - Lead: FMCSA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
      - Activity 6.1.02.01 Development of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking establishing requirements for intermodal equipment providers, motor carriers, and drivers operating intermodal equipment.
        
        Description: This rulemaking would require entities that offer intermodal container chassis for transportation in interstate commerce to: file a Motor Carrier Identification Report (Form MCS-150); display a USDOT identification number on each chassis offered for such transportation; establish a systematic inspection, repair and maintenance program to ensure the safe operating condition of each chassis offered for transportation and maintain documentation of the program; and provide a means for effectively responding to driver and motor carrier complaints about the condition of intermodal container chassis. These regulations will improve the roadability (safety) of intermodal chassis tendered to motor carriers/drivers, thereby improving the efficiency of interchange and freight movement
        
        Lead: FMCSA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
    - Tactic 6.1.02 Carry out intermodal equipment roadability rulemaking.
      - Lead: FMCSA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
    - Tactic 6.1.03 Inspect and enforce safety requirements for railroads.
      - Lead: FRA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Rail
    - Tactic 6.1.04 Improve safety of highway-rail grade crossings.
      - Lead: FRA FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Rail
    - Tactic 6.1.05 Inspect and enforce safety requirements for maritime cargo.
      - Lead: FAA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Air
    - Tactic 6.1.06 Inspect and enforce safety requirements for air cargo.
      - Lead: FAA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Air
    - Tactic 6.1.07 Inspect and enforce safety requirements for pipelines.
      - Lead: PHMSA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Pipelines
      - Activity 6.1.08.01 FMSCA Motor Carrier Safety Grant Program Modifications
        
        Description: Develop the legislative text that simplifies and increases the flexibility of the Motor Carrier Safety Grant Program.
        
        Lead: FMCSA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
      - Activity 6.1.09.01 FMSCA Motor Carrier Safety Grant Program Maintenance of Effort Requirements
        
        Description: Develop the legislative text that allows implementation of new Maintenance of Effort requirements and does not penalize States that contribute additional resources toward commercial vehicle safety programs.
        
        Lead: FMCSA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
  - Strategy 6.2 Manage public exposure to hazardous materials.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 6.2.01 Track hazardous shipments and report incidents.
      - Lead: USCG
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 6.4.01.01 Strategic Rail Network [STRACNET
        
        Description: The Strategic Rail Corridor Network (STRACNET) and its associated connector lines are the civil rail lines most important to national defense. STRACNET is a 30,000-mile interconnected network (135 nodes, 180 links) of rail corridors (not actual rail lines) important to national defense. It was developed from analyses of mobilization/deployment needs, peacetime traffic, and combat tank shipments as an indicator of oversize/overweight movements. FRA designated a main line to satisfy each STRACNET corridor. The lines designated for STRACNET and for most connectors to military installations and activities requiring rail service meet defense readiness requirements for maintenance condition, clearance, and gross weight capability.
        
        Lead: FRA
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: rail
      - Activity 6.4.01.02 Strategic Highway Network [STRAHNET
        
        Description: STRAHNET is a system of public highways that is a key component of our nations strategic policy. It provides defense access, continuity, and emergency capabilities for movements of personnel and equipment in both peace and war. It is over 60,000 miles and includes the Eisenhower Interstate System and over 15,000 miles of other important public highways
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck
    - Tactic 6.2.02 Establish hazmat equipment standards.
      - Lead: PHMSA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck Rail
    - Tactic 6.2.03 Special qualifications for hazmat carriers and employees.
      - Lead: FMCSA PHMSA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
  - Strategy 6.3 Ensure a balanced approach to security and efficiency in all freight initiatives.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 6.3.01 Maintain dialog between DOT and DHS.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
  - Strategy 6.4 Preserve redundant capacity for security and reliability.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 6.4.01 Identify critical infrastructure.
      - Lead: FRA FHWA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck Rail
- Objective 7 Mitigate and better manage the environmental, health, energy, and community impacts of freight transportation.
  - Strategy 7.1 Pursue pollution reduction technologies and operations.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 7.1.01 Promote idle reduction opportunities.
      - Lead: OST
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
      - Activity 7.1.01.01 Implement 400-lb exemption in size and weight restriction for idle reduction equipment on trucks
        
        Description: Historically, truck weight calculations have included the weight of idle reduction equipment, which in effect has penalized truckers by reducing the amount of cargo that they can legally carry (by the weight of the equipment). This exemption allows truckers that install up to 400lb of idle reduction equipment to increase their maximum allowable truck weight by the weight of the equipment, removing the penalty
        
        Lead: Environmental Protection Agency/FHWA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
        
        Obstacles: None
      - Activity 7.1.01.02 Development and usage of "green goat" lower-emission locomotives
        
        Description: In 2005, Union Pacific Railroad ordered 10 low-emission, hybrid locomotives for use in its Southern California rail yard operations. Costing $8.2 million, this is Union Pacifics largest purchase of the hybrid-technology locomotives called "Green Goats." They are designed to cut air emissions by 80 to 90 percent and reduce diesel fuel use by 40 to 60 percent compared to conventional diesel-powered locomotives used in switching service. They operate in rail yards, sorting out rail cars from inbound trains and assembling outbound trains
        
        Lead: Union Pacific (UP)/FRA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Private
        
        Mode: rail
        
        Obstacles: Green Goats are only used in yards, not long-haul
      - Activity 7.1.01.03 2007 changes to diesel engine emissions standards
        
        Description: Beginning with the 2007 model year, 100% of the on-road diesel heavy duty engines will require the use of a diesel particulate filters and 50% of the engines will require NOx exhaust control technology; beginning with the 2010 model year, 100% of the on-road heavy-duty diesel engines will require NOx exhaust control technology.
        
        Lead: Environmental Protection Agency/Truck Manufacturers Association/OST
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck
        
        Obstacles: There is a huge legacy fleet that will continue to operate well beyond 2007. These legacy trucks will not be subject to the new standards
      - Activity 7.1.01.04 Diesel retrofit
        
        Description: EPA is currently pursuing a voluntary partnership with the freight industry to increase energy efficiency and energy security and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases by promoting a market-based diesel retrofit initiative
        
        Lead: EPA/OST /FHWA /Schneider International and numerous other major long-haul carriers
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck
        
        Obstacles: Intermodal truck operators are unwilling or unable to finance diesel retrofits either on their own or through existing public-sector financial programs. Therefore, EPA and DOT are pursuing more user-friendly innovative financing options
      - Activity 7.1.01.05 Cold-ironing of vessels at marine terminals
        
        Description: Today, vessels in port use auxiliary diesel power while docked, generating emissions. Through "cold-ironing," vessels could turn off their diesel engines and plug into auxiliary electrical shore power
        
        Lead: MARAD/Port of Long Beach /Port of Los Angeles
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: maritime
    - Tactic 7.1.02 Pursue new diesel technologies.
      - Lead: USDOT
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
    - Tactic 7.1.03 Enact noise reduction strategies.
      - Lead: FHWA FRA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck, Rail
      - Activity 7.1.03.01 Highway Noise Barriers/Buffer Zones
        
        Description: Highway traffic noise depends on three things: (1) the volume of the traffic, (2) the speed of the traffic, and (3) the number of trucks in the flow of traffic. Generally, the traffic noise increased with heavier traffic volumes, higher speeds, and greater numbers of trucks. Vehicle noise is a combination of the noises produced by the engine, exhaust, and tires. Defective mufflers or other faulty equipment on vehicles can also increase the loudness of traffic noise. Any condition (such as a steep incline) that causes heavy laboring of motor vehicle engines will also increase traffic noise levels. In addition, distance, terrain, vegetation, and natural and manmade obstacles reduce traffic noise levels. Traffic noise is not usually a serious problem for people who live more than 500 feet from heavily traveled freeways. Abatement measures available for reducing highway traffic noise impacts include: creating buffer zones, constructing barriers, insulation, altering the horizontal and vertical alignment, and managing traffic. Buffer zones are undeveloped open spaces, which are created when a highway agency purchases land, or development rights, in addition to the normal right of way, so that future dwellings cannot be constructed close to the highway. This precludes the possibility of constructing dwellings that would otherwise experience an excessive noise level from nearby highway traffic. However, because of the tremendous amount of land that must be purchased and because in many cases dwellings already border existing roads, creating buffer zones is often not possible and has only been known to occur twice. Noise barriers, which are solid obstructions built between the highway and the homes along the highway, are the most frequently constructed highway traffic noise abatement measure. Effective noise barriers can reduce noise levels by 10 to 15 decibels, cutting the loudness of traffic noise in half. They are usually limited to 25 feet in height for structural and safety reasons. For a noise barrier to work, it must be high enough and long enough to block the view of a road. Noise barriers do very little good for homes on a hillside overlooking a road or for buildings, which rise above the barrier. Although cost to construct noise barrier varies, on average a noise barrier can cost approximately 1 to 2 million dollars per liner mile
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
      - Activity 7.1.03.02 Quiet Highway Pavements
        
        Description: The National Cooperative Highway Research Program has a pending project (Project 8-56, FY 2005), which will look at mapping the various noise sources for heavy trucks. The objective of this study is to use acoustic measurement and noise-source mapping techniques to accurately identify, locate, and quantify the noise sources on typical commercial truck and tractor-semi trailer combinations operating in the U.S. roadway environment.
        
        Lead: FHWA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck
      - Activity 7.1.03.03 Locomotive Horns Regulation
        
        Description: The Use of Locomotive Horns regulation is a safety rule that permits communities to establish quiet zones in which routine sounding of the locomotive horn at highway-rail at-grade crossings is suspended. The rule also set a maximum sound level and prescribed that horn sounding be limited to 20 seconds in advance of the crossing. The regulation requires that the crossings in the quiet zone be safer than average, or be improved to improve their safety to compensate for the lack of routine horn sounding. When a quiet zone is established, there is a noise reduction that benefits the areas adjacent to the railroad tracks. Once fully implemented, the 20-second limit and maximum sound level could result in an average reduction of train noise of approximately 38% near at-grade crossings. The establishment of a quiet zone can further cut train noise near the crossings by approximately half again.
        
        Lead: FRA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: rail
      - Activity 7.1.03.04 Calculating Noise Reduction from Road to Rail Transport Shifts
        
        Description: Shifting freight between rail and truck would result in a change in noise emissions that could be calculated using available noise models (TNM for trucks and the CREATE project rail noise model for trains). The net change in noise impacts would depend on the propensity of population near highways and rail lines. Population densities could be estimated using GIS with census data and the general distribution of truck and rail freight flows on routes from the FAF
        
        Lead: FRA
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Public
        
        Mode: truck/rail
    - Tactic 7.1.04 Explore alternatives for reducing ship stack emissions.
      - Lead: MARAD
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Water
  - Strategy 7.2 Pursue investments to mitigate environmental, health, and community transportation impacts.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 7.2.01 Create noise buffers.
      - Lead: USDOT
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
    - Tactic 7.2.02 Promote best-in-class urban design to better integrate freight facilities into surrounding communities.
      - Lead: USDOT
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: All
  - Strategy 7.3 Promote adaptive reuse of brownfields and dredge material.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 7.3.01 Pursue opportunities for adaptive reuse of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) facilities or brownfields sites.
      - Lead: OST MARAD
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Water
      - Activity 7.3.01.01 The Port of Bellingham, WA
        
        Description: The Port of Bellingham, WA, recently reached a tentative agreement to acquire 137 acres of waterfront property that was previously operated as a chlorine plant and pulp mill. The acquisition of this property will give the port and community the opportunity to shape the future of the waterfront
        
        Lead: MARAD
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: maritime
      - Activity 7.3.1.02 Port of New Bedford, MA
        
        Description: New Bedford and the Town of Fairhaven has partnered with federal and state partners in the implementation of high priority projects identified in their Harbor Plan. This includes navigational dredging of sediments and waterside Brownfields remediation and reuse. New Bedfords goal is to improve the overall health of the harbor environment and the publics ability to use the resource while facilitating economic revitalization.
        
        Lead: MARAD
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: maritime
      - Activity 7.3.01.03 The Port of Tampa
        
        Description: The Port of Tampa is facilitating environmentally responsible redevelopment and revitalization of the Ports three Brownfields properties. Tampa seeks to improve existing properties to accommodate expanded container service and other cargo trade.
        
        Lead: MARAD
        
        Status: Completed
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: maritime
      - Activity 7.3.01.04 New Section 20: D109-05: A Draft MARAD bill, "To amend and enhance certain maritime programs of the Department of Transportation, and for other purposes."
        
        Description: The BRAC provisions of this bill indicate MARAD may (thru the Secretary) request that certain BRAC properties be conveyed to USDOT. The Department would certainly want to review these requests on a case-by-case basis to make sure that the BRAC facilities transferred to USDOT are targeted for realistic commercial uses (i.e. Short Sea terminals etc) and that MARAD has a business plan in place for any BRAC facility which would be transferred from DOD to USDOT.
        
        Lead: MARAD
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: maritime
      - Activity 7.3.01.05 The Portfields Initiative
        
        Description: The Portfields Initiative is a federal interagency partnership that focuses on the redevelopment of brownfields in and around port communities. Because ports are frequently located highly developed areas, expansion to improve freight capacity and movement is difficult. Brownfields in and around the ports, as well as in off-site locations can provide economically viable locations for additional port and intermodal freight expansion, while at the same time providing significant environmental enhancements. In 2003, federal partners including the Maritime Administration selected three small Portfields demonstration pilot projects (Port of New Bedford, MA, Tampa Bay Port Authority, Port of Bellingham, WA). The intent of these projects is to bring together and focus the wide variety of federal expertise to facilitate the redevelopment of port communities in a manner that enhances transportation infrastructure and freight movement while protecting and restoring critical habitat and enhancing the quality of life for community residents. Each of these projects is a small scale effort with little federal funding involved. Federal partners include the Maritime Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Economic Development Agency, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Interior, and Department of Labor
        
        Lead: MARAD
        
        Status: Underway
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: maritime
  - Strategy 7.4 Prevent introduction of or control invasive species.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 7.4.01 Support the Coast Guard's comprehensive national ballast water management program.
      - Lead: MARAD
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Water
  - Strategy 7.5 Pursue energy conservation strategies and alternative fuels in freight operations.
    - Lead: USDOT
    - Status: Underway
    - Tactic 7.5.01 Support the 21st Century Truck Program initiative between the Department of Energy and truck manufacturers.
      - Lead: RITA
      - Status: Underway
      - Mode: Truck
      - Activity 7.5.01.01 Estimation and Techniques of Benefits of Hydrogen and/or Fuel Cell Technologies
        
        Description: Quantifying the operational benefits or constrains of utilizing hydrogen or fuel cell APUs and/or hybrid engines.
        
        Lead: RITA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck
      - Activity 7.5.01.02 Estimation of Impacts and Benefits of Long-Duration Fuel Cell Power
        
        Description: Assessment of impacts and logistics benefits, and identifying new opportunities of incorporating long-duration fuel cell power unties for refrigeration an/or electrical supply into intermodal containers, including marine cargo, rail, and commercial freight.
        
        Lead: RITA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck
      - Activity 7.5.01.03 Development Costs of National Use of Hydrogen Technology
        
        Description: Computation of costs of development and/or conversion of the necessary fueling infrastructure, maintenance, loading, and parking structures, and the maintenance training necessary to support a national use of hydrogen for use in commercial trucks
        
        Lead: RITA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck
      - Activity 7.5.01.04 Evaluation of efficiency and capacity improvements of Electric Powered Automated Container Movers
        
        Description: Evaluation of efficiency and capacity improvements derived from, and the design of, electric powered automated container movers using inductive guideways at marine, rail, and intermodal terminals
        
        Lead: RITA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: truck/rail
      - Activity 7.5.01.05 Application of Fuel Cells for Train Control Applications
        
        Description: Conduct research on application of regenerative fuel cells for remote switching and other train control applications as alternatives to manual operations.
        
        Lead: RITA
        
        Status: Planned
        
        Sector: Joint
        
        Mode: rail