Freight Movement Planning

Efficient management of the movement of goods within a region can help reduce traffic congestion and create healthier, more livable communities. In many communities, most freight is transported by trucks using a combination of state, county and local roads.

Local governments can encourage businesses to use other freight options, such as air and rail, by zoning for clustered industrial and commercial development around existing airports and rail lines. Siting industrial and commercial uses near these facilities can expedite the transport of goods directly to end users while helping to minimize local traffic congestion caused by trucks. Local governments also can designate areas near rail and airport terminals for freight facility development. Improving freight access to rail and airport terminals reduces the amount of short-haul truck trips in a region, along with the noise and pollution associated with them.

Local governments have the authority to regulate truck movement for the safety and welfare of their communities, and may choose to designate truck routes to steer freight along specific corridors. These corridors can then be designed and managed to enhance roadway safety and to provide adequate facilities for truckers. The agency responsible for maintaining the truck routes will be able to focus their efforts and better plan for future improvements. Economically, having designated truck routes can offer savings by reducing the number of lane miles that need to be built to freight specifications.

Municipalities may also devise strategies to attract additional freight facility development and private enterprise development near airports to facilitate use of air freight carriers.