US Department of Transportation has
announced the launch of a freight policy council to focus on improving the condition
and performance of the national freight network to ensure the ability of the United
States to compete in the global economy.
The council is tasked with developing
a national, intermodal plan for improving the efficiency of freight movement. It
will work with states to encourage development of a forward looking state freight
strategy.
“Our freight system is the lifeblood
of the American economy, moving goods quickly and efficiently to benefit both businesses
and consumers across the country,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “With
the launch of the Freight Policy Council, we have an opportunity to make not only
our freight system, but all modes of transportation, stronger and better connected.”
The DOT’s Freight Policy Council will
implement key freight provisions of the recent federal transportation bill, Moving
Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, or MAP-21, which was signed by President
Obama in July. MAP-21 established a national freight policy and called for the creation
of a national freight strategic plan.
The council will be chaired by Deputy
Transportation Secretary John Porcari and is expected to include DOT leadership
from highways, rail, ports and airports and economic and policy experts from across
the Obama Administration.
The freight and logistics industries,
consumers and other stakeholders will also play an advisory role, according to the
DOT, and states will be asked to offer proposals for improving the freight system
in their region.
“With increasing competition abroad,
Washington businesses require a 21st century approach to moving goods,” said US
Senator Maria Cantwell, D-WA, who joined LaHood for the announcement at the PCC
Logistics Duwamish Facility in Seattle. “This new Freight Policy Council provides
the roadmap our nation needs to stay competitive and grow our trade economy.”
