The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released a multiyear strategy to modernize the United States’ nearly 7 million mile freight network.
The 2026 National Freight Strategic Plan updates a 2020 document identifying the challenges of e-commerce and the shift toward the U.S. becoming a net energy exporter. The latest version focuses on six primary strategic goals over the next five years.
The plan aims to reduce risks to the freight system and improve response approaches; modernize freight infrastructure and foster game changing technologies; improve system reliability and streamline government regulation; reduce or eliminate serious injuries and fatalities of the freight system; build a skilled work force and improve quality of life; and ensure the integrity of our nation’s supply chains in support of national defense and economic prosperity.
“As DOT’s first assistant secretary for multimodal freight, I’m looking forward to implementing the strategies identified in this plan to meet our vision of a safe, secure, efficient, and resilient multimodal freight system that serves as the foundation for the United States to compete in the global economy,” Michael Rutherford, assistant secretary for multimodal freight infrastructure and policy, said.
The multimodal network moves more than 54 million tons of goods daily valued at more than $68 billion daily.