Tacoma supports freight initiative

The port believes that such a move would make investment decisions that optimise freight mobility unconstrained by mode or political jurisdiction, especially at locations of national significance. In this way all modes and freight transportation facilities would be eligible, enabling corridors, gateways and integrated hubs to become the locus of activity, rather than states, counties, cities or towns. The result would be a comprehensive, free-flowing freight network unfettered by jurisdictional boundaries.

According to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, productivity growth in freight transportation has been a driving force for the growth of US overall productivity and contributed directly to the nation’s growth, yet its multimodal freight transportation system is a national asset which has failed to be appreciated or supported.

Supporting the implementation of a new strategic freight mobility programme, the port points out that without a campaign of strategic investment to expand capacity and increase efficiency, US productivity and global competitiveness will suffer, costs will increase and investment will lag behind. Improvements to freight infrastructure would result in reduced congestion, better air quality and less time and fuel wasted.