Freight Subcommittee

With a population of more than four million residents, the COG/TPB National Capital Region consumes and produces a wide variety of goods. These goods are delivered by several modes of transportation including:  truck, rail, air, water, and pipeline. Typically freight travels by multiple modes on its journey from origin to the consumer. Smooth and efficient goods movement is vital to maintaining a strong regional economy. 

The COG/TPB Freight Planning Program includes a Freight Subcommittee, participation in regional and national level freight groups to better understand freight stakeholders perspectives, and freight stakeholder outreach. 

An initial study Enhancing the Consideration of Freight in Regional Transportation Planning was completed in May 2007.  In July 2010, the TPB approved the region's first National Capital Region Freight Plan.  In April 2011, the TPB held its first Regional Freight Forum with over 80 freight stakeholder attendees.

The TPB Freight Subcommittee kick-off meeting was held on April 24th, 2008.  Freight meetings are held bi-monthly either at COG or an alternative location or tour site. The Freight Subcommittee's mission is to integrate current freight issues into the National Capital Region's transportation planning process (The short-range Transportation Improvement Program and the Constrained Long-Range Transportation Plan). The Freight Subcommittee also aims to raise awareness of freight issues among local elected officials and the general public.

Featured Documents

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  • Publications

    National Capital Region Freight Plan

    Jul 19, 2023

    The National Capital Region Freight Plan describes the role freight transportation plays in the Region’s economy, provides an overview of the Region’s multimodal freight transportation system, describes the drivers of freight demand and the freight flows resulting from it, identifies the most significant freight issues in the region, and provides recommendations to ensure the multimodal freight transportation system continues to support the economy of the region and the quality of life of its residents and visitors.

     

    The Freight Plan builds on the results of the original National Capital Region Freight Plan adopted in 2010, and the Update adopted in 2016. 

     

    The draft 2023 Update to the National Capital Region Freight Plan will be presented for TPB board review and approval on September 20, 2023. Once approved, the new plan will succeed the regional Freight Plan approved by the TPB in 2016.

     

  • Publications

    Enhancing the Consideration of Freight in Regional Transportation Planning

    May 1, 2007

    Under the guidance of the Transportation Planning Board (TPB) and with the cooperation of TPB member jurisdictions, this report lays the ground work for enhanced freight activities within the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments/Transportation Planning Board (COG/TPB) structure.