The U.S. Department of Transportation has released its 2026 National Freight Strategic Plan or NFSP to modernize the nation’s nearly seven-million-mile cargo transportation network – a multimodal network that moves more than 54 million tons of goods daily valued at more than $68 billion across America.
[Above photo by USDOT]
In 2020, the agency released its first-ever NFSP, identifying the challenges of e-commerce and the shift toward the U.S. becoming a net energy exporter.
USDOT said its new 2026 plan addresses a transformed landscape where domestic energy production is at an all-time high, and reshoring has doubled the construction of manufacturing facilities since 2021.
The agency said this new freight plan is centered around six primary strategic goals over the next five years:
- Reduce or eliminate serious injuries and fatalities of the freight system.
- Improve system reliability and streamline government regulation.
- Ensure the integrity of the nation’s supply chains in support of national defense and economic prosperity.
- Reduce risks to the freight system and improve our response approaches.
- Modernize freight infrastructure and foster game changing technologies.
- Build a skilled workforce for the 21st century and improve quality of life.
“It’s not just about moving goods – it’s about securing our energy supply chains, protecting our industries from cargo theft, and stocking shelves for American families,” noted Sean Duffy, USDOT secretary, in a statement. “This plan will bolster our nation’s supply chains and unleash energy to make life more affordable and convenient for everyday Americans.”
“While national policy sets our destination, data and real-world execution are what get us there,” added Michael Rutherford. USDOT’s 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.”
