Material Handling & Logistics (MHL News) |
By David Sparkman | March 20, 2019
Elaine Nessle, executive director of the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC), says, “For too many years, federal freight infrastructure investment has lagged while our population and national economy grow. This financial burden cannot be shouldered by states, localities and the private sector alone.”
The freight system in the U.S. moves 55 million tons of goods daily, worth more than $49 billion, according to CAGTC. That adds up to approximately 63 tons per person per year.
The U.S. population is expected to grow by another 70 million people as of 2045. Freight movement across all modes also is seen increasing by nearly 42% by 2040. “To capitalize on the growing U.S. consumer base, our infrastructure network must be up for the task,” Nessle says.
“Existing programs are oversubscribed and international trading partners are outpacing our investments at a rapid clip – increased funding dedicated to freight infrastructure is necessary in order for the U.S. to remain competitive in the world marketplace, the infrastructure network must be up for the task.”
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