Office of Operations
photos of traffic merging onto congested highway, congestion in snowstorm, variable message sign, cargo, variable speed limit sign in a work zone, and a freeway at night
21st century operations using 21st century technologies

Improving Global Connectivity by Enhancing Freight Management and Operations

Program Areas
Tractor Trailer on a Winding Curve Road

The smooth flow of freight is important to our Nation’s economy and to maintaining global connectivity. As demand for freight transportation grows, concerns intensify about congestion, safety, and security. Accordingly, the freight program focuses on promoting an efficient, safe, and secure intermodal freight transportation system. It conducts research and analysis on freight flows, develops analytical tools, tests and evaluates new technologies, measures system performance, and examines the relationship between freight transportation and the economy. The freight program also assists transportation and planning communities in developing the knowledge base and skills needed to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Building on extensive sets of national and state information, the following specific programs underlie the broad range of activities associated with improving 21st Century freight operations: