New Council at Department of Transportation will Develop Comprehensive, Intermodal Plan for Efficient Freight Movement

SAN PEDRO, CA—Congresswoman Janice Hahn, founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional PORTS Caucus, applauded U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s announcement today of the launch of a Freight Policy Council which will focus on improving the condition and performance of the national freight network to ensure American competitiveness in the global economy.

“Ensuring the rapid and reliable movement of goods across the country is essential to our economy,” said Congresswoman Hahn. “When Secretary LaHood spoke with the Congressional PORTS caucus in June, I shared my firm belief that the United States needs a comprehensive national freight policy to remain competitive in the global marketplace. An efficient goods movement network will empower American businesses to respond more nimbly to opportunities in the marketplace, and create jobs.”

“That’s why I fought to have a national freight policy included in the recent transportation bill, and why I’m so pleased to see the Department of Transportation take this important step forward,” continued Congresswoman Hahn. President Obama signed the transportation bill into law last month, establishing a national freight policy and directing the creation of a National Freight Strategic Plan.

The nation’s freight transportation system moves goods on ships, rails and roads. Today, every American is responsible for 40 tons of freight a year. A more efficient freight network will reduce traffic congestion, environmental impact and shipping costs, which will lead to lower prices for consumers.

The Freight Policy Council will develop a national, intermodal plan for improving the efficiency of freight movement and will work with states to encourage deployment of a forward looking state freight strategy. The Council will be chaired by Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcari, and will include DOT leadership from highways, rail, ports and airports and economic and policy experts from across the Administration. The freight and logistics industries, consumers and other stakeholders will also play an advisory role, and states will be asked to offer proposals for improving the freight system in their region.

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