Freight
Freight transportation systems are more important to business than ever before. Increased global competition and new inventory methods require a highly reliable transportation system. For this reason, SEMCOG has taken a three-pronged approach to freight planning:

• define the system,
• define the current and projected issues,
• and facilitate enhancements to the system.

SEMCOG undertakes each of these three activities concurrently. This process allows for the resolution of issues while developing a more complete understanding of the freight system. The most current examples of freight trends and needs are found in the 2030 Regional Transportation Plan for Southeast Michigan: Transportation Needs.  (PDF, 45 KB)

Southeast Michigan’s unique geographic position, existing transportation infrastructure, and economic base combine to form an integral gateway to Canada, Chicago and the Midwest, Mexico, and the world. Given the geography of Southeast Michigan, the efficiency of the transportation system is measured not only by the quality and effectiveness of the state and regional highway and road system, but also by the efficiencies at our international border crossings.

SEMCOG’s freight-planning process includes three primary strategies:

• Develop and maintain databases and analysis tools for decision making.
• Interact with freight stakeholders to better understand the freight system, identify common issues, and build consensus.
• Incorporate freight into the regional planning process.

SEMCOG’s Regional Freight Task Force helps ensure that freight issues are integrated into the regional transportation planning process. The committee is open to all freight practitioners and experts, including trucking, railroad, port, airport, and shipping representatives, and member government representatives. By involving the task force in SEMCOG’s activities, the committee serves as a prototype of a regional, multi-sector freight partnership.

 Additional materials on this topic