Originally published in Eno Transportation Weekly
The article underscores the central role of freight in the U.S. economy and argues that upcoming federal transportation reauthorization must give goods movement the same level of policy attention traditionally reserved for passenger systems. Freight efficiency, the author notes, is directly tied to consumer prices, supply chain reliability, and national competitiveness. As demand grows and infrastructure ages, Congress has an opportunity to modernize how freight is supported at the federal level.
Key priorities identified include expanding opportunities for private investment, streamlining permitting processes to accelerate projects, and ensuring that federal policy remains technologically neutral. The author cautions against prescriptive, “technology-forcing” regulations that could stifle innovation or limit flexibility in an evolving market. Instead, policy should aim to create conditions that allow both industry and government to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Ultimately, the article frames freight as a bipartisan issue critical to economic resilience. By addressing bottlenecks, aligning funding mechanisms with freight needs, and integrating freight more fully into national transportation planning, Congress can strengthen supply chains and support sustainable long-term growth. The piece calls for reauthorization that recognizes freight not as an afterthought, but as an essential pillar of the nation’s transportation system.