The US Department of Transportation recently unveiled the National Freight Strategic Plan to help make the movement of freight safer and more efficient for manufacturers, shippers, carriers, and all other stakeholders. The plan provides a blueprint for improvements in infrastructure and growth of the overall workforce. The main goal is to improve the country’s competitiveness in the international market, but that can’t be done without first addressing domestic issues.
The plan to improve infrastructure is exciting news for anyone involved in the freight industry. Modernized roads, stronger bridges, and more efficient railroads will go a long way in providing more reliable service across the logistics industry. This goes hand in hand with their goal of improving the national freight network, which should allow for faster, more streamlined routes between major transportation hubs.
It isn’t all about infrastructure, though. The NFSP intends to invest in research, technology, and analytics at both the federal and state levels. These analytics are designed to provide municipalities with the understanding where their inefficiencies lie and give them ideas for a stronger future freight network. While such investments may not show immediate results, the long-term implications are positive in building an optimized logistics network.
The NFSP will also work to eliminate restrictive regulations that put strain on the supply chain with no real benefits. There is still a deep concern for safety, so it’s unlikely there will be a change to Hours of Service rules, but it could open up opportunities for interstate and international commerce. Essentially, it wants to get rid of or re-evaluate transportation regulations that inhibit innovation or decrease efficiency.
At Zip Xpress, we understand the need for an optimized supply chain on all levels. The National Freight Strategic Plan is a great start at addressing these issues on the national level, however many other steps need to be taken in order to create a fully sustainable and optimized supply chain. We help shippers navigate these challenges by providing the custom carrier solutions they need to ensure that every shipment is optimized and that they’re aware of their contribution towards a sustainable supply chain. To see for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!
