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Freight Transportation

Each day, over 434 million tons of freight move into, through and out of the region. By 2030, this volume is expected to increase by 85 percent. The largest portion by weight of the freight that moves includes commodities such as food and building products.
See chart 1.

 

^Chart 1

The infrastructure involved in the movement of freight is mostly privately owned and operated, although the public sector plays a significant role in the planning, construction and operation of facilities such as marine cargo ports. With regard to truck transportation, the public sector owns and maintains the right of way (the roads) and the private sector owns and operates the vehicles.

Trucks carry most of the material that the region requires but waterborne modes such as barges carry a significant share as well such as sand, aggregates and fuel. See charts 2 and 3.

 

^Chart 2 and 3

 

Overall freight Movement

Based on the data provided by the Global Insight database the following summary points can be obtained on the movement of goods in the NYMTC region:

• In 2004 a total of 434 million tons of freight (roughly $1,480 billion) moved into, out of and within the NYMTC region, out of which 260 million tons ($769 billion) moved into the NYMTC counties, 103 million tons ($497 billion) moved out of the region, and 70 million tons ($222 billion) moved internally.
• Year 2030 predictions indicate that the number of total freight movements into, out of and within the NYMTC region will be 804 million tons ($3,546 billion) with a breakdown of 432 million tons ($ 1,780 billion) of imports, 230 million tons ($ 1,230 billion) exports, and 141 million tons ($ 530 billion) moving internally.
• Roughly 7.3 million tons (around $8 billion) are imported from Canada and Mexico and 3.15 million tons (around $9 billion) are exported to Canada and Mexico in the year 2004
• Roughly 10 million tons (around $52 billion) are predicted to be imported from Canada and Mexico and 6.7 million tons ($29 billion) are predicted to be exported to Canada and Mexico in the year 2030.
• Roughly 70 million annual tons moved within and between the 10 counties of the NYMTC region in year 2004 while roughly 141 million annual tons of internal trade is projected for year 2030.

For more detailed county level freight movements click here.

 

Regional Freight Plan Project

The purpose of the Regional Freight Plan Project is to develop a roadmap for the improvement of freight transportation in the NYMTC region. The plan presents a wide range of strategies and actions that include capital projects, operational improvements and policy changes.

Regional Freight Plan (5.8 mb)

 

Freight Transportation Made Easier

The Freight brochure highlights the steps needed to maintain the flow of goods in the future. Aided by pictures and diagrams, the brochure illustrates the importance of freight transportation; pertinent characteristics of freight, including commodities, freight volume and forecasts; how freight is moved; brief facts about some freight facilities; and highlights of ongoing projects, programs and policies.

 

Get the Big Picture at-a-Glance

The Freight Information Wheel is available upon request. It includes major indicators of freight transportation in the NYMTC region on one side and major social-economic indicators on the other side. Freight values, mode shares and tonnages of major commodities through the region are displayed on the 6-inch INFOwheel.

NYCDOT Truck and Commercial Vehicle Homepage

New York City Department of Transportation provides truck route and regulation information on their webpage. If you a trucker who needs this information click here to access information on truck size, truck weight, parking and routing. Truck route maps are available as downloadable acrobat files or as Geographic Information System files. For more information please contact NYCDOT at only two phone numbers to access City services: 911 for emergencies and 311 for everything else. Outside of New York City please dial 212-NEWYORK 212.639.9675 . The TTY number is 212.504.4115.

 

Availability and Effectiveness of Truck Rest Stops

Over 80% of all freight in the tri-state region is transported via truck. The difference is moved through the use of air, rail, and maritime modes but the majority depends on the safe, efficient movement of trucks on public roads. An important component of this network is the efficient placement and adequate availability of truck rest stops to ensure a safe and reliable delivery.

In recent years the location of truck rest stops has come under scrutiny by regional planning agencies within New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut regions. With an expected 47 percent increase in freight traffic in the region, coupled with the need for enhanced services, the demand for rest stops will increase in terms of their location, size and provision of services. 

NYMTC’s Multi-State Truck Rest Stop Inventory and Assessment Study provides the region with a comprehensive evaluation of existing truck services (official and informal) and a determination of the need to provide either enhanced services of existing stops or the identification of recommended regional improvements. 
Click here to learn more about the project and how to get involved.  For more information, contact Howie Mann at 212.383.2530 or at hmann@dot.state.ny.us