A coalition of shipper and transportation groups has issued a "Surface Transportation Reauthorization Platform" calling for increased federal involvement in freight issues,
including the need for increased infrastructure investment and freight connectivity.

The Freight Stakeholders Coalition's 17 member organizations agree that the next surface transportation authorization bill in Congress should focus on freight transportation and creating a national freight program. The coalition includes the American Trucking Associations, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Intermodal Association of North America, the Association of American Railroads and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, among others.

"America's freight transportation system is in dire need of increased and sustained investment," said Joni Casey, president and CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America. "Without a strong commitment from Congress in the upcoming reauthorization cycle, productivity of all modes could deteriorate, which in turn will impact our country's economic recovery and international competitiveness."

The coalition made the recommendations with urgency, with the expectation that cargo will double over the next 20 years. The Coalition recommend the legislation include:

* The creation of a National Multimodal Freight Strategic Plan by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

* Funds specified for freight mobility and goods movement, giving higher priority to goods movement on significant freight corridors. This includes projects that promote national and regional connectivity.

* A transportation program administered on the state level.

* A firewall on the new freight trust fund, if one is created. Funds would be awarded using a competitive grants process.

* The formation of a multi-modal freight office.

* The establishment of a national freight industry advisory group to maintain a focused voice for freight.

* Funding to create multi-state and multi-modal planning organizations.

* An initiative to maintain and strengthen existing freight programs.

* Increased freight planning staff at the state and local levels.

* A freight system with environmentally conscious goals such as reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

"A national freight policy that streamlines the movement of goods, services and people is not only good transportation policy, but it's good environmental and economic policy as well," said Kelly Kolb, vice president of global supply chain policy at the Retail Industry Leaders Association.