NCHRP Project 8-53

presented byLibby Ogard

Prime Focus, LLC

July 16, 2008

Freight Planning and Programming

Summary of NCHRP Project 8-53

Guidebook for Integrating Freight into TransportationPlanning and Project Selection ProcessesGuidebook for Integrating Freight into TransportationPlanning and Project Selection Processes

NCHRP 8-53Background

Most states and MPOs address freightwithin long-range planning documents

Few have identified freight-specificprojects that can be programmed,developed, and implemented

Purpose of this project was to developa guidebook to allow states and MPOsto better integrate freight issuesthroughout the transportationplanning and programming process

NCHRP 8-53Approach

Identified key challenges associated with identifying,programming, and implementing freight improvementprojects

Identified and described over 20 best practices of statesand MPOs

Developed recommended practices, processes,and procedures for mainstreaming freight throughoutall elements of the transportation planning process

•Needs identification

•Long-range planning

•Programming

•Project development and implementation

Seven Key Elements of Freight Planning &Programming

Freight point of contact/technical lead

Understanding regional freight system

Linking freight planning and transportation planning andprogramming activities

Freight data needs assessment and collection

Effective outreach

Freight-related training & education opportunities

Advocacy

Seven Key ElementsFreight POC/Technical Lead

A freight lead or point-of-contact is key to driving theidentification, programming, and delivery of freightprojects

•Liaison between MPO and other agencies, freightstakeholders

•Critically important when dealing with private sector freightcommunity

•Different MPOs take different approaches

Seven Key ElementsUnderstanding Regional Freight System

MPOs that have successfully integrated freight have asolid understanding of the regional freight system andhow it impacts mobility, economic competitiveness, andquality of life

Key elements

•Economic structure

•Trade and industry logistics patterns

•Freight infrastructure

•Commodity and vehicle traffic flows

•Organization and public policy

Seven Key ElementsLinking Freight & “Traditional” Planning

The most successful examples are those states andMPOs that have mainstreamed freight within the existingtransportation planning and programming process

Linkages come in many forms:

•Freight implementation strategies

•Highlighting freight projects within TIPs

•Identification of key freight corridors and facilities

NCHRP Guidebook provides guidance on how toeffectively integrate freight within existing processes

Seven Key ElementsFreight Data

Many MPOs frustrated with availability and adequacy offreight data

Critical for MPOs to identify data needs, then matchagainst available data to identify gaps

Integrating freight-related data collection into existingdata collection programs also important

Seven Key ElementsEffective Outreach

Freight related outreach strategies differ significantlyfrom “traditional” public outreach techniques

•Different audience, perspective, and time requirements

Outreach to other public sector agencies also important

•Chambers of Commerce

•Economic development agencies

•Implementing agencies

Seven Key ElementsFreight Training and Education Opportunities

NHI courses

•Freight Planning (139001)

•Freight Forecasting (139002)

•Advanced Freight Planning (139003)

•Freight and the Environment (139005)

FHWA workshops and peer exchanges

•Freight Financing workshop/guidebook

•Engaging the private sector workshop

•Freight data made simple

Seven Key ElementsAdvocacy

There is still some institutional resistance to identifyingand planning for freight-specific improvement projects

•Developing high-level champions or advocates for freightplanning activities is critical

Both technical proficiency and cultivation of partnershipsare key elements of successful freight planning

•Building and sustaining relationships with private sectorfreight industry is a critical element of success in freightplanning and programming

For More Information…

NCHRP 8-53 was published as NCHRP Report 594,available athttp://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_594.pdf