A new bill proposed by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) seeks to develop a national freight policy to ensure the U.S. infrastructure can efficiently move goods in part to protect the economy, while also keeping the costs of moving those goods reasonable. If passed, the bill – called the “Focusing Resources, Economic Investment, and Guidance to Help Transportation Act of 2010 (FREIGHT Act) – would create an Office of Freight Planning and Development, as well as the establishment of a “National Freight Transportation Strategic Plan.” Numerous groups are already backing the bill, which can be accessed here.

There may finally be a national freight policy enacted if a newly proposed bill makes its way through Congress. The legislation would direct the Dept. of Transportation (DOT) to develop and implement a “National Freight Transportation Strategic Plan” that would guide infrastructure investments for the movement of goods.

The legislation also seeks to establish an Office of Freight Planning and Development, to be led by an Assistant Secretary. In addition, the bill calls for creating a “National Freight Infrastructure Grants” initiative.

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