For years, transportation stakeholders have warned of the deterioration of what once was considered one of the pre-eminent freight networks in the world. Now those predictions are coming to pass. Without a strong and sustainable federal program for infrastructure funding, our transportation system risks becoming unable to support U.S. commerce.
Intermodal freight services are uniquely positioned to provide the most economically viable and environmentally friendly method of cargo transport. The U.S. domestic intermodal network utilizes a mix of public and privately funded infrastructure. Despite its inherent advantages, though, intermodal transportation providers cannot outmaneuver the consequences of federal underinvestment.
Larger ships and vessel-sharing agreements will result in the discharge of significantly more containers that will need to move on intermodal connectors at some point in their journey to consumers. These road segments are the freight network ‘s “orphans,” yet could yield some of the highest returns on investment by reducing bottlenecks and congestion at major intermodal marine and inland facilities.
MAP-21 gave freight a voice, but we need more than lip service. The latest short-term extension expires in May 2015, and industry actions will focus on holding Congress accountable for MAP-21’s freight promises. This includes advocating for expanded funding of projects of national and regional significance and intermodal connectors that support the movement of cargo from our seaports, through inland intermodal facilities and distribution centers, to the shelves of retailers. And this same network needs to also facilitate the flow of our growing exports.
January ushers in a wholly Republican-led Congress and likely leaders of the committees of influence are known for their fiscal conservatism. Freight interests cannot lose the momentum that has been gained over the course of several short-term extensions to the surface reauthorization program.
In the absence of a long-term reauthorization bill, which is doubtful, a strong, albeit perhaps smaller and more focused federal program, that could be supported by the Republican Congress, is critical to tie together the growing number of state initiatives. Failure to do so ensures ongoing inefficiencies and congestion as we attempt to respond to growing freight volumes that are a main driver of our nation’s economy.
Joni Casey, President and CEO, Intermodal Association of North America