Progress North Texas 2014

Moving Goods in the Region

Transporting freight is a key component of the North Texas regional economy. The region’s location at the center of one of the nation’s major trade corridors offers the freight industry access to a variety of modes of transportation for moving goods. This access allows for the timely and efficient delivery of shipments, helping to reduce costs, thereby increasing savings for the region’s consumers. Additionally, the region’s employees benefit from the jobs provided by the freight industry.

Photo: freight train

The region is located at the junction of four major interstate highways: 20, 30, 35 and 45, and is a national railroad crossroads. There are three Class I railroads with intermodal facilities: BNSF Railway, Union Pacific and KCS Railway. North Texas’ extensive surface- and air-transportation networks provide numerous trade opportunities for the hundreds of freight carriers and forwarders operating in the region.

The vast majority of freight that moves to and from the region – 83 percent – is transported by truck. The graphic shows the national cost per ton of merchandise moved by truck and rail. The region’s roadway and rail infrastructure make both modes important options for getting products to their final destinations.

Trucks leaving the region can reach the majority of the 48 contiguous states within 72 hours. As the region grows, more goods will need to be shipped to the region, and truck traffic will increase.

This map shows travel time by truck from North Texas to the rest of the contiguous 48 states.

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Moving Goods in the Region

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The four intermodal hubs located in North Texas may also expand to meet increased demand to ship by rail. The chart shows how many containers can be moved annually at each facility.

This chart shows capacity at each of the region’s intermodal hubs.

Freight North Texas was published in May 2013. This document highlights policies, programs and projects needed to improve freight planning and operations in North Texas. The overarching goal of the report is to enhance safety, mobility and air quality of regional freight movements. NCTCOG worked with local partners and colleagues from metropolitan planning organizations across the country to develop Freight North Texas, which includes a current system assessment and future needs analysis.

The recommendations and research foundation provided in Freight North Texas allow staff to continue to advance freight planning in the region. The importance of freight can be brought to the forefront through education and public outreach to regional residents, planners and policymakers.

This graphic shows the average value of goods transported by truck and rail. The region’s roadway and rail infrastructure make both modes, along with air cargo, important options for moving goods across the state and nation.

The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors who are responsible for the opinions, findings, and conclusions presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration or the Texas Department of Transportation. This document was prepared in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Trasnportation, Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration.