Freight Planning

Freight and logistics play a vital role in the multimodal transportation system and regional economy. Planning for freight includes planning movements of goods and services by land (road and rail), air, and water. Freight and logistics are key components of a multimodal transportation system and the regional economy. As the freight sector is regional and multi-jurisdictional, the Freight Planning Program requires coordinated efforts across the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), local, regional, and state stakeholders. At the Boston Region MPO, we conduct research on multiple fronts and lead several regional initiatives focused on freight.

The Freight Planning Program

The Freight Planning Program is an integral component of the Federal 3C (continuing, comprehensive, and cooperative) transportation planning process. MPOs are federally required to explicitly consider, analyze as appropriate, and reflect freight facilities and movements in their planning processes. The Freight Planning Program recognizes ongoing and new developments in the freight sector, identifies key issues, sets priorities, encourages the expansion of sustainable modal choices, and supports the efficient movement of goods within the Boston metropolitan region and beyond.  

The Boston Region MPO aims to improve freight transportation safety, accessibility, and equity; reduce environmental effects of freight vehicles/warehouses; and promote freight efficiency. The program recognizes ongoing and new developments in the freight sector, encourages the expansion of sustainable modal choices in moving goods, and strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the freight sector and consequent negative impacts on communities in the Boston metropolitan region.