FHWA Talking Freight Webinar: Intermodal Connectors and Freight Analysis Framework

FHWA collects various freight transportation-related data in an effort to enhance freight transportation planning initiatives and provide useful information for both public sector and private sector freight transportation professionals.  Two recent FHWA freight initiatives that should be of interest to freight transportation practitioners are the Intermodal Connectors Study and the Freight Analysis Framework version 4 (FAF4).

The Intermodal Connectors Study, which is expected to be completed in early 2016, will include information about the condition and performance of a representative sample of the National Highway System (NHS) freight intermodal connectors around the U.S.  It is the first such inventory collected for freight intermodal connectors in 15 years.  When completed, the Intermodal Connectors Study should assist state DOTs and MPOs in their freight planning processes and freight investment decisions.

The initial data from Version 4 of the Freight Analysis Framework was recently released.  FAF4 is based upon the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2012 Commodity Flow Survey, which is updated on a five-year cycle.  The new version of FAF captures post-recession freight volumes, and the updated Commodity Flow Survey information should improve both short and long-term freight volume projections.  Various products related to FAF4, including national and state freight flow maps, should be released in the coming months.

This webinar should provide information that can enhance public sector freight transportation planning initiatives and help private sector freight industry professionals better understand current conditions and trends on the U.S. freight transportation system.

Topics and Presenters:

FHWA Freight Intermodal Connectors Study Overview

This presentation will discuss the nearly-completed Freight Intermodal Connectors Study, including the intermodal connectors inventory and other key elements and goals of the study.

SPEAKER:

• Dike Ahanotu, Cambridge Systematics

Freight Analysis Framework 4 Overview

This presentation will focus on the recently released fourth version of the Freight Analysis Framework.  It will discuss the differences between FAF3 and FAF4, and how freight transportation planners can utilize the data in FAF4.

SPEAKER:

• Vidya Mysore, FHWA Resource Center

More information about Talking Freight is available at http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/fpd/talking_freight/index.htm  Links to past presentations and recordings are available on http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/freightplanning/talking.htm.