Decision issues and research priorities in intercity freight transportation: a U.S. perspective

Abstract

The intercity freight transportation system in the United States is characterized by its high degree of development, with respect to both its civil works infrastructure and its technology and operating capabilities. The essential completion of the 43,000-mile system of Interstate and Defense Highways and the rapidly expanding and extensive use of those facilities by all sectors of the motor truck industry has virtually eliminated the differential economic advantage heretofore enjoyed by industries and localities with preferred access to rail freight transportation. With very few exceptions, moreover, the U.S. system of improved navigation facilities has also reached its full, geographic extent; so that there is little further economic advantage to be conferred upon industries and localities with ready access to lowcost water transportation.