With a population of more than five million residents, metropolitan Washington consumes and produces a wide variety of goods. These goods are delivered by several modes of transportation including: truck, rail, air, water, and pipeline. Often freight travels by multiple modes on its journey from origin to the consumer. In addition, warehouse and distribution centers supply and support the freight system. Smooth and efficient goods movement is vital to maintaining a strong regional economy.
The TPB Freight Planning Program includes a Freight Subcommittee, participation in regional and national level freight groups to better understand freight stakeholders perspectives, and freight stakeholder outreach.
The National Capital Region Freight Plan
In 2010, the TPB approved the region's first National Capital Region Freight Plan. The plan examined freight movement in the region and summarized both current and forecasted freight conditions. The Freight Plan was updated in 2016 and again in 2023. The TPB board approved the 2023 Freight Plan Update on September 20, 2023.
News & Multimedia
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News
June 25, 2026
A closer look at the National Capital Region's freight planning activities and the TPB Freight Subcommittee.
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News
November 7, 2023
The TPB approved the 2023 National Capital Region Freight Plan and heard informational updates on new federal funding to reduce on-road sector greenhouse gas...
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News
September 13, 2023
The TPB approved Maryland Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside projects, a Virginia TIP amendment, the draft regional freight plan update, and the September 22...
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News
October 7, 2019
COG Transportation Planner Jon Schermann makes an impact on the region’s transportation system, through his work on roadway safety and managing freight...
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News
March 21, 2017
The military uses them. So do aerial photographers and filmmakers. And this year they featured prominently in the Super Bowl halftime show. But will unmanned...