1. SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION & ECONOMIC EXPANSION
Freight Advisory Committee Roundtable
November 12th
Marina Ballroom III
Boston, Massachusetts

2. Background
MDOT strives to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of freight on our transportation system to promote the following goals:
Improve reliability and reduce congestion on the primary freight corridors
Maintain the freight network infrastructure in a state of good repair
Improve economic benefits of the statewide freight network
Protect the safety and security of the freight infrastructure
Protect the environment while enhancing the freight network performance

3. MS Freight System at a Glance
A diversity of freight moves through our transportation system that encompasses all modes.
Our multimodal freight network includes coastal and river ports, highways, Class I and short line railroads, airports, intermodal facilities and pipelines.

5. Mississippi Freight Advisory Committee

6. MS Freight Advisory Committee (MS-FAC)
Formed in 10/13 consistent with FHWA’s Interim Guidance (FR, 15 October 2012)
Purpose:
Provide insight and input in the development of State Freight Plan
Provide ongoing recommendations and insight to MDOT
Partnership of Public and Private Stakeholders
Knowledgebase includes impacts and benefits of freight movement
Various perspectives includes planning, economic development and infrastructure

7. MS-FAC Member Categories
Freight Carriers
Shippers & Receivers
Non-profit
Government
Trucking
Manufacturers
Economic Development Agencies
Federal Government
Railroads
Utilities
Regional Planning
State DOT
Ports and Waterways
Refineries
Environmental Agencies
Local Governments
Airports
Military
Academia/Research
Pipelines
Agriculture

8. MS-FAC Membership Economic Development: MS Development Authority
MS Associations:
Airport
Automotive
Farm Bureau
Forestry
Manufacturing
Poultry
Railroad
Retail
Trucking
Water Resources
Agriculture and Commerce
Planning:
MPO’s
Economic Development:
MS Development Authority
MS World Trade Center
TN Valley Authority
US Dept. of Commerce
Government:
MS Municipal League
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
MS Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)
Federal Highway (FHWA)
AR, TN and LA DOT’s
MDOT modal divisions

9. Membership (Continued)
Research/Academia
Institute for Trade and Transportation Studies (ITTS)
USM-Center for Logistics, Trade and Transportation (CLTT)
National Center for Intermodal Transportation for Economic Competitiveness (NCITEC)-MSU/DOTD/LTRC
Military
Camp Shelby
United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE)
Energy Sector
Ergon
Entergy

10. Key Freight Issues and Opportunities
Increase in freight demand will cause more strain on our transportation system as more freight by both volume and value moves within and through Mississippi.
In the short term, much of the growing demand can be absorbed by the existing freight network and the supporting facilities.
A more comprehensive approach to statewide freight planning is needed for our economy to flourish and remain competitive in the global and regional markets.
To guide MDOT investment and actions targeting freight movement needs, they should be based on freight-specific goals and objectives that reflect national freight policy and over-arching state transportation goals

11. Challenges/Impacts
Maintaining level of participation in the absence of readily available/dedicated funding
Raising awareness about the importance of freight at the policy maker level
Formalized the dialogue about the role of freight in our multimodal system
Improved communications/relationships with stakeholders
Comprehensive State Freight Plan to help guide planning and decision-making

12. Thanks!
Contact Info:
Charles Carr (601)
Director, Office of Intermodal Planning
Trung Trinh (601)
MDOT Freight Coordinator
State Freight Plan Information: