WASHINGTON — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is releasing the 2026 National Freight Strategic Plan (NFSP), a multi-year strategy to modernize the nation’s nearly seven-million-mile freight network.
“From the earliest days of our country, our growth relied on our ability to efficiently move equipment and supplies,” Duffy said. “It’s not just about moving goods–it’s about securing our energy supply chains, protecting our industries from cargo theft, and stocking shelves for American families. We are moving at the Speed of Trump to usher in the Golden Age of Transportation and a modern freight network is essential for our success.”
According to the release, the roadmap will enhance the safety, security and efficiency of the multimodal network that moves more than 54 million tons of goods valued at more than $68 billion across America every single day.
Setting Six Strategic Goals
“This plan will bolster our nation’s supply chains and unleash energy to make life more affordable and convenient for everyday Americans with six primary strategic goals over the next five years,” USDOT said.
- Safety: Reduce or eliminate serious injuries and fatalities of the freight system.
- Efficiency: Improve system reliability and streamline government regulation.
- Security: Ensure the integrity of our Nation’s supply chains in support of national defense and economic prosperity.
- Resiliency: Reduce risks to the freight system and improve our response approaches.
- Innovative: Modernize freight infrastructure and foster game changing technologies.
- Capable Workforce: Build a skilled workforce for the 21st Century and improve quality of life.
“While national policy sets our destination, data and real-world execution are what get us there,” said Michael Rutherford, assistant secretary for multimodal freight infrastructure & policy. “As DOT’s first assistant secretary for multimodal freight, I’m looking forward to implementing the strategies identified in this plan to meet our vision of a safe, secure, efficient and resilient multimodal freight system that serves as the foundation for the United States to compete in the global economy.”
The full 2026 National Freight Strategic Plan is available here.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
