The Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors will reach a major milestone in 2026, marking 25 years of advocacy focused on strengthening the nation’s freight and supply chain infrastructure. Since its founding in 2001, CAGTC has worked to ensure goods movement is recognized as a national priority through federal policy and investment decisions.
The anniversary arrives at a pivotal moment for the freight industry, as stakeholders look ahead to the expiration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and begin preparing for the next surface transportation reauthorization. CAGTC leadership says the milestone offers both a moment of reflection and a chance to reinforce the coalition’s long-standing role in national freight conversations.
“This anniversary offers a welcome opportunity to reflect on the strength of our members, the impact of our advocacy, and the importance of a shared vision for the future of freight,” said Elaine Nessle, CAGTC executive director. “It also highlights CAGTC’s most important accomplishment of the past 25 years: giving freight a voice. As we approach the expiration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and prepare for the next surface transportation reauthorization legislation, CAGTC looks forward to our continued engagement with Congress and the Administration to build on freight’s success in the IIJA and maximize investments in multimodal supply chain infrastructure.”
Over the past quarter-century, CAGTC has brought together public agencies, ports, private companies, and regional organizations to advocate for strategic investment in freight corridors, ports, and intermodal connections. According to the coalition, its work has helped elevate freight movement as a core component of economic competitiveness and supply chain reliability.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking forward to the policies, investments, and opportunities that will shape the future of freight infrastructure and goods movement,” said Erin Aleman, executive director of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and CAGTC Board Chair. “CAGTC’s role has never been more critical. We will continue our important work to ensure that freight has a strong, clear voice in national policy conversations and that our country remains prepared to meet the supply chain demands of tomorrow.”
Year-Long Anniversary Activities Planned
To recognize its 25th anniversary, CAGTC will host a year-long “Voices of Freight” Speaker Series throughout 2026. The series will feature national industry experts addressing topics such as federal freight funding programs, emerging technologies, and best practices in project planning.
In conjunction with its Annual Meeting, the coalition will also host an in-person 25th Anniversary Celebration on April 22 in Washington. The event is expected to bring together freight industry leaders from across the country to reflect on CAGTC’s history and discuss priorities for the future of freight infrastructure.
“In the past 25 years, CAGTC has helped transform how our nation understands and invests in freight infrastructure,” said Paul Anderson, president, CEO of Port Tampa Bay and CAGTC’s immediate past chair. “From the earliest days of simply seeking a seat at the table and advocating for dedicated freight programs to today’s conversations about supply chain preparedness and adapting to changing demands, CAGTC has been a constant, steady voice. It is remarkable to reflect on how far we have come – and how our Coalition’s work has strengthened the movement of goods across the country.”
25th Anniversary Sponsors
CAGTC recognized the following organizations for supporting its 25th anniversary initiatives:
- Port of Long Beach
- Majestic Realty
- Port Tampa Bay
- AECOM
- Ports America
- Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company
- Port of Los Angeles
- Intermodal Association of North America
- Port of Hueneme
- Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
- Nossaman
- Port of San Diego
- Southern California Association of Governments
Source: The Trucker
