The U.S. Department of Transportation is in the process of updating its National Freight Strategic Plan (NFSP)—and they’re inviting public input to help guide the process.
“More than ever, we need to plan transportation and infrastructure investments – especially for freight – by looking at the big picture,” the DOT stated in a recent update. “This means considering all transportation modes and both public and private sector needs to maintain America’s competitive edge globally.”
The agency emphasized the need to hear from private industry professionals and everyday users of the system: “DOT recognizes the importance of engaging with the public and private industry to develop a clear and inclusive national vision for freight transportation … As daily users of the system, private-sector perspectives are vital inputs for understanding operational challenges along the freight system. DOT seeks information directly from the public and stakeholders to inform development of this national freight strategy.”
What Is the National Freight Strategic Plan?
The current NFSP, first released in 2020, outlines three core goals that have shaped freight planning at federal, state, and local levels:
- Improve the safety, security, and resilience of the national freight system
- Modernize infrastructure and operations to support economic growth and enhance quality of life
- Support technology, data, and workforce development to strengthen freight system performance
As part of the 2025 update process, the DOT wants to know if these priorities still hold true—and what new strategies or tools may be needed to meet evolving challenges in the industry.
Why This Matters to Truckers and the Freight Industry
Organizations like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) have previously used this opportunity to advocate for real change. In comments submitted for the 2020 plan, the association emphasized that deteriorating roadways, limited truck parking, and overregulation are serious problems affecting small-business drivers.
“As DOT prepares its National Freight Strategic Plan, we urge the Department to consider improvements to the nation’s transportation system that would increase efficiencies and alleviate costs for small-business truckers,” OOIDA wrote. “The NFSP must address deteriorating highway infrastructure that results in lost productivity and compensation for drivers. The plan also must prioritize fixing the nation’s truck parking crisis and address other institutional barriers, such as excessive detention time that can be mitigated through more practical federal policies.”
The Questions DOT Wants Answered
To build the updated NFSP, the DOT is asking the public to weigh in on 10 key questions, including:
- Do the original 2020 goals still reflect the most urgent freight priorities today?
- What metrics should be used to track the health and performance of the freight system?
- How can public and private investments better support industry growth and infrastructure reliability?
- What barriers—regulatory, technological, or otherwise—still hinder the freight system?
- How do freight operations affect rural and underserved communities, and how can those impacts be addressed?
Other questions focus on how new technologies, disaster resilience, and multi-jurisdictional coordination can be improved across freight networks.
How to Share Your Feedback
The DOT is accepting public comments on the National Freight Strategic Plan through August 14, 2025. To submit your thoughts:
- Visit Regulations.gov
- Search for Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0369
- Fill out the comment form and share your insights
Source: Land Line Media
