Review of the U.S. Freight System. Phase I Report. Possibilities for the Future

摘要

This report deals with intercity freight transportation. It presents the results of the first phase of a study of America's freight system. The objectives of the first phase are to identify the most critical issues and problem areas in freight transportation and to make a preliminary assessment of the potential for improvement over the next 25 years through technological gains and through related changes in institutional structure or restraints. The report seeks to clarify the role of government in the freight transportation system and point out impediments or constraints to improvement. Five crucial issues which set the stage for a preliminary understanding of the present and future status of the freight system are presented. They are: Technological evolution; Government roles; Issues related to a mixed public and private economy; Productivity; and Forecasting and spatial distribution interactions.