Measuring the Impacts of Freight Transportation Improvements on the Economy and Competitiveness

2015PDFTech ReportFHWA-HOP-15-034Freight transportationEconomic impactsCompetitionEconomic analysisBenefit cost analysisUnited StatesUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationO'Rourke, LaurenceBeshers, EricStock, DanUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationLeidosICF International (Firm)Federal Highway AdministrationThis document provides a review of approaches, methods, and tools that can be used to evaluate how freight improvements contribute to economic competitiveness and the cost of goods. The information within is intended to serve as a point of reference to assist practitioners, particularly state and regional transportation decision makers, in considering how freight improvements contribute to the economy. The document provides an overview of the methods used in this area that is not overly technical and is designed to be accessible to a range of practitioners in different disciplines, including engineers, planners, and policymakers. It is expected that this document will be of interest to members of State DOTs, MPOs, Federal agencies, and other stakeholders interested in freight transportation and economic development.82