Implementing Freight Fluidity in the State of Maryland

Efficient freight movement is inextricably linked to the economic vitality of a local area, the state, and beyond. In light of performance-based programs at the national level, there is increased interest in freight performance monitoring and methods for gaining a better understanding of the freight system for investment decisions. Public agencies in the State of Maryland are leaders in investigating freight traffic and trends for improved public investment. Implementing freight fluidity is a natural next step to understanding better the state’s freight investment needs. This paper describes the freight fluidity concept and how this concept will be implemented in Maryland. The paper documents work sponsored by the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration and performed by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute through the University of Maryland Center for Advanced Transportation Technology. This paper presents a definition of freight fluidity for the State of Maryland, provides a ...