Freight

Freight transportation is a key component in the DFW regional economy. The North Texas region is located at the crossroads of four major interstate highways: IH 20, IH 30, IH 35, and IH 45.

What is Regional Freight Planning

Our region is a key location in freight movements benefits from the United States- Mexico- Canada Agreement (USMCA). The region is a national railroad crossroads, as well as a national and international air cargo hub, making the region a natural logistics hub. Trucks leaving the region can reach almost the entire country within 72 hours. 


Freight is vital to the DFW regional economy as well as to the Texas economy. In 2022, the region accounted for 30 percent of Texas’ Gross Domestic Product. The DFW region represents one of the largest inland ports in the nation, where freight is moved, transferred, and distributed to destinations across the State and around the world. North Central Texas has one of the most extensive surface and air transportation networks in the world, providing extensive trade opportunities for the hundreds of motor/trucking carriers and freight forwarders operating in the DFW area. 

Goal of Regional Freight Planning
  • Seek freight community participation in the planning process.
  • Monitor freight traffic through the region to identify potential bottlenecks.
  • Improve freight movement efficiency to, from, and within the region.
  • Promote safety, mobility, and accessibility.
  • Reduce the air quality impacts of freight movements.
  • Seamlessly incorporate freight considerations in transportation projects.
  • Develop and use a sustainable and reliable funding source for freight programs and projects.
  • Develop a regional freight database.
  • Improve railroad safety and reliability. 
Current estimated Truck Freight Travel Time
Staff Contacts
Staff Contacts:  Jeff HathcockMike JohnsonDan Lamers

Freight Topics


Sky view of highways and traffic

Critical Freight Corridors

The projects, programs, and policies that guide federal and state regional funding.

Our Big Plans

Big Rig with Safety Sign

Freight Safety

Regional planning efforts to move goods, improving mobility, and provide access. 

Growing Priorities
Plane, train and cargo

General Freight Planning

Coordinating efforts to enhance services and improve our regional transit system.

Get There Together
Railroad tracks

Rail Planning 

The DFW metroplex is a national logistics hub for foreign and domestic freight.

Support Supply Chain
Rail Crossing

Railroad Crossing Reliability Partnership Program

Coordination of regional plans for bicycle and pedestrian reach and access. 

Walk and Bike There 
Air field

Freight North Texas

Regional plannings for aviation facilities, including FAA’s Integrated Airport System. 

Planning Up

Regional Railroad Crossing Banking Program

Planning for development and land use which influence regional travel patterns.

Lasting Efforts
Road Lane Closure

Truck Lane Restrictions

Research, planning and use of integrated transportation technology innovation. 

Future Plans Now
Trucks

Truck Planning

Research, planning and use of integrated transportation technology innovation. 

Future Plans Now
Pie Shaped sections of land

Land Use Analysis

NCTCOG partners with defense communities and their local planning need. 

Stronger Together