DOT Freight Plan: Truckers Urged to Share Feedback Now

New DOT Freight Plan Update Seeks Input from Drivers and Industry

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is asking for public comments on the DOT freight plan, which will shape national freight strategy through 2030. Released on July 15, 2025, this new plan update focuses on how to move goods more safely, efficiently, and fairly across the country. Comments are due by August 14, 2025, and truck drivers are encouraged to speak up.

DOT Freight Plan Drives National Freight Policy

The National Freight Strategic Plan is the roadmap for improving how freight moves across the U.S. economy. The original version, released in 2020, outlined key goals: improve safety and resilience, modernize infrastructure, and invest in technology and workforce skills. The 2025 update builds on these goals while addressing new challenges such as climate change, e-commerce growth, and aging infrastructure.

Each day, freight valued at over $4.1 billion moves through the system. Around 16 million Americans work in freight-related jobs, many of them behind the wheel. With freight volume expected to grow 50% by 2050, the need for smarter freight planning has never been more urgent.

DOT Freight Plan Open for Driver and Industry Feedback

The DOT freight plan calls on truckers, carriers, brokers, shippers, and public agencies to provide input. The Department wants to hear about bottlenecks, freight corridors, environmental concerns, and rural access. The plan also asks how investments can better support economic growth, reduce emissions, and improve the freight workforce.

Truck drivers are key to these conversations. The DOT specifically seeks feedback from those who use the system every day. This includes issues like truck parking shortages, delays at intermodal connectors, and highway congestion.

National Freight Strategic Plan 2025 Addresses Urban and Rural Needs

The DOT freight plan outlines how both rural and urban areas depend on freight. While rural regions produce much of the nation’s agriculture, energy, and raw materials, cities drive most of the demand for finished goods. Trucks connect these places, making intermodal connections even more important.

The plan aims to strengthen links between highways, ports, rail yards, and warehouses. It also highlights the need to support underserved communities and reduce the impact of freight traffic on neighborhoods.

DOT Freight Plan Seeks Solutions to Growing Challenges

The updated DOT freight plan will include 17 required elements, such as:

• A forecast of future freight volumes
• Identification of key trade corridors and bottlenecks
• Strategies for resilience and environmental protection
• Support for disadvantaged communities
• Plans to address the rise in e-commerce demand
• Options for decarbonizing freight movement

The DOT is also asking what technologies—like automation, electric trucks, or data platforms—could improve freight performance in the next five years.

DOT Freight Plan to Guide Federal Freight Funding

The DOT freight plan plays a major role in guiding future investments. It helps determine where federal dollars go and how to prioritize projects. The plan also informs state freight plans and builds coordination between agencies, carriers, and shippers.

Truck drivers and small carriers are encouraged to offer feedback. The DOT wants to know what works, what doesn’t, and what changes would make a difference out on the road.

How to Comment on the DOT Freight Plan

Comments can be submitted online at www.regulations.gov under Docket No. DOT–OST–2025–0369. The deadline is August 14, 2025.

The Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy will also hold webinars and meetings to gather feedback. Once finalized, the updated DOT freight plan will serve as the blueprint for U.S. freight movement in the years ahead.

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