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.

Why Regional Freight Planning Affects Everything You Do

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. Our region is one of the most critical locations in American freight movement benefiting from the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). 

In 2022, the North Texas region accounted for 30 percent of Texas’ Gross Domestic Product.

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. 

Our Bottom Line

Success in planning will mean that we effectively...

  • 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.
  • Maintain a regional freight database.
  • Improve railroad safety and reliability. 

 
Current Truck Freight Travel Times

Our DFW 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. 

Get Involved

The Regional Freight Advisory Committee (RFAC) serves to maximize the Dallas-Fort Worth region’s freight capabilities through information, knowledge, and technology sharing between public and private freight interests; promoting the region’s intermodal capabilities and capacity; and supporting and improving the regional freight system.

If you work in freight and want to get involved with RFAC, reach out to our Goods Movement Staff.

Staff Contacts: Jeff HathcockMike JohnsonDan Lamers

Freight Topics


Sky view of highways and traffic

Critical Freight Corridors

Improving freight network performance and efficiency in freight movement.

Where Freight Starts

Big Rig with Safety Sign

Freight Safety

Managing the growing demand of freight travel across all aspects of our region. 

Safely Depart and Arrive 
Plane, train and cargo

General Freight Planning

Key freight transportation facilities in the DFW region.

Key Freight Facilities 
Railroad tracks

Rail Planning 

The DFW region is home to three of the nation's class I railroads.

What Rail can do
Map of city with zoning ordinance sign pinned to the top

Land Use Analysis

Recommended practices, policy toolkits, and resources to improve plans and decisions made around our region.

Thoughtful Use 
Air field

Freight North Texas

Regional policies, programs, and projects that are needed to improve freight planning and operations around our region.

Support Supply Chain
Trucks

Truck Planning

Our Regional Transportation Council has identified routes used for goods movement and infrastructure improvements. 

Keep Trucking
Road Lane Closure

Truck Lane Restrictions

Learn why trucks with three or more axles should not use the inside left lane, and the surprising advantages of lane restrictions.

  Stay in your Lane