South Raleigh News

The North Carolina Chamber of Commerce (NC Chamber) recently highlighted a report by The Road Information Program (TRIP), projecting a substantial increase in freight movement in North Carolina by 2050. The Chamber's emphasis on the growing freight volumes and rising logistical costs draws attention to the challenges that could potentially affect the state's economic competitiveness.

According to a press release by the NC Chamber, Gary Salamido, president and CEO of the organization, commented on the TRIP report: "The safety and efficiency with which people and goods move is critical to meeting the current and growing demands of a dynamic state economy and securing a prosperous and competitive future for North Carolina. While we have made great strides, TRIP’s latest report underscores the need for investment in North Carolina’s transportation network."

In another press release from the NC Chamber, it was pointed out that an increase in both quantity and value of shipped goods has led to escalating traffic congestion. This situation impacts freight movement costs, reducing the competitive advantage of businesses dependent on reliable, cost-effective transportation. In 2022 alone, traffic congestion caused an additional $94.6 billion expense for the trucking industry due to trucks being stuck in 1.3 billion hours of traffic. During this period, national logistics costs peaked at $2.3 trillion, constituting 9.1 percent of U.S GDP.

The TRIP report also provided insights into North Carolina's role in freight movement during 2022. The state facilitated moving 478 million tons of goods valued at $741 billion, ranking it 13th among states for freight value. Projections suggest a significant increase in truck freight by 2050 - a rise of 64 percent in weight and a surge of 97 percent in value (adjusted for inflation). This projection places North Carolina at number 15 for anticipated growth nationwide. Furthermore, combination trucks accounted for eight percent of travel on state Interstate highways and 13 percent on rural Interstates. The report also highlighted an average of 169 annual fatalities between 2017 and 2021 in large truck-involved collisions, equating to about 16 fatalities per 100 million population.

David Kearby, executive director of TRIP, was quoted in the NC Chamber's press release: "As consumers demand faster deliveries and a more responsive supply chain, the nation’s freight transportation network is facing unprecedented roadblocks in the form of increasing congestion and a lack of transportation funding to improve the nation’s transportation system. A long-term, sustainable source of revenue that supports needed transportation investment will be crucial to improving the efficiency and safety of America’s freight transportation system."

According to TRIP's official website, this organization was established in 1971 as a private nonprofit conducting research and disseminating data on surface transportation issues. It advocates for policies addressing traffic congestion, road safety, and economic productivity. Supported by various entities such as insurance companies, equipment manufacturers, businesses involved in transportation, and labor unions, TRIP aims to enhance surface transportation networks for economic growth and improved quality of life.