DOT Wants Feedback on the Future of Freight
The U.S. Department of Transportation is calling on the public—especially the trucking industry—to weigh in on a major update to its National Freight Strategic Plan (NFSP), which serves as the federal roadmap for freight infrastructure, investment, and safety policy.
With a public comment period now open through August 14, the DOT is seeking insight into how freight movement can be improved nationwide, including across highway, rail, maritime, and air systems. Their goal is to develop a strategy that reflects current challenges, incorporates industry innovation, and balances public and private sector needs.
📈 Freight Goals for 2025 and Beyond
The previous NFSP, released in 2020, set out three core goals:
Improve the safety, security, and resilience of the national freight system
Modernize infrastructure and operations to support economic growth and competitiveness
Support data, technology, and workforce development that enhances freight system performance
Now, the DOT is evaluating whether those goals still represent the most urgent priorities for 2025 and is requesting feedback on how to modernize its approach.
🚧 What Truckers and Fleets Have Been Asking For
Organizations like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) have long pushed for DOT to focus on issues that directly affect drivers’ day-to-day operations. These include:
Fixing deteriorating highways that cost drivers time and money
Addressing the truck parking crisis, which remains a top issue for driver safety and efficiency
Reducing overregulation and detention time that impacts carrier productivity
OOIDA and others stress that the updated NFSP should reflect the real-world roadblocks that small trucking businesses face—not just theoretical infrastructure goals.
🧭 10 Questions the DOT Wants You to Answer
To guide its next steps, the DOT is asking for public responses to these 10 questions:
Do the original 2020 NFSP goals still reflect today’s freight priorities?
How has the 2020 plan influenced your policies or investments?
What performance metrics should be used to assess the freight system?
How can infrastructure investments better support industry growth?
What emerging technologies will reshape freight over the next five years?
What are the biggest barriers to better freight performance?
How can the freight system be made more resilient to disruption?
How does freight impact rural and underserved communities—and how should that be addressed?
How can DOT improve multi-state coordination on freight planning?
What role should a designated National Multimodal Freight Network play in freight investment?
📣 How to Comment
The DOT is accepting public feedback until August 14, 2025.
🔗 Submit your comments here via Regulations.gov
Just search for Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0369 if the link doesn’t take you directly.
🛡️ Why This Matters to Allcom Clients
At Allcom Insurance, we understand how freight policy directly influences operating costs, safety compliance, and long-term business planning. When federal strategy aligns with industry reality, it reduces friction and boosts your bottom line.
If your fleet or operation depends on efficient freight corridors, reasonable regulation, and reliable infrastructure, this is your opportunity to be heard. Regulatory decisions today shape your insurance risk profile, operational delays, and cost of doing business for years to come.
📞 Need help understanding how freight policy could impact your coverage?
Call Allcom Insurance at 866-277-9049 or visit allcomins.com for a personalized consultation.
Let’s make sure your voice helps steer the direction of freight in 2025.
https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/DOT-OST-2025-0369-0001