Freight plans
Several plans guide our development of a freight transportation system that supports the economic vitality of Washington state. Explore information on freight plans, rail plan, truck parking, and the PCC short line railroad.
The state's multimodal freight transportation system allows businesses in Washington to effectively compete in regional and global markets. Freight transportation is critical to supporting and growing jobs, more regional domestic product, as well as ensuring residents have the goods they need in their daily lives.
To learn more about how freight drives our state's economy, watch this Freight Virtual Tour video that was created to inform Legislators and the public on topics of importance to freight movement.
Washington State Rail Plan
Serving freight and passengers, the rail system provides efficient transportation critical to maintaining our economy, environment and quality of life. We prepare a State Rail Plan every five years. Its purpose is to provide a framework for future actions that meets federal and state requirements.
Truck parking plans
Learn about how WSDOT and its partners are exploring increasing safe truck parking spaces, which truck drivers use for their mandated rest periods.
2022 Freight System Plan
The Washington Freight System Plan examines all modes of freight movement - including trucks, airplanes, rail, barges and cargo ships.
National Highway Freight Program
Funding is available for local freight transportation projects in Washington state under the National Highway Freight Program.
Washington Freight and Goods Transportation System
The Freight and Goods Transportation System (FGTS) is a classification system of multimodal freight corridors unique to Washington state, which classifies freight corridors for truck, rail, and waterways based on annual freight tonnage. WSDOT designates and updates the FGTS system every two years to meet state legislative requirements, support transportation planning processes, and inform freight investment decisions.
The 2023 FGTS update was released in December 2023, providing the following products:
- 2023 FGTS update report (PDF 970KB)
- Appendices to the main report (PDF 6.5MB)
- Online interactive map application
Palouse River and Coulee City (PCC) Rail System Strategic Plan
WSDOT owns the the 298-mile Palouse River and Coulee City (PCC) short line rail system in eastern Washington. The PCC Rail System Strategic Plan was completed in May 2015. The plan outlines the vision and goals for the system and communicates which policies and funding are needed to achieve the goals.
- PCC Rail System Strategic Plan Executive Summary (PDF 3.94MB)
- PCC Rail System Strategic Plan (PDF 3MB)
In 2023, the PCC system (PDF 316KB) received a $72.8 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration that is being matched by $39.2 million in state, local and private funds. This provides a total project budget of $112 million for capital improvements.
Work is currently underway to begin construction in 2024. Improvements will include replacement of worn rail; replacement of rotten railroad ties; rebuilding dilapidated roadway crossings; and surfacing of tracks.
2020 Washington Freight Stakeholder Group
Under the direction of the 2020 Washington State Legislature, WSDOT convened a freight stakeholder group to develop recommendations for a Washington freight advisory committee. The proposed committee will follow federal requirements found in the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and other relevant legislation. This stakeholder group has completed its work and published the Freight Stakeholder Group Final Report (PDF 484KB).
Slow down on ice and snow.
It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.
Carry chains, practice installing them.
Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.
Pack your winter car kit.
Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.