More Efficient Freight
According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s emission models, heavy trucks emit three times the greenhouse gas emissions of passenger vehicles going the same speed An efficient freight system reduces emissions needed to get freight where it needs to go to support the economy. It starts with a reliable, efficient multi-modal transportation system. Long-haul trucks are the most common way freight is moved, so focusing on reducing emissions from freight trucks will help reduce greenhouse gases from transportation.
Freight also covers goods moved by trains and ships. Both modes emit fewer emissions than long-haul trucks moving the same amount of goods, so investments in freight by rail or sea are beneficial for Oregon’s environment and the economy.
Oregon can make gains in “last mile” deliveries, too. Instead of big inefficient trucks delivering goods the last few miles to their final destination, a smaller and more efficient vehicle – like an e-bike – could make that trip instead from a centralized distribution facility. (See our Industrial Lands webpage for more on this.)
Another way to make freight more efficient is through strong relationships between state government and the private sector. Private companies rely on freight to move their goods or services, and government can encourage large businesses to locate more of their operations in Oregon. This cuts down on the amount of goods companies need to move in, out and around the state.
Through a diverse economy, buying and manufacturing local goods, and reducing packaging, Oregon can reduce emissions from economic activity.
Shipping companies can also explore programs like SmartWay from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
More efficient freight: emissions reduction vision
State agencies don’t have targets yet because they need to verify goals and metrics with their public and private partners.
How Oregon is doing
State agencies don’t have data for this category yet because they’re still working with their public and private partners to verify goals and establish metrics.
Despite a lack of data, Oregon does use a mix of modes to move freight throughout the state, following the Oregon Freight Plan. Farm products are barged on the Columbia River, and waste is transported to landfills by train.
How Oregon can improve
We haven’t identified opportunities yet because we need to work with our public and private partners to verify goals and establish metrics.
That said: shifting how Oregon moves freight away from trucks’ dominance will be difficult. Trucks offer route flexibility and time savings that other modes, like trains, struggle to compete with. However, some commodities in certain locations may see benefits from mode shifts to more energy efficient modes. Transportation authorities should complete an economic analysis prior to public sector investments in projects that intend to cause a mode shift.