The Atlanta region is a major hub for the movement and distribution of freight, providing access to the fast-growing Port of Savannah and major markets across the Southeast and the U.S.
Every day, millions of tons of freight head for destinations in metro Atlanta or pass through the region to points beyond. Meanwhile, the volume of goods moving in the region continues to grow. From 2019 to 2050, the ARC forecasts a 69 percent increase (low growth scenario) to a 118% (high growth scenario) in freight traffic.
The Atlanta region is one of just five U.S. cities served by three major interstate highways. Approximately 25% of the U.S. population is within a one-day truck drive from Atlanta, and more than 80% of the U.S. commercial and consumer markets can be reached within 2 days.
With CSX and Norfolk Southern facilities and rail lines, metro Atlanta is served by two Class I railroads, three intermodal terminals, multiple classification, and bulk rail yards and direct service to the Port of Savannah
The Atlanta region’s infrastructure must continue to develop in order to meet the growing demands on freight corridors and routes.
The Atlanta Regional Commission’s regional 2024 Atlanta Regional Freight Mobility Plan is designed to enhance the movement of freight and improve the region’s economic competitiveness, while minimizing the environmental and community impacts of truck movement.
The plan was created with input from a Freight Advisory Task Force that included representatives from the freight/logistics industry as well as from retail and other industries that rely heavily on freight movement.
Freight Cluster Plans focus on safe and efficient movement of freight, improving access to jobs, potential growth in the study area, truck parking needs, alternative fuels, changing transportation technology, and more. More information, including scope templates and completed freight cluster plans, is available on the Freight Cluster Plan page.
Truck parking is a growing challenge in the Atlanta region, with insufficient designated facilities creating safety risks, operational inefficiencies for freight movement, and negative impacts on surrounding communities. ARC has conducted multiple studies and developed guidance to better understand demand, identify priority needs, and support local governments in planning and implementing safe, well-managed truck parking solutions.
The Freight Advisory Task Force is a regional forum that brings together public- and private-sector freight stakeholders to coordinate on issues affecting goods movement. Through periodic meetings, the group works to improve the efficiency, reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness of freight operations, while advising on policies, identifying system needs, and prioritizing investments that support the region’s freight network.
The 2008 Atlanta Regional Freight Mobility Plan noted that the region has discontinuous routes serving freight truck traffic. Many truck routes are not logical in that they may stop at jurisdictional boundaries or conflict with restrictions placed in adjacent communities. It was recognized that additional study was needed to address issues pertaining to truck routing and operations.
One of the additional follow-up activities included the development of a regional truck route network as well as associated policies and guidelines. This network is be referred to as the Atlanta Strategic Truck Route Master Plan (ASTRoMaP). Development of the ASTRoMaP began in early 2009 and was adopted by the ARC in 2010.
ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more.
