US State launches freight network planning app

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) has launched a new interactive online mapping application, PhillyFreightFinder, which offers detailed mapping of the regions freight network.

The App denotes major freight routes, such as highways, rivers and rail lines, and key hubs of employment and goods movement, including ports and freight centers. The application is interactive, allowing the viewer to explore over 350 individual features, each with a thumbnail sketch detailing the facility’s role in the goods movement system.

The application is intended as a valuable resource for experts in the fields of planning or logistics, municipal officials, and citizens interested in learning more about freight movement and facilities in the region. It can be used by local businesses, economic development agencies, and carriers as a marketing tool highlighting opportunities to leverage the existing freight network for new business activity within the region.

The DVRPC's freight planning activities are conducted in concert with the DVRPC freight advisory committee, the Delaware Valley Goods Movement Task Force. This joint public-private sector initiative brings together executives from Class I and shortline railroads, trucking, and air freight firms to meet with federal, state, and local agency leaders, toll authorities, and national advocacy groups. The PhillyFreightFinder effort falls under the purview of the Data Subcommittee of the Task Force. It supports an ongoing data sharing and collection program which represents a true public-private partnership.

“The PhillyFreightFinder project has been a tremendous opportunity to work with DVRPC and other partners,” stated Rick Crawford of Norfolk Southern and chair of the Goods Movement Task Force’s Data Subcommittee. “The tool is a great asset for not only planners but private businesses as it brings great attention to our freight network in the Delaware Valley.”