Freight plans

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 Freight and Goods Transportation System

The Freight and Goods Transportation System (FGTS) is a Washington-specific freight designation system, which classifies the state’s freight corridors by modes based on annual freight tonnage moved through truck, rail and waterway freight corridors. The FGTS designation is updated every two years to meet state legislative requirements, establish funding eligibility for Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board grants, support transportation planning processes and inform freight investment decisions.

The 2021 FGTS Update (PDF 4.6MB) focuses on two objectives: enhancing consistency and improving data accessibility. Pre-COVID data is used in this December 2021 update to classify freight corridors. The online map of FGTS corridors provides a visual understanding of state corridor designations.  

2021 Washington Truck Parking Workshop

WSDOT and the Federal Highway Administration convened a series of truck parking workshops for stakeholders and government officials to discuss how the state's truck parking shortages may be addressed. Details can be found in the Synopsis of 2021 Washington Truck Parking Workshop (PDF 222KB). This is not a formal WSDOT report, but rather an overview of the discussion and recommendations made by the participants.

In 2022, WSDOT created a report on potential truck parking solutions (PDF 349KB) that could be considered by the Governor and the State Legislature for funding. Several of these options were ultimately included in the transportation budget.

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).

Palouse River and Coulee City (PCC) Rail System Strategic Plan

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)

Grain Train Strategic Plan

The 2017-2027 Grain Train Strategic Plan (PDF 2MB) includes history of the program and outlines the vision and goals for the program, as well as identifying operational improvements and policy changes that will ensure the program continues to enhance the economic competitiveness of Washington state. Those needing the plan in an alternate format should submit a request at Rail@wsdot.wa.gov.