Session 4 -- Freight Demand and Planning in Florida: A panel discussion

Moderator, Mr. Alan Meyers, Cambridge Systematics
Mr. Michael Williamson, Cambridge Systematics -- Presentation
Mr. Jeff Sheffield, First Coast Metropolitan Planning Organization -- Presentation
Mr. Wade Elliott, Port of Tampa -- Presentation
Mr. John Gibson, CSX Transportation -- Presentation (Powerpoint show)
Mr. Jeff Weidner, Mobility Manager, FDOT District 4 Office of Modal Development -- Presentation

The significant growth in freight demand nationally and in Florida is now calling for greater emphasis on freight planning at all levels of government as well as the private industry. Alan Meyers with Cambridge Systematics introduced the five panelists that will be discussing freight planning initiatives and needs from a variety of perspectives.

Michael Williamson described Florida’s freight transportation system and discussed the challenges and opportunities to address freight transportation needs in the State. Mr. Williamson noted that the State transportation system is well established, diverse, and multimodal, however, increasing demand for freight services, limited funding for capacity needs across all modes, security costs, and lack of available land for expanding or new industrial facilities are straining the capacity and connectivity across all modes. New state programs such as the Strategic Intermodal System and key freight initiatives including the Statewide Freight Plan are the foundations for improving goods mobility and meeting capacity demands across all modes.

Jeff Weidener discussed the challenges behind developing a regional freight initiative in Southeast Florida. These include working with multiple districts and metropolitan planning organizations, scarce resources, various modes competing for funding, and gaining the support of the private sector. Mr. Weidener noted that addressing security and mobility concerns and gaining the support of various stakeholders can be achieved through public involvement and education, development of practical regional goals and objectives, identification of freight needs and deficiencies, designation of regionally significant facilities, and availability of credible data for prioritization and analyses purposes.

Jeff Sheffield described the Jacksonville metropolitan region freight transportation system, its impacts on the northeast Florida region, and discussed his agency’s plans for integrating a freight component into future long range transportation plans. He noted that a freight mobility study is currently underway to identify freight mobility needs and deficiencies in the Jacksonville area, analyze the flow of commodities, evaluate the economic impact of freight investments, and identify and recommend strategies and projects that serve short-term private sector needs and long-term visions. Mr. Sheffield noted that the key to achieve successful freight planning is through coordination with various governmental agencies and partnership with the private industry.

John Gibson discussed the need for new approaches for investing in transportation to maintain the United State’s competitive edge in the global market. Mr. Gibson noted that the need for rail investments is necessary to address highway congestion and trucking challenges. With proper planning and continued communication with the private sector, rail transportation can become a more reliable, faster, and safer venue to move people and goods along the I-95 corridor and between and within major Florida metropolitan areas.

Wade Elliot discussed the role American ports play in the cargo transportation logistics chain. Mr. Elliot noted that Florida Ports are major contributors to Florida’s economy with a $7 return for every $1 invested in seaport related infrastructure. The Port of Tampa handles over 15 million tons annually and serves the central Florida region, home to more than 8.5 million residents. Mr. Elliot warned that a capacity crunch is looming if investments in waterside and landside infrastructures, seaport road connectors, and safety were not made available to seaports in the State.

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