Freight and Air Quality Handbook

Hyman, Robert; Schiller, Roger; Brogan, James J. · 2010 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Freight Management and Operations

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Summary

The *Freight and Air Quality Handbook* (2010), published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), addresses the growing conflict between increasing freight demand and deteriorating air quality in the United States. With domestic freight tonnage projected to double and international tonnage to nearly triple by 2035, the handbook responds to the urgent need for planners to mitigate the environmental impacts of freight movements. Freight emissions account for approximately one-third of U.S. transportation greenhouse gas emissions and have increased by over 50 percent since 1990. The document aims to assist state agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, and private-sector entities in identifying viable strategies to reduce pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and mobile-source air toxics, while navigating complex regulatory and funding landscapes. The handbook is structured as a comprehensive reference guide rather than an empirical study. It synthesizes existing data, regulatory frameworks, and technological assessments to provide a holistic overview of freight-related air quality issues. Section 2.0 details the nature of freight pollutants, including criteria pollutants, mobile-source air toxics, and greenhouse gases, alongside their health and environmental impacts. It identifies specific emission sources by mode—trucks, marine vessels, rail, and air cargo—and outlines the relevant regulatory environment, including EPA standards and transportation conformity requirements. Section 3.0 catalogs mitigation strategies, categorized into technological approaches (e.g., engine retrofits, alternative fuels, aerodynamic improvements) and operational strategies (e.g., congestion mitigation, idling reduction). Section 4.0 reviews available funding and financing tools, focusing on federal-aid highway and rail programs, EPA initiatives like the National Clean Diesel Campaign, and state or local programs. Section 5.0 provides case studies illustrating the practical application of these strategies. Key findings highlight that diesel exhaust from freight vehicles is a primary source of PM2.5, NOx, and air toxic contaminants. Trucks remain the dominant freight mode, accounting for 46 percent of freight-related NOx emissions in 2005, while marine vessels contributed 38 percent of NOx and 57 percent of PM10 emissions. Rail and air cargo represent smaller shares, though air cargo emissions are expected to grow due to increased volume. The handbook notes that stricter EPA regulations are projected to significantly reduce emissions from heavy-duty trucks (by approximately 82 percent) and rail (by 43 percent) through 2020. However, marine emissions are expected to decline more modestly due to less stringent regulations and the prevalence of foreign-flagged vessels. Additionally, while overall PM10 emissions are projected to drop by 63 percent by 2020, NOx emissions from air cargo are expected to increase by 51 percent. The significance of this handbook lies in its role as a central resource for integrating freight planning with environmental stewardship. By providing detailed background on pollutant sources, outlining specific technological and operational mitigation strategies, and mapping available funding mechanisms, the FHWA enables practitioners to design projects that simultaneously support economic growth and improve public health. The document facilitates better communication between transportation planners and environmental professionals, ensuring that freight infrastructure investments align with air quality goals and regulatory requirements.

Key finding

Diesel exhaust from freight vehicles is a primary source of PM2.5, air toxic contaminants, and NOx emissions, with freight emissions comprising close to one-third of U.S. transportation greenhouse gas emissions.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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