New technology is allowing the Federal Highway Administration to measure truck speed at any given place and time on key freight routes. Data is collected from 250 different locations in the USA.
The most recent data shows that congestion increased at 61 of the 100 freight bottlenecks between 2009 and 2010. The American Transportation Research Institute is co-operating with the Highway Administration to present data gathered from GPS and satellite devices on freight trucks.
The impact of congestion on freight is shown by a congestion index which is published annually; average speeds below 55mph are considered an indication of congestion. The highest level of congestion to affect freight was recorded near Chicago at a major crossroads.
It is hoped that the information will aid freight planners, operators, shippers and carriers make more effective transport decisions.