The Seattle Department of Transportation released its draft Freight Master Plan (FMP) for public review. The draft FMP was developed by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to address the unique characteristics, needs, and impacts of freight mobility in Seattle. It identifies why goods movement is so important to the City and the region, examines the challenges of moving goods, and provides solutions to address these challenges.

Just about every product purchased by someone reaches its final destination by some combination of truck, plane, train and ship. It is important for the City to identify a freight network that supports goods movement and delivery throughout Seattle.

The FMP is one of our City’s four modal master plans: pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and freight. With the Move Seattle plan providing Mayor Ed Murray’s 10-year strategic vision for all transportation modes, the City is seeking opportunities to integrate these plans and create a comprehensive multimodal system that safely moves people and goods.

“The safe and efficient movement of goods is critical to Seattle’s trade economy,” Mayor Ed Murray said. “The Freight Master Plan is a thorough analysis of where we can make strategic investments in infrastructure and mobility to better serve our port, our industries, and all transportation modes. I look forward to hearing from the public as we continue to refine our plan to support freight mobility.”

“This collaboratively drafted freight plan will help ensure that the public receives goods and products through the most efficient and cost effective transportation means possible,” said Warren Aakervik, former president of Ballard Oil and the outgoing chairman of the Seattle Freight Advisory Board.

Important Facts about Freight

In 2013, Washington exported merchandise worth $82 billion, and it is estimated that $37 million of goods
move on Washington roadways every hour of every day.

Washington’s transportation industry supports nearly 900,000 jobs in the Puget Sound economy through freight-dependent sectors such as agriculture, forestry, construction and manufacturing – producing an economic impact of $91.9 billion.

By 2035, an additional 120,000 people are expected to call Seattle home, with 115,000 additional jobs expected. Additional residents and jobs will require the delivery of more goods to serve their needs. Accommodating the daily needs of people living here today and over the next 20 years will be critical to our quality of life.

Public Comment Sought on Freight Master Plan

SDOT is working to collect public input and recommendations on the draft FMP. Comments received during the public review period, which will last until July 8, will be used to develop the Mayor’s recommended plan that will go to the Seattle City Council for review and adoption.

“The freight plan will be our roadmap for supporting a critical component of Seattle’s bustling economy,” said SDOT Director Scott Kubly. “I invite the public to review the draft freight plan and share their perspectives on this important work.”

To see the Freight Master Plan and provide input, go to: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/freight_fmp.htm. Or you can email your comments to: FreightMasterPlan@seattle.gov