Welcome to the Maryland Department of Transportation's (MDOT) web page for the Office Freight and Multimodalism (OFM). It is MDOT's goal to provide transportation programs and services that support freight logistics and multimodal transportation options. A balanced freight transportation system is of the utmost importance to OFM. We establish policies that will improve operating efficiencies, promote safe and reliable mobility, and advance initiatives to mitigate climate impacts. From water to rail to trucks and the “last mile” delivery, our goal is to help freight move efficiently and for the best value. For expedited deliveries, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and express packages, there is no faster mode than air. Freight in all forms via all modes must travel across and through Maryland in an efficient way to help grow our economy. Goods movement is critical to all business sectors, from health care, biotech, and service businesses to agri-business, manufacturing, and distribution. In addition to needing a healthy domestic freight network, our global presence is dependent on the Port of Baltimore and BWI Airport to move international cargo rapidly through the supply chain. MDOT is a partner in freight services as the owner of the public terminals in the Port of Baltimore and several shortline railroads and through our cooperation with Class I railroads, safety initiatives and congestion mitigation efforts on Maryland highways. MDOT works with stakeholders on initiatives to identify and improve freight movement, and in 2009, MDOT released its first ever Statewide Freight Plan with their help. Maryland is located in one of the most congested areas in the country, and studies show that freight in our region could grow 75 percent by 2030. Freight movement is a national concern, and for that reason, OFM represents Maryland on national and state committees that explore freight mobility improvements, innovative financing, sustainability, and stewardship. Currently, MDOT OFM is developing a State Rail Plan, coordinating efforts to identify and build truck parking facilities, working on port area access improvements and rail connections, and advocating for freight through outreach to economic and land use organizations. Additionally, OFM oversees the State's High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail efforts, which have brought over $90 Million for improvements to Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. Freight and Passenger operations share infrastructure, so it is imperative that the planning, policy development and project implementation be done with a multimodal perspective. Current federally funded High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail projects include the Preliminary Engineering (PE) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis for the Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel, the BWI Station Area improvements including a 4th track and corresponding new platforms, and the Susquehanna Bridge, all on the Amtrak Northeast Corridor.
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