Freight
The NJTPA region is the platform for the distribution of goods to one of the largest consumer markets on earth. This encompasses the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut metropolitan area and much of the mid-Atlantic and New England states. The region is also a leading US international gateway with the largest port on the Atlantic Coast and one of the largest air cargo operations in the US.
The region’s freight system includes:
Port: Northern New Jersey is the home of the largest container port on the Atlantic seaboard. The Port handled 8.7 million TEUs in 2024. The rail moves inland at the Port totaled 639,657 in 2024. The Port also handled 407,657 vehicles, 2.68 million metric tons of bulk cargo, and 845,532 cruise passengers during 2024. Source: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Rail: Northern New Jersey is served by two Class I railroads—CSX and Norfolk Southern, a regional railroad (the New York, Susquehanna & Western), and several short line railroads. This region also includes the Conrail Shared Assets Area and extensive on- and near-dock rail operations that serve the Port. In 2023, New Jersey had 17.2 million tons of rail freight originating in the State and 21.6 million tons terminating in the State. Source: The Association of American Railroads.
NJTPA Freight Planning Tools
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Air: During 2023, Newark Liberty International Airport handled nearly 686,700 tons of air cargo. In 2023, the three leading airlines in terms of cargo volume were Federal Express, United and UPS. In 2022, the Airport was ranked as the 12th largest air cargo airport in North America and 39th in the World. Source: Port Authority of NY and NJ
Trucking: Trucking moves the most freight in the NJTPA region. More than 78 percent of the total 372 million tons of goods moved in the region were handled by trucks. Source: NJTPA 2050 Freight Industry Level Forecasts Study.
Industrial Properties: As of the fourth quarter of 2024, northern and central New Jersey had 874.5 million square feet of industrial properties, one of the leading concentrations in North America. New vacant buildings totaling 1.2 million square feet were delivered to the market, and 3.9 million square feet of new construction started during the quarter. Vacancies continued to increase during the quarter and are now at 6.1%. Source: CBRE
Freight planning activities at the NJTPA are guided by the Freight Initiatives Committee. Meetings of the committee serve as a forum for discussion of regional freight issues. The committee makes recommendations on action items to be considered by the full NJTPA Board of Trustees. The committee meets bimonthly. Its meetings are open to the public. You can sign-up for notices of freight-related news, events and meetings through the NJTPA E-list.
The NJTPA established the Freight Concept Development Program (FCDP) to advance regional and local freight initiatives identified through planning studies conducted by the NJTPA, its planning partners and its subregions. The Pilot Freight Concept Development Program developed the FCDP and completed two studies. The FY2021 Freight Concept Development Program Studies completed two additional studies.
Examples of freight projects and programs in the Transportation Improvement Program include:
- Port Street Corridor Improvement Project (Project ID: PA2201)
- Delancy Street, Avenue I to Avenue P in Essex County (Project ID: NS0504)
- Kapkowski Road – North Avenue East Improvement Project (Project ID: 17339)
- Portway, Fish House Road/Pennsylvania Avenue, CR 659 in Hudson County (Project ID: 97005B)
- Local Freight Impact Fund Program (Project ID: 17390)
- Maritime Transportation System (Project ID: 01309)
- New Jersey Rail Freight Assistance Program (Project ID: X34)
The 2023 New Jersey Statewide Freight Plan is now available.
Current and recently completed NJTPA freight planning initiatives are listed below. Past initiatives can be found on the NJTPA Studies page:
Current Projects & Studies
- 2050 Freight Industry Level Forecasts Update
Conditions in the goods movement industry have rapidly evolved over the last several years. The 2050 Freight Industry Level Forecasts Update Study will develop updated, accurate information on freight demand, both current as well as projected out to 2050 and 2055. - FY 2025 Freight Concept Development Program Studies
Two Concept Development studies will be prepared as part of this effort: the Southern Middlesex County North-South Truck Corridor Project in Cranbury and Monroe, Middlesex County; and the East Hanover Avenue Bridge Catenary Rail Clearance Project in Morris Plains and Morris Township, Morris County. Additionally, a Preliminary Screening for Plate F vertical rail clearance along the NJ TRANSIT North Jersey Coast Line in Perth Amboy will be developed.