Freight Advisory Committee

The USDOT recommends that states use a collaborative process for freight planning involving relevant stakeholders by establishing a Freight Advisory Committee (FAC), as mandated by 49 U.S.C. 70201. The FAC enhances the engagement of public and private stakeholders, including cargo carriers, logistics companies, local agencies, MPOs and other relevant groups in freight planning.

The Nevada FAC provides insight and perspective to ensure the freight plan, strategies and actions are relevant to the needs, goals, and objectives of their respective constituencies. The FAC also helps to build local and industry support for the planning and implementation of freight-related policies and capital improvements. The FAC meetings consider all ongoing NDOT studies and initiatives. Agendas will be posted in advance of each meeting containing the topics to be discussed and information on how to attend.

History and Formation

In 2016, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) completed its State Freight Plan (approved by FHWA in 2017) and established the Nevada Freight Advisory Committee (Nevada FAC). The Nevada FAC is a charter member advisory body representing public and private sector freight stakeholders, including representatives of ports, shippers, carriers, freight-related associations, the freight industry workforce, the transportation department of the State, and local governments.

Description of Role

The Nevada FAC will participate in the development of the Nevada Freight Plan and provide advice on Nevada’s freight-related priorities and needs.  This advisement may include review, comment, and providing recommendations and guidance to NDOT in support of their freight planning activities including, studies, plans, priorities, issues, projects, funding, and policy/guidance initiatives. An additional purpose of the committee is to assist NDOT with its public and stakeholder outreach efforts by providing valued input into the freight transportation planning decision-making process.

The Nevada FAC meets virtually and/or in person on an as-needed basis.

Membership

Title 49 of the United States Code, Section 70201, recommends the inclusion of specific freight stakeholders in the FAC.

49 U.S. Code § 70201 - State freight advisory committees

In General. —The Secretary of Transportation shall encourage each State to establish a freight advisory committee consisting of a representative cross-section of public and private sector freight stakeholders, including representatives of—

1. ports, if applicable.
2. freight railroads, if applicable.
3. shippers
4. carriers
5. freight-related associations
6. third-party logistics providers
7. the freight industry workforce
8. the transportation department of the State
9. metropolitan planning organizations
10.  local governments
11.  the environmental protection department of the State, if applicable.
12.  the air resources board of the State, if applicable.
13.  economic development agencies of the State
14.  not-for-profit organizations or community organizations

Qualifications. —  As defined in the statute, each member of a freight advisory committee must have one of the following qualifications:

1. General business and financial experience,
2. Experience or qualifications in the areas of freight transportation and logistics
3. Experience in transportation planning
4. Experience representing employees of the freight industry
5. Experience representing a State, local government, or metropolitan planning organization
6. Experience representing the views of a community group or not-for-profit organization

Role of Committee. — A freight advisory committee of a State described in subsection (a) shall—

1. advise the State on freight-related priorities, issues, projects, and funding needs
2. serve as a forum for discussion for State transportation decisions affecting freight mobility
3. communicate and coordinate regional priorities with other organizations
4. promote the sharing of information between the private and public sectors on freight issues
5. participate in the development of the freight plan of the State described in section 70202, including by providing advice regarding the development of the freight investment plan.