Toward greener freight: An overview of the transportation statistics system and best practices in the United States  

Freight transportation, an indispensable engine of global trade, simultaneously propels economic growth and contributes significantly to environmental challenges. With billions of tons of cargo transported worldwide every year, freight transportation is responsible for nearly 10% of carbon emissions.

This study reviews the historic development, regulations, key stakeholders, and methodologies used for transportation statistics in the United States. Based on policy review, stakeholder interviews, and data platform analysis, this paper offers insights into the freight transportation statistics system, Commodity Flow Survey (CFS) and Freight Analysis Framework (FAF) In the US. It also highlights uses for this freight data, including creating green freight policies, supporting green supply chain and logistics development, conducting freight research, and supporting infrastructure planning and investments.

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