NDOT's Freight Planning Section develops strategies, policies and methodologies that work to improve the freight transportation system in Nevada. The Freight Planning section coordinates public-private, state-local and state-federal freight transportation investment decisions and activities on a statewide basis. Access to efficient freight transportation is a key element in business site selection. Competing in the global market environment has raised the importance of efficient, reliable supply chains and the transport systems they rely upon. Freight transportation plays a critical role in company decisions about site selection and expansion.

Nevada is an important link in the Global supply chain, the backbone of the economy.

The State of Nevada plays a unique role due to its geographic location to major international deep water ports and significant transcontinental freight movement over I-80 in Northern Nevada and I-15 in Southern Nevada. Nevada is relied upon for critical freight staging and as a first/last freight fueling destination to the California border.

Looking forward, Nevada’s transportation system will evolve and transform the US 95 corridor into I-11 to serve a vital north-south trade corridor, ultimately envisioning to connect Canada and Mexico through Nevada.

Mining is Nevada’s largest export by dollar value, however, new opportunities to diversity the economy as an inland trade hub, the growing development of warehouse facilities and multimodal connectivity illustrate the important changing role of freight movement in the State of Nevada.

In summer 2022, The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Nevada Division Office approved the Nevada Freight Plan Update. The objective of the plan is to provide a strategic framework for enhancing freight mobility along with improving transportation safety and sustainability. The plan also makes specific recommendations on improving the state's freight infrastructure to strengthen and diversify Nevada's economy. These efforts are a part of broader initiatives dedicated to enhancing the economic well-being of the freight related sector within the state of Nevada.

In September 2023, the FHWA Nevada Division Office approved the updated list of Critical Rural Freight Corridors (CRFCs) and Critical Urban Freight Corridors (CUFCs) in Nevada. NDOT developed a list of critical freight corridors through a data-driven needs assessment, coordination with Metropolitan Planning Organizations and the Freight Advisory Committee (FAC). 

In order for identified projects to move forward they move through the One Nevada Transportation Process. 

Freight Planning Section
Nevada Department of Transportation
freight@dot.nv.gov