Ohio’s Transportation System is an Economic Workhorse

Talk about geographic advantage!  The Buckeye state sits within a single day’s drive from 60% of the U.S. and Canadian population, making it a freight and logistics hub for the entire country. Companies in just about every industry depend on Ohio’s transportation system for reliable and timely shipment of everything from bulk commodities and machinery to thousands of items that line your grocery store shelves. The economic impact of all this activity is enormous.

Commercial trucking carries a major portion of the load with shipments accounting for 68% of the freight flow in Ohio. That translates to more than $438 billion in goods shipped, giving Ohio the 3rd largest freight payload in the nation. And looking ahead, the freight volume moved by truck is expected to increase 67% by 2040!

The other major freight transportation modes make a huge economic impact as well. With 36 railroads in service and 5,300 miles of track, Ohio ranks 4th nationally in total active rail miles and 6th in the number of operating railroads. The rail system accounts for 28% of the freight moving through the state. Ohio also ranks 4th in the nation in the value of shipments moved by water. The Buckeye state’s 26 ports have a $6.5 billion impact on the U.S. economy. Overall, the combined freight volume for transportation modes is projected to increase by 639 million tons annually by 2040!

There’s no question about it. Ohio’s network of highways, bridges, railroads and waterways comprise a powerful economic workhorse that benefits industries and communities throughout the nation. As more demand is placed on our transportation system in the coming years, we need to make sure that it can handle the load – safely and efficiently.

Check out our “Driving the Economy!” brochure to learn more about the impact of transportation in Ohio.