FreightWorks - Southern California Delevers The Goods

Studies and Programs

As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties, SCAG performs ongoing research and analyses of the regional transportation system. Goods movement, in particular, receives a significant amount of attention as it serves as one the most critical economic generators in Southern California.

Studies

SCAG has recently completed, or is currently involved in, a number of studies related to goods movement in Southern California at any given time. Below are a number of recently completed efforts designed to provide meaningful input into the development of the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy as the agency develops the long-term blueprint for transportation in the region.

Industrial Warehousing Study (Revised 2018)

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region is home to approximately 34,000 warehouses with 1.17 billion square feet of warehouse building space, and undeveloped land that could accommodate an additional 338 million square feet of new warehouse building space. The Industrial Warehousing Study is an update from previous work, which evaluates how the region could accommodate future demand for warehouse space based on key supply chain trends. Study findings were used to formulate discussion points, which will engage policy-makers, logistics industry stakeholders, and public-sector agencies about how best to shape the region’s strategic vision and grow, while balancing economic and environmental objectives.

Industrial Warehousing Study Final Report – Full Study

SCAG Goods Movement Border Crossing Study - Phase II

The Goods Movement Border Crossing Study - Phase II assessed goods movement border crossings in San Diego and Imperial Counties to identify emerging trends expected to affect future freight movement, provide forecasts of cross-border freight volumes under alternative scenarios, and develop recommendations to enhance future goods movement.

SCAG Goods Movement Border Crossing Study - Phase II | View Story Map

2016-2040 RTP/SCS Goods Movement Appendix

Goods movement and freight transportation are essential to support the SCAG regional economy and quality of life. Working with its public and private partners, SCAG has established a vision for a comprehensive regional goods movement system. This network is intended to be a world-class, coordinated system that accommodates growth in the throughput of freight to the region and nation in ways that support the region's economic vitality, attainment of clean air standards, and the quality of life for our communities.

2016-2040 RTP/SCS Goods Movement Appendix

Comprehensive Regional Goods Movement Plan and Implementation Strategy

On The Move represents a long-range comprehensive plan for the goods movement system in Southern California. The Plan is designed to ensure that the region continues to play a vital role in the global supply chain while meeting regional economic goals, addressing critical mobility challenges, preserving the environment, and contributing to community livability and quality of life goals. The Plan is the final product of the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) Comprehensive Regional Goods Movement Plan and Implementation Strategy, a multi-year effort to collect data, conduct analyses, and engage with regional, statewide and national stakeholders covering various aspects of the region’s goods movement system.

Summary Report

Full Report

Complementary Studies

Steering Committee

September 28, 2011

September 8, 2011

August 4, 2011

June 21, 2011

March 21, 2011

February 24, 2011

December 9, 2010

September 21, 2010

April 21, 2010

January 21, 2010

October 13, 2009

Complementary Studies

Regional Warehousing Needs Assessment

Evaluation of Environmental Mitigation Strategies

Port Activity Competitiveness Tracker (PACT) Report

Analysis of Freight Rail Electrification in the SCAG Region

Regional Rail Simulation Study Summary Report

Regional Rail Simulation Study Technical Appendix

Goods Movement Border Crossing Study and Analysis (2012)

With today’s global economy and time-based competition, efficient freight transportation networks serve as extremely critical links between manufacturers, distributors, and consumers. Planning for adequate transportation infrastructure and freight facilities that enhance goods movement in is particularly challenging for border regions. Given this, SCAG conducted the Border Crossing Study and Analysis to gather and synthesize information on goods movement across the U.S.-Mexico border in Imperial County to assist in the assessment of infrastructure needs and general planning efforts.

Executive Summary

Goods Movement Border Crossing Study - Full Study

Port and Modal Elasticity Study – Phase II

As a follow-up to its original study, SCAG conducted Phase II of the Port and Modal Elasticity Study to develop and apply analytical tools to predict flows of waterborne containerized imports from Asia to the United States through North American ports and landside supply-chain channels. These forecasts were used by regional stakeholders to assist and advance regional policies on goods movement.

Port and Modal Elasticity Study - Phase II

Programs

Given the magnitude and complexity of goods movement in the region, and its impact on multiple stakeholders ranging from the private sector to public interests to communities, SCAG regularly engages and administers freight programs to address existing and future challenges. Highlighted below are some of the primary programs through which SCAG practices this involvement.

Southern California National Freight Gateway Collaboration

Created through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Southern California National Freight Gateway Collaboration comprises high-level leadership from regional, state and federal stakeholders working closely to address regional freight challenges and explore the common understanding about goods movement issues. This is especially critical given its economic impact. Efforts of the Collaboration include engaging members in productive, facilitated discussions aimed at supporting regional goods movement in Southern California while addressing the myriad infrastructure, environmental, and quality of life challenges.

Goods Movement Subcommittee

Following the adoption of the 2012 RTP/SCS, SCAG formed the Goods Movement Subcommittee to provide the necessary leadership and policy forum to advance key strategies identified in the 2012 RTP/SCS towards implementation. Over a series of six months, local regional leaders provided guidance for development of the upcoming 2016 RTP/SCS.

February 25, 2013

February 11, 2013

January 29, 2012