Freight Movement Estimates and Forecasts for U.S. States and Metro Areas

The Freight Analysis Framework version 3 provides estimates and forecasts for freight movement across the United States. It integrates data from the 2007 Commodity Flow Survey and other sources, offering metrics like tonnage, value, and ton-miles. The dataset covers historical years including 1997, 2002, and 2007, with forecasts extending through 2040.

Use Cases

• Analyze tonnage and value flows by commodity type and mode of transportation between states and metropolitan areas.
• Forecast future freight demand through 2040 using historical data from 1997, 2002, and 2007 as a baseline.
• Model truck-specific freight flows assigned to the highway network for the years 2007 and 2040.
• Examine domestic ton-miles by region of origin and destination to assess transportation network efficiency.

Strengths

• Provides long-term forecasts extending from a 2007 baseline through the year 2040.
• Integrates data from multiple sources, including the official 2007 Commodity Flow Survey.
• Covers freight movement by all modes of transportation across U.S. states and major metropolitan areas.
• Includes historical state-to-state flow data for 1997, 2002, and 2007 alongside forecasts.

Limitations

• The core estimates are based on 2007 survey data, which may not reflect recent economic or logistical shifts.
• Forecast accuracy depends on the underlying models and assumptions, which are not detailed in the input.
• Specific sample sizes, row counts, and column definitions are unknown, limiting reproducibility.

Provenance

Source

Department of Transportation

Collection Method

Integrates data from the 2007 Commodity Flow Survey and additional sources.

Time Range

Historical data for 1997, 2002, 2007; forecasts through 2040.

Freshness

The dataset metadata was last updated in March 2026, but the primary data is historical with forecasts.

Geography

United States, covering states and major metropolitan areas.