Rebuilding the arteries of commerce
The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) injected $1.2 trillion into transport networks, reshaping freight and logistics. Projects spanning port expansion, bridge replacement, and EV charging are catalyzing a structural upgrade to U.S. supply chains.
Table 1. U.S. Freight and Logistics Indicators
| Metric | 2019 | 2023 | 2025 (f) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freight Volume (B ton-miles) | 5,900 | 6,100 | 6,350 |
| Trucking Employment (M) | 3.5 | 3.7 | 3.8 |
| Average Port Dwell Time (days) | 4.1 | 3.2 | 2.8 |
Sources: DOT, ATA, Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Table 2. IIJA Infrastructure Allocations ($ B)
| Category | Total Funding | % of Act |
|---|---|---|
| Roads & Bridges | 350 | 29 |
| Rail & Transit | 88 | 7 |
| Airports & Ports | 42 | 3 |
| Broadband & EV | 66 | 6 |
Source: U.S. DOT; White House Infrastructure Dashboard.
Strategic implications
While modernization improves long-term competitiveness, near-term inflation pressures construction costs. Project delays and permitting bottlenecks remain significant in coastal states.
Leadership takeaway
Logistics firms should integrate predictive maintenance and real-time visibility platforms. AI routing and digital twin modeling can reduce asset downtime and fuel use—an essential margin driver in 2026 and beyond.