Project Overview

Overview image

Project Overview

In New York City, 90% of all goods are delivered by truck. Freight is a critical part of the everyday experience for New York’s residents and businesses, bringing the products we consume and produce on a daily basis. In addition to supplying the goods that keep daily life in the city moving, the freight industry is a major source of jobs for the region, keeping New York’s economy moving.

The City is taking steps to enhance street efficiency through the safe, reliable and environmentally responsible movements of goods.  To remain a livable city, it’s vital for New York to improve its freight systems. Demand for the City’s streets has grown dramatically and that impairs freight efficiency.  Freight trips are rising steadily as online shopping grows.  The number of deliveries to residences is up 30 percent in just five years.  Trucks frequently double park because curbside loading zones are filled.  Accommodating freight in New York today means finding creative means to tackle multiple challenges. This includes developing strategies that prioritize safety, improve air quality, and reduce inefficiency, congestion, and impacts on neighborhoods, all while still meeting industry needs. Improved efficiency is essential to enable better mobility by people and freight while improving livability and environmental quality.

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) is developing a comprehensive citywide Smart Truck Management plan to better manage freight in New York City.

The data being collected and the public and private sector outreach efforts that are underway will provide a better understanding of truck route usage, the needs of shippers and receivers and community concerns. With the input from the public and private sector stakeholders, the Department will recommend a series of strategies and actions to improve operations and enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for all New Yorkers.

The plan support goals of OneNYC , the NYCDOT Strategic Plan 2016: Safe*Green*Smart*Equitable as well as NYC’s Roadmap to 80x50.

The strategies and actions developed through the Smart Truck Management Plan will be based on the following guiding principles: 

  • Safety: Improve safety of truck travel within NYC. 

  • Freight Efficiency: Improve the efficiency of freight movement to, from, and within NYC.

  • Sustainability: Foster the sustainable and environmentally responsible movement of goods.

  • Partnerships: Expand partnerships within the public and private sectors to increase awareness and understanding of freight activity.

Community Engagement

DOT  conducted public outreach sessions throughout the city in the summer of 2017 and late spring 2018. These sessions introduced the public to the importance of freight, provided an overview of how goods moved through the city, demonstrated the
need for a Smart Truck Management Plan, and sought feedback. As part of this outreach, the project team hosted community events, presented to community
boards, conducted stakeholder interviews, solicited feedback through an online platform, and facilitate Freight Advisory Committee and working group meetings. The project team heard from over 1,000 New Yorkers.

To learn more, visit www.nyc.gov/trucks or contact the project team here: freightplan@dot.nyc.gov

Timeline: The final plan scheduled to be released in 2020.