Mapping the Nation's Freight Movements

The management consulting firm CPCS created a map of the nation's freight movements, illustrating the scale and geography of the flow of goods between state and local markets.

According to an accompanying blog post's interpretation of the map, "[o]ne thing that stands out is the dominance of the three national hubs of Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City. Despite having 16% of the US population, these hubs serve as the origin or destination for fully 28% of the nation’s freight movements."

Also visible on the map are the linkages between markets created by freight but not always apparent outside the industry. On the map, for instance, it's easier to comprehend the connection between New Orleans and Houston.