North American Marine Highways

This report presents an evaluation of the potential for moving intermodal containers on chassis, non-containerized trailers, or rail cars on marine highways in North America. The report is especially valuable for its assessment of the conditions for feasibility; its analysis of the economic, technical, regulatory, and logistical barriers inhibiting greater use of the marine highway system; and proposed solutions for barrier elimination. This report will enable public and private stakeholders to better understand the underlying reasons for the current underutilization of the marine highway system. This marine highway system (often referred to as short sea shipping) includes navigable rivers, lakes, canals, seaways, and coastal waterways. Currently, less than 4% of the Nation's domestic freight moves by water.