MnDOT is dedicated to the efficient movement of freight and commodities within Minnesota, including the movement of freight by truck, rail, water, and air. The freight office is engaged in many activities related to both freight planning and operations.
In November 2024 MnDOT adopted the Minnesota State Freight Plan. The plan is a federally required effort that envisions future needs to move goods and services to serve Minnesota’s economy over the next 20 years. It's vital to identify key investments in the freight system statewide and to better support the transportation of goods and services across modes. This update connects to previous statewide engagement efforts, including the Manufacturers’ Perspectives Studies and regional District Freight Plans. The Plan can be read online on MnDOT’s Minnesota GO webpage.
MnDOT is in the process of updating the State Rail Plan as part of an ongoing effort to develop transportation plans that improve freight access, reliability and connections across the state. These efforts will help to inform future investments as well engage the public, stakeholders and freight industry in visioning the freight and railroad networks over a 20 year period. In addition, these efforts are part of the MnGO Family of Plans and will help connect to and inform the Minnesota Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan.
Railroad companies, rail users, cities and counties can apply for grant funding to improve freight rail service that supports economic development through the Minnesota Rail Service Improvement Program (MRSI).
For questions about the program, contact Meredith Alt.
