The GBNRTC has recently completed an Urban Area Freight Study that examined the past, present and future movement of good into, out of and through the region.

The study consisted of five technical memorandums and a final report.

Key Findings:

• Economic development is a pervasive need for the region
• Forecasts predict that regional freight volume will more than double by 2035
• Compared to other metro areas, our roadways are less congested and safer
• The region has very good east-west rail connections
• The region's south/southwest highway connections are indirect or circuitous
• Cross-border traffic moving through the Buffalo-Niagara region has diverse U.S. origins and destinations
• Old rail bridges, bottlenecks, lack of competitive access and lines in poor condition were identified by stakeholders as issues with the region’s rail network
• Competition and a lack of high value, time-sensitive goods makes expanding air freight difficult
• The region currently has excess freight capacity on all modes (highway, rail, water, air)
• Global trade patterns and routes continue to change
• Logistics is now viewed as a way to save money and add value
• The widening of the Panama Canal will put additional pressure to establish inland ports
• The establishment of the M-90 Marine Highway corridor will enhance opportunities Great Lakes ports
• The region does not have a functioning port authority to market the region’s freight assets to the world
• The region offers promising locations for a Bi-National logistics center, including the possible reuse of large brownfield  sites
• A logistics center in WNY  can offer many benefits to shippers
  • An educated, skilled and dedicated work force
  • Low real estate costs
  • Efficient access to multiple modes of transportation, including rail services by four class 1 carriers, several border crossings, port terminals, two airports
  • Location near existing and future sources of consumption or production (US/Canada)
  • Inland port alternative to PANYNJ for east coast bound containers
  • Logistics and distribution facilities with possibility of future light manufacturing and assembly
  • Back office services to allow companies to focus on their core competencies