Intermodal Freight Technology Working Group (IFTWG)

Who We Are and What We Do

The Intermodal Freight Technology Working Group (IFTWG) is a public-private partnership focused on the identification and evaluation of technology-based options for improving the efficiency, safety, and security of intermodal freight movement. Working from this common goal, the IFTWG engages in efforts to marry industry and government priorities in a way that leverages collective experience and shared investment.

The IFTWG accomplishes this goal by:

Cooperatively analyzing the intermodal freight transportation system to identify physical and information exchange choke points;
Actively engaging leaders of industry, government, academia, and consulting in the open exchange of ideas;
Exploring the feasibility of creative solutions to high-priority challenges across all modes;
Developing and executing pilot technology demonstrations through public-private partnerships; and
Sharing information, best practices, and lessons learned with the freight community at large.

For more information on the IFTWG, visit Intermodal Association of North America's IFTWG.

How We Do It

The IFTWG works collaboratively with government and private industry to address real-world challenges and share the results of its efforts with transportation stakeholders. Broad participation is encouraged to gather as much cross-modal information as possible and to limit the burden on participants. The IFTWG leadership is sensitive to the demands on participants' time and strives to structure activities to control the time and expense associated with providing support to the group.

Some of the measures used to achieve these objectives include:

Committed leadership from private industry and government representatives focused on promoting fiscally sound, sustainable solutions;
A defined project vetting process to ensure that the most pressing issues are addressed through well-conceived, practical pilot demonstrations; and
Access to tools and expertise that allows for comprehensive analysis of the potential effects of evaluated options to business practices and technology implementation.

How to Become a Part of the IFTWG

Diversity in backgrounds and viewpoints is fundamental to the success of the group. Participation is open to all, and active engagement in the debate of issues and solutions is strongly encourage. There are no membership requirements or dues, and every opinion has value. There are only two prerequisites to participation: (1) a genuine concern for the long-term health of the intermodal freight transportation system, and (2) the willingness to engage in collaborative problem solving.

Interested stakeholders can learn more about the IFTWG and get involved in the group's activities by contacting FHWA's Office of Freight Management and Operations.

Staff Contact

Randy Butler
202-366-9215
Randy.Butler@fhwa.dot.gov