This week the FHWA Office of Freight Management and Operations released a
RFA for Off Hours Freight Delivery Pilot Project Grants. FHWA will award up to
$450,000 in research grants to explore the benefits of delivering goods
during "off hours" in small- and medium-sized urban areas with growing
congestion problems. Working with the Environmental Protection Agency, the
pilot will look at how truck deliveries made outside of peak and rush hours -
when there is less traffic on the highways - can save time and money for
freight carriers, improve air quality and create more sustainable and livable
cities. The FHWA anticipates the funding will be used to help businesses retool
their operations to accommodate shipments during off hours and distributors
reconfigure routes and supply chains. All levels of government are eligible to
apply. While transportation agencies are eligible to apply for the grants, FHWA
encourages them to partner with businesses involved in freight movement. The
solicitation is posted at www.grants.gov . Details can be found at
http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/oppDTFH61-12-RA-
00016-cfda20.200-cidDTFH61-12-RA-00016-instructions.pdf
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