Delaware Freight Overview

The Delaware State Freight Plan provides the framework for how freight, encompassing trucks, rails, maritime, and air cargo, moves safely, efficiently, and sustainably across the state. Developed by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) in coordination with local and regional partners, the plan identifies major freight routes, bottlenecks, and investment priorities that support both economic growth and community well-being. The most recent version of the Freight Plan was approved in 2022, utilizing 2020 data projections as its foundation.

Every year, more than 68 million tons of freight move through Delaware, supporting our economy and quality of life. But aging infrastructure, growing congestion, and rising vehicle emissions are creating challenges. That’s why DelDOT is working with our stakeholders including, industries and other state agencies, to improve key freight corridors, reduce traffic bottlenecks, support local truck route planning, and invest in cleaner, smarter infrastructure. These projects aren’t just about moving freight; they’re about creating jobs, reducing pollution, making roads safer, and ensuring communities across Delaware, big and small, see the benefits.

The Delaware State Freight Plan is designed foremost to support economic growth. Freight-related industries provide thousands of jobs across Delaware, from drivers and dockworkers to warehouse technicians, and logistics specialists. By improving freight access to key hubs like the Port of Wilmington/Edgemoor, regional airports, and rail lines, the state is creating opportunities for business growth in every county.

Development of the 2026 Delaware State Freight Plan was formally initiated by DelDOT in partnership with WILMAPCO and Dover/Kent County MPO on July 1, 2025. This effort encompasses an overall update to the freight plan in accordance with 49 U.S.C. §70202 and related requirements introduced in November 2021 by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act / Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA/BIL).

The Plan is expected to be completed in December 2026 and will include information collected from agency/stakeholder meetings and outreach surveys.

Web Portal: Let’s Plan Delaware

In addition to DelDOT’s main website, DelDOT provides the Public Input webpage Let’s Plan Delaware, as a centralized space for public education and engagement on transportation plans and projects. The Public Input webpage offers interactive content, surveys, and opportunities for public feedback. Through this page, users can access Let’s Plan Delaware , which serves as a landing hub linking to individual plans and initiatives under DelDOT, including the 2026 Delaware State Freight Plan Update . While existing freight plan materials remain available on the Public Input Freight Plan page, it will continue to be updated as new data, freight projects, and transportation advancements are incorporated.

Partnerships

The Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) is the federally designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for New Castle County, Delaware. They work closely with DelDOT to plan and coordinate transportation investments that support mobility, safety, and economic vitality. Through this partnership, WILMAPCO helps align regional priorities with state transportation initiatives, including freight and goods movement planning.

To learn more about WILMAPCO’s work on goods movement, visit: https://wilmapco.org/goodsmovement/

DelDOT partners with the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to support regional transportation planning and project development. The MPO serves as a forum for local governments, including municipalities, to coordinate on transportation priorities, funding, and studies. Through this partnership, DelDOT and the MPO work together to plan, evaluate, and implement projects that improve safety, mobility, and infrastructure efficiency across Kent County, ensuring that both local and regional needs are addressed.

To learn more about Dover/Kent County MPO, visit: https://doverkentmpo.delaware.gov/