Freight systems are essential to delivering the necessities communities rely on—everything from food and medical supplies to construction materials and beyond. Ensuring these goods reach their destinations requires a skilled workforce, coordinated logistics, clear communication, customer service expertise, multimodal transportation infrastructure, and thoughtful integration with agricultural needs.
The Kansas City area plays a central role in the movement of freight across the Midwest. With routes connecting Lawrence, Kansas, to Sedalia, Missouri, this corridor enables shipments to reach 90% of the U.S. population within just two days. To maintain and enhance this advantage, the region must stay ahead of evolving industry practices and growing freight demands.
Connected Freight KC 2050 – A Plan in Action was developed to help the region meet these challenges. Created through a collaborative effort led by the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), in partnership with the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization and Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission, the plan:
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Outlines a long-term vision for freight through 2050 and offers strategic recommendations to guide implementation
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Highlights key freight corridors, infrastructure priorities, and policy changes needed in both rural and urban areas
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Clarifies the role of planning agencies at local, state, and national levels
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Aligns with broader freight planning goals at every level of government
The plan addresses complex challenges such as balancing the needs of rural and urban freight systems, aligning regional transportation policy with freight priorities, helping local officials understand freight-related development, and crafting land use and transportation policies that play to the Kansas City region’s geographic advantages.
Connected Freight KC 2050 - Final Report
Connected Freight KC 2050 - Proactive Planning Framework