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Freight Analysis Framework

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Freight Analysis Framework (FAF) Modernization: Overview & Feedback

This presentation was delivered online on June 25, 2024 by staff from the US Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The topic was the Freight Analysis Framework and enhancements that are in progress or envisioned. You can also watch a video recording of the...

FAF4 Version History

FAF4 Version Descriptions

  • Version 4.5.1 (December 17, 2019)
    • Release of 2018 annual data and minor updates to 2015-2017.
  • Version 4.5 (January 22, 2019)
    • Final corrections to base year (2012) and forecast years (2020-2045).
    • Improvements to annual data process, mostly for origin-commodity inputs.
    • Release of 2017 annual data and updates to 2013-2016.
  • Version 4.4.1 (June 18, 2018)
    • Initial release of annual data developed by BTS, with data for 2013-2016.
  • Version 4.4 (July 13, 2017)
    • Release of historical data for previous base years (1997,2002, and 2007) according to FAF4 standards.
  • Version 4.3.1 (March 1st, 2017)
    • Release of updated Network Flow Assignments, based on FAF4.3
    • Release of distance bands.
  • Version 4.3 (December 29, 2016)
    • Release of ton-miles for all years.
    • Release of current-dollar values for 2013-2015.
    • Improved estimates for domestic flows of crude oil.
  • Version 4.2.1 (November 1, 2016)
    • Release of FAF4 Network Database and Flow Assignments for 2012 and 2045.
  • Version 4.2 (August 15, 2016)
    • Corrections to domestic flows that were geographically incompatible with the water mode.
    • Corrections of entry/exit points for some foreign trade flows.
  • Version 4.1 (February 24, 2016)
    • Foreign Trade data directly from the Census Bureau that is based on dimensions of port, state, and commodity integrated into regional data for 2012.
    • Imports and exports validated for feasible points of entry or exit.
    • Regional forecast data for the years 2020 - 2045 in five year increments released, including high-growth and low-growth scenarios.
    • Regional annual data for 2013 - 2015 released.
  • Version 4.0 (October 14, 2015)
    • Regional (origin-destination-commodity-mode) data for 2012 released.

FAF4 Forecast Report

This technical report accompanies the 2012 base-year Freight Analysis Framework Forecasts (FAF4) submitted to the FHWA Office of Freight Management and Operations. The technical report outlines the data and methodology employed to develop freight forecasts using the 2012 base-year FAF data for...