23 May 2024

Business Guide to Nebraska’s Interstate 80 Freight Corridor

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Business Guide to Nebraska's Interstate 80 Freight Corridor

Interstate 80 is one of the critical arteries in transportation, traveling across the entire United States of America, from San Francisco, California, to Teaneck, New Jersey. Nebraska Interstate 80 is a critical freight corridor for moving goods and contributes immensely to the economy of Nebraska and the United States.

Business Guide to Nebraska’s Interstate 80 Freight Corridor

Why I-80 Through Nebraska is Strategically Relevant

The 455 miles of interstate highway system in Nebraska run from the Wyoming state line on the west side of the state, continuing east to the Iowa Border on the east side. Interstate 80 in Nebraska starts near Pine Bluffs and serves Kimball, Ogallala, and North Platte. It then follows the Platte River to Grand Island, Lincoln (the capital city), and Omaha. This corridor is an important part of the national freight network with several strategic advantages for businesses located in Nebraska.

Central Location

Nebraska, located in the center of the US, is perfectly positioned for distribution and logistics needs. I-80 offers direct access through Nebraska state highways and railroads, both to the east and west coasts.

High Freight Volume

I-80 in Nebraska experiences high truck traffic volume as several thousand vehicles transit the route daily. The route is a preferred corridor for freight movement, assuring an uninterrupted flow of goods.

Economic Impact

I-80 creates an efficient route for the movement of agricultural, manufactured, and retail goods. The corridor spurs economic activity and job growth within the region.

Nebraska Interstate 80-Infrastructure and Facilities

Nebraska has made substantial investments in infrastructure and facilities to support high freight traffic volumes.

Rest Areas and Truck Stops

In Nebraska, there exist several rest areas and truck stops along I-80. They provide basic services to motorists, including fuel, dining, restrooms, and overnight parking. Two major truck stops with full-service amenities for truck drivers include:

  • The Sapp Bros. in Omaha
  • The Bosselman Travel Center in Grand Island

Weigh Stations and Inspection Sites

Nebraska has several weigh stations and inspection sites along I-80 to maintain trucking safety regulations. These facilities aid in maintaining weight and commercial vehicle safety, which aids in the provision of safer roads.

I-80 Nebraska – Key Considerations for Businesses

Route Planning

Timely deliveries and effective cost management heavily rely on efficient route planning. Utilize route-optimization software to stay informed before and during your journey.

  • Ensure that you’re always up to date on the prevailing traffic
  • Be aware of weather conditions, weather in the Midwest can be a danger in an instant

Safety and Compliance

Always observe weight, hours of service and set federal and state governments’ safety compliance

Periodic maintenance and inspection of commercial vehicles ensures compliance with set standards of operation. Also, minimizes risks of fines or accidents.

Technology Integration

Investment in technology, incorporating GPS tracking, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and fleet management systems enhance logistics efficiency. These tools provide real-time data and insights for making the right decisions and resource allocations.

Infrastructure Upgrades

Construction is currently underway for wide lanes, construction of key interchanges, and revamping rest areas along the Nebraskan stretch of I-80. The goal of these renovations is to handle growing traffic levels and raise safety standards.

Federal Highway Administration

The FHWA provides leadership, guidance, and direction to the Department of Transportation in project development. They ensure roads, bridges, and tunnels are safe in order to ensure and support economic growth. They continue to find new ways to enhance highway safety and efficiency.

Nebraska’s Interstate 80 Freight Corridor

The Interstate 80 freight corridor is an important business transportation and logistics asset to the State of Nebraska. Its location, infrastructure, and strategic importance in the national freight system make it vital to the realization of business operational efficiency and economic growth in the region.

Additional Reading: Initial I-80 Construction in Nebraska

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