Collectively known as the Freight Stakeholders Coalition, the group is urging Congress to consider these major reforms in the next surface transportation authorization bill. Biehler and freight industry stakeholders envision a multimodal goods movement network essential for the recovery and growth of the American economy.

"We are unified in our conviction that substantial investment in the nation's freight transportation system must be given a high priority in the next authorization," Biehler said.

He was joined at the news conference by fellow freight stakeholders including the American Trucking Associations, Association of American Railroads, the Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

AASHTO has called on Congress to commit $60 billion to freight transportation over the next six years -- $18 billion for highway-only improvements apportioned to the states from the Highway Trust Fund and $42 billion from a variety of nontraditional revenue sources from users of the system.

The Freight Stakeholders Coalition private-sector members generally support increased investments in freight transportation with assurances that new federal fees are efficient and fair for all freight modes.

Biehler said the United States has historically viewed the "components -- not the whole" of its transportation network, and that now is the time to seek reform.

House and Senate leaders are considering a variety of options for extending the current federal surface transportation authorization, which expires Sept. 30. (see related story)