A significant US freight chokepoint is resulting in the DOT ending a $43 million bottleneck. The American Legion Memorial Bridge is a substantial location for cargo movement on the US East Coast. Approximately over 216,000 vehicles and over 21,000 heavy-duty carriers pass through the bridge daily, with average speeds sometimes reaching 15mph. Given the volume of traffic, congestion is a daily occurrence at this location. The American Transportation Research Institute ranks the bridge 19th in the top 100 bottlenecks. As a result, the DOT (Department of Transportation) has taken steps to address the chokepoint. This article explains how the bottleneck is affecting domestic shipping and how the DOT is addressing it.
How Is The DOT Ending A $43 Million Bottleneck?
Congestion on the American Legion Memorial Bridge is costing the US freight industry nearly $43 million annually. Due to the volume of traffic, the FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) within the DOT has begun taking action. The FHWA stated, “Congestion at the Bridge is prolonged and recurring, which translates directly into measurable costs.” An issue is that Maryland lacks the capital to replace the bridge. The Trump Administration has even criticized Maryland’s handling of transportation projects, which has led to the current congestion. FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster noted, “Governor Moore’s lack of action on the American Legion Bridge corridor is holding back progress on one of the nation’s most critical transportation routes.” As a result, the FHWA has begun seeking funding through public-private partnerships.
Public-private partnerships are contractual agreements between public and private entities that enable financing. The FHWA has begun issuing public information requests to attract private investment for the bridge’s reconstruction. Some of the questions, which the FHWA will close on February 2, 2026, include:
- Has the congestion affected your stress levels, health, and quality of life?
- How has the bridge’s congestion affected your daily commute, fuel consumption, travel time, etc.?
- What direct and indirect economic impacts have you observed? (increases costs, reduced productivity, lost sales, etc.
- Are there specific days, times, or circumstances contributing to the congestion?
How Can The Bottleneck Affect Domestic Shipping?
Due to the volume of trucks passing through the bridge, the bottleneck significantly impacts shipping in the US. An immediate effect is that congestion can extend both the pickup and delivery times. In turn, this would affect various components of the supply chain and ultimately fall on the customer. As e-commerce grows, delays can make same-day or next-day delivery difficult for customers. Transportation costs could also rise for carriers due to higher fuel prices, lower fuel efficiency, and higher labor costs. The trucker can then pass the costs to the shipper as extra fees and higher freight rates. International importers may be affected, as they often rely on trucks to transport goods to their final destinations.
When shipping cargo domestically, disruptions can occur, leading to delays and financial losses. While it should not stop freight movement, the shipper should understand how to safeguard their goods. One way to protect your cargo from disruptions, such as bottlenecks, is to consult a freight broker. Brokers are middlemen between shippers and carriers, coordinating freight transport on behalf of the shipper. They do this by offering solutions such as rate finding, speaking with carriers, and providing paperwork. Speak to our brokers at info@a1wwl.com or 786-375-9420 to start transporting your cargo domestically. In addition to offering FTL (full truckload) and LTL (less-than-truckload) services, we provide heavy haul, drayage, expedited, and more.