A First Step to Improving Regional Economic Competitiveness

Jun. 15-16, 2005
Ramada Plaza Suites & Conference Center
1635 42nd Street SW
Fargo, ND 58103

Invitation from Dave Sprynczynatyk

Director North Dakota Department of Transportation

The majority of trade within our region is between neighboring states and provinces and efficient transportation system is essential in maintaining the health of our economy. The North Dakota Department of Transportation would like to invite you to the Cross Border Regional Truck Conference. This conference is a first step in improving our truck transportation system to serve the region's businesses and facilitate competitiveness. I am looking forward to seeing you in Fargo June 15th and 16th 2005.

View the letter from Dave (PDF, 147K)

Background

Truck transportation plays a vital role in the central North American regional economy. Throughout the region, truck transportation is the first and last mode for moving commodities, raw materials, and finished goods. Since much of the region's economy is based on the movement of natural resources, an efficient highway network is crucial for stimulating economic growth in the region.

Trade within the region, especially since the implementation of NAFTA, has increased dramatically. In a study released by the Northern Great Plains, Inc., the value of trade between many of the states and provinces within the region grew by almost 700% in the first five years after the passage of NAFTA. Because of this increased regional trade, it is imperative for states and provinces to develop a dialog that will result in a more efficient and economically competitive truck transportation system.

Conference Objectives

• Provide information on state and provincial truck size and weight regulations, and identify commonalities and differences.
• Identify opportunities for states and provinces to work towards standardized trucking regulations and a uniform permitting process.
• Discuss the concept and possibility of an interregional freight corridor system.
• Create an atmosphere that allows and encourages interaction, and develops long-term working relationships between the region's states and provinces.

Expected Outcomes

• A vision for an interregional truck freight corridor system.
• Identification of the region's truck transportation barriers and potential solutions.
• Identification of opportunities for states and provinces to work together to create a more competitive regional economy.
• An awareness of the critical importance of truck freight transportation to the region's economy.
• A commitment for states and provinces to work together toward uniform truck size and weight regulations, and permitting.