The efficient and effective movement of freight is a critical component in the
transformation and growth of the Alabama economy. The Alabama economy has
experienced dramatic changes in composition and structure over the past five
decades. In recent years, the changes have been most evident in the rapid growth
of the automotive, aerospace, and life science industries and declines in the textile,
apparel, agricultural, and natural resource industries. All of these trends are very
likely to continue. As an example, approximately 240,000 automobiles were
assembled in Alabama in 2003. By 2006, that number is expected to grow to almost
800,000 arising from the expansion of the Mercedes and Honda plants and the
construction of a new Hyundai plant.1 In addition to the rapid growth of the
automotive industry, tomorrow’s economy will likely include...