3.1.2.c Goods Movement/Freight Discussion

Virtually all of Surprise’s goods are imported from outside the region. The movement of freight and goods in Surprise and the region is supported by an integrated intermodal freight infrastructure consisting of the use of trucks/roadways, rail and railroads. Commercial goods movement must be optimized to maintain and improve the region’s economic competitiveness while minimizing potential negative impacts to the transportation system and neighborhoods. The overall intermodal freight system and infrastructure is owned and operated by public agencies and private businesses. While the system is intended to support the goods movement/freight requirements for the city of Surprise and the region, it is important to also note that this infrastructure also supports Surprise’s role in the nation’s supply chain and business trade.

Trucks: The majority of goods in the Surprise region are transported by trucks using state and federal highways with access provided by truck routes along regional arterials. In the Surprise region, US 60 and SR 74 are two major corridors. These serve both local as well as regional trade.

Freight Rail Service: Freight rail service is operated by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad along the US 60 corridor  from north to the south. Freight service within this corridor is focused in the areas of auto trans-load service, lumber, fly, ash, cement and local freight service.