Rail Freight
Pennsylvania ranks first in the country in the number of operating railroads (65) and also ranks near the top in total track mileage (more than 5,600 miles). PennDOT provides financial and technical assistance to railroads and businesses while promoting economic development through its grant programs and other resources.
Rail Freight Resources:
Ports
Pennsylvania ranks 35th in the country for volume of goods moved through its ports with more than 50 million tons of goods moving through the ports of Erie, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
PhilaPort is one of the nation's Strategic Military Ports and is consistently ranked among the top 25 ports in the country. It is ranked first in US ports for productivity in 2023.
The Port of Pittsburgh is the second busiest inland port in the United States.
The Port of Erie has a 1,000 foot-long dry dock which is used to repair and build ships on the Great Lakes.
The department’s ports program was created to oversee and administer the allocation of state funds to the three ports. It also serves as an advocate for both publicly- and privately- owned and operated ports.
As part of its advocacy efforts, the department has created the Ports Incentive Program to entice shippers to increase their shipping volume through the three ports.
Port Resources:
Policies
Grant Program Policy (PDF) - revised August 2024
For any questions regarding the Grant Program policy, please contact Steve Panko, Rail Planning Manager.
Project Management Policy with Appendices (PDF) - revised September 2024
For any questions regarding the Project Management policy, please contact Nevin Myers, Chief Railroad Engineer.