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 14th in the country for volume of goods moved through its ports with more than 48 million tons of goods moving through the ports of Erie, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
PhilaPort is the nation's 14th Strategic Military Port and is among the top 25 ports in the country. It is ranked first in volumes of cocoa beans and forest products.
The Port of Pittsburgh is the fourth busiest inland port in the United States.
The Port of Erie has the largest stiff legged crane, 300- ton capacity, and one of the two 1,000-foot-long dry docks 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 2023
For any questions regarding the Grant Program policy, please contact Steve Panko, Rail Planning Manager.
Project Management Policy with Appendices (PDF)
For any questions regarding the Project Management policy, please contact Nevin Myers, Chief Railroad Engineer.