How the Internet of Things Can Bring U.S. Transportation and Infrastructure into the 21st Century

America's transportation network is well-positioned to benefit from new developments in technology. The Internet of Things offers new ways to help alleviate congestion on our Nation's roads, reduce cargo shipping delays at ports, and monitor rail and pipeline infrastructure safety. This growing interconnected network can inform policymakers on where to invest limited resources in road and bridge maintenance. According to the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT), by 2045, freight volumes will increase by 45 percent. DOT in its Beyond Traffic report found that transportation delays have a high cost. For example, Nike spends an additional $4 million per week in extra inventory to compensate for shipping delays. The same report found that a week-long disruption at our Nation's two largest ports, LA and Long Beach, would cost our economy as much as $150 million per day. Delays in our logistics chain raise costs for shippers, infrastructure operators, carriers, and consumers. By increasing connectivity and real-time data flows between stakeholders, our transportation network and its users will gain productivity.