CAGTC Celebrates 25 Years: Shaping US Freight Infrastructure

The Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) will mark its 25th anniversary in 2026, celebrating a quarter-century of influential advocacy for the United States’ national freight transportation network. Since its inception in 2001, the coalition has grown to over 60 member organizations and has been a pivotal force in shaping federal policy and securing funding for critical infrastructure projects that bolster supply chain efficiency and economic competitiveness.

Main Body:

The Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC), a non-profit trade association, has announced it will commemorate 25 years of operation in 2026. Comprised of a diverse group of more than 60 public and private entities—including state departments of transportation, port and transit authorities, and railroad associations—CAGTC has consistently championed the importance of a robust national freight network. The coalition’s primary focus has been to promote federal funding for goods movement and establish supply chain efficiency as a national priority, ensuring the U.S. remains economically competitive on a global scale.

Reflecting on the milestone, CAGTC’s leadership highlighted the organization’s collaborative strength and forward-looking vision. “This anniversary offers a welcome opportunity to reflect on the strength of our members, the impact of our advocacy, and the importance of a shared vision for the future of freight,” stated Elaine Nessle, CAGTC Executive Director. Echoing this sentiment, Erin Aleman, Executive Director of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and current CAGTC Board Chair, added, “As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking forward – to the policies, investments, and opportunities that will shape the future of freight infrastructure and goods movement.”

Over the past quarter-century, the coalition’s impact has been transformative. “In the past 25 years, CAGTC has helped transform how our nation understands and invests in freight infrastructure,” said Paul Anderson, President & CEO of Port Tampa Bay and CAGTC Immediate Past Chair. He noted the evolution of the group’s advocacy from “simply seeking a seat at the table and advocating for dedicated freight programs to today’s conversations about supply chain preparedness and adapting to changing demands.” This progression demonstrates CAGTC’s role as a “constant, steady voice” in the national discourse on infrastructure investment and logistics policy.

Key Takeaways

• Sustained Influence: For 25 years, CAGTC has successfully elevated freight infrastructure to a national priority, influencing federal policy and investment decisions.
• Diverse Coalition: The organization’s strength lies in its broad membership of over 60 public and private sector stakeholders, creating a unified voice for the entire freight network.
• Future-Focused Strategy: While celebrating past achievements, CAGTC leadership is focused on future policies and investments required to enhance supply chain resilience and adapt to new economic demands.

Editor’s Analysis

CAGTC’s 25-year milestone is significant not just for the U.S. domestic market but for the global railway and logistics industry. A well-funded and efficient U.S. freight network, particularly its intermodal rail corridors connecting major ports to inland distribution hubs, is a linchpin of international trade. The coalition’s successful advocacy for federal funding directly translates into increased capacity, reduced congestion, and improved reliability for global supply chains. For international rail operators and shipping lines, a more resilient U.S. infrastructure network means lower operational risks and more predictable transit times, reinforcing the stability of trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic trade routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CAGTC?

The Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) is a U.S.-based non-profit trade association with over 60 members, including public and private entities, that advocates for federal investment in the national freight transportation network.

When was CAGTC founded?

CAGTC was founded in 2001 and will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026.

What is the main goal of CAGTC’s advocacy?

Its primary goal is to promote federal funding for infrastructure projects to improve supply chain efficiency, support the seamless movement of goods, and enhance the nation’s overall economic competitiveness.