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FreightWorks
Southern California Delivers The Goods
SCAG & Goods Movement
Goods movement is essential to support the economy and quality of life in the SCAG region. The regional goods movement system is a multimodal, coordinated network that includes deep-water marine ports, international border crossings, Class I rail lines, interstate highways, state routes and local connector roads, air cargo facilities, intermodal facilities, and distribution and warehousing clusters.
Whether carrying imported goods from the region’s international land border crossings or the San Pedro Bay Ports to regional distribution centers, supplying materials for local manufacturers, or delivering consumer goods to SCAG residents, the movement of freight provides the goods needed to sustain regional industries and consumers on a daily basis.
Southern California is a world leader in commerce and a major exchange point for international culture as businesses from across the globe trade via the region’s port, airport, and border crossing facilities. Goods movement is so woven into the fabric of life in Southern California that it is easy to take for granted that it will continue to deliver benefits without significant coordinated planning by local, regional, state, and national stakeholders. However, goods movement in Southern California faces serious challenges that will require considerable collaboration and investment to remain a cornerstone of the regional and national economy.
As the region’s metropolitan planning organization (MPO), SCAG seeks to optimize the goods movement network (FreightWorks) through increases in economic efficiency, congestion mitigation, safety and air quality improvements, and enhancements to system security.
- Related Links & Resources
Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC)
CAGTC was established to bring national attention to the need to significantly expand U.S. freight transportation capabilities and to work toward solutions for this growing national challenge.FAST Act Freight Provisons
The FAST Act includes a number of provisions to improve the condition and performance of the national freight network and support investment in freight-related surface transportation projects.California Freight Advisory Committee (CFAC)
The CFAC meets quarterly to participate in the development of the California Freight Mobility Plan, serve as a forum for the discussion of freight-related topics, to help coordinate regional freight priorities with other organizations, and to advise the State on freight-related priorities, issues, projects, and funding needs.National Freight Advsory Committee (NFAC)
The National Freight Advisory Committee was created to help the U.S. Department of Transportation promote a safe, economically efficient, and environmentally sustainably freight transportation system
The Last Mile Freight Program (LMFP) is a regional initiative led by SCAG and developed through multi-agency collaboration. The focus of the LMFP is to accelerate the transition to zero-emission and near-zero emission freight transportation in Southern California.
Through LMFP Phase 1, SCAG awarded $16.75 million from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) to support 22 projects being implemented across the region, deploying zero- and near-zero-emission vehicle technologies. Building on that foundation, SCAG is launching a new $50 million LMFP Rebate program, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) INVEST CLEAN initiative. SCAG will award rebates to help last-mile delivery fleet owners and operators purchase or convert Class 4 and 5 battery-electric trucks operating in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.
LMFP Battery-Electric Vehicle Rebates
The SCAG Last Mile Freight Program is offering a total of $50 million in rebates for up to $67,000 per vehicle to support the purchase or conversion of Class 4 and Class 5 battery-electric commercial vehicles with domicile vehicle operations in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, or San Bernardino counties. Funding is provided through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and administered as part of the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s INVEST CLEAN program. This program is designed to reduce emissions, improve regional air quality, and accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles in goods movement operations.
Eligibility & Who Should Apply
The Last Mile Freight Program rebates are open to fleet owners and operators of commercial (non-passenger) vehicles engaged in freight operations, including last-mile delivery operators, freight forwarders, other logistics companies, and business-to-business distributors. Public fleets may also be eligible if they can demonstrate that their vehicles are used for last-mile freight activities. Participants have two options for participating in the program.
Cash For Replacement Option
Applicants may receive a maximum rebate of $67,000 for each battery-electric Class 4 and 5 vehicle by providing an existing vehicle(s) to a dealership, original equipment manufacturer, or dismantler approved by CARB or the local air district. Each existing vehicle must be diesel powered and fall within Class 4, 5, or 6 vehicle classes with an engine model year from 2010 or newer.
Vehicle Conversion Option
In addition to new vehicle purchases, the program also offers rebates of up to $67,000 for the conversion of existing Class 4 and 5 diesel-powered vehicles with an engine model year of 2010 or newer to battery-electric power. Only Class 4 and 5 diesel vehicles can receive a rebate for their conversion and the original diesel engine must be removed and dismantled by the conversion provider or delivered to a certified dismantler approved by CARB or the local air district.
All eligible applicants will be considered, but SCAG will give funding preference to projects based on vehicle replacement levels, “shovel-ready” vehicle acquisition plans, projected emissions benefits, and geographic funding balance (please see the Program Announcement document for more information on application selection).
Application Timeline
- The LMFP Rebate (INVEST CLEAN) program opens October 31.
- Closes January 30, 2026.
- Possible re-release in July 2026 if funds remain.
CONTACT
For more information about the LMFP, please email LMFP@scag.ca.gov.
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement #5E97T15501 to South Coast Air Quality Management District. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the Environmental Protection Agency endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document, as well as any images, video, text, or other content created by generative artificial intelligence tools, nor does any such content necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Phase 1
SCAG has developed a two-phased approach for the LMFP:
- Phase 1: Focused on the commercial deployment of zero-emission or near-zero emission (ZE/NZE) heavy- and/or medium-duty on-road trucks (including ZE/NZE equipment and supporting infrastructure).
- Phase 2: Expand on Phase 1 projects to deploy operational strategies demonstrated by last mile delivery companies.
A total of $16,751,000 was awarded in Phase 1 of the LMFP through the call for projects and selection process.
- Program Goals
The LMFP aims to:
- Achieve immediate greenhouse gas emission and criteria air pollutant (for NOx and PM2.5) reductions from commercially deployed vehicles and equipment and facilitate supporting infrastructure.
- Inform both industry and the public regarding ZE/NZE vehicles and equipment and supporting infrastructure performance and how this information can be used to scale emission reductions to contribute to regional air quality goals.
- Provide private operators and stakeholders with information on return on investment and cost-effectiveness insights into ZE/NZE vehicles and equipment and infrastructure operations, maintenance, and reliability.
- Create greater transparency regarding the need for public versus private ZE/NZE supporting infrastructure.
- Inform the needs and help address the challenges to significantly scale ZE/NZE vehicles/ equipment and infrastructure in the region.
- Achieve geographic funding diversity and ensure that the LFMP provides economic and environmental benefits across the entire region.
Additionally, the LMFP is guided by a set of core principles as follows:
- Creating transparency as to critical barriers impeding the transformation of the last mile freight market.
- Measuring success for both public and private entities.
- Optimizing where investments can generate the strongest benefits for further growth.
- Achieving air quality reduction targets.
- Award Recipients
SCAG LMFP awarded $16.8 million to fund investments in zero- and near-zero commercial vehicle technologies that reduce emissions during last mile freight operations and support the region’s clean-air goals included in the Connect SoCal Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy.
SCAG’s Regional Council and the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee unanimously approved awarding of the funds in November 2021 and January 2022.
Business Size
Project Title & Business Name
Project Score
Award Funds
Cumulative Award Funds
Small
WattEV HD Battery Electric Truck Deployment: Enabling Equitable Electrification/Watt EV
86
$2,958,990
$2,958,990
Big
Good to the Last Dropoff – Sysco's Zero Emission Last Mile Freight Initiative/Sysco Corporation
85
$2,378,019
$5,337,009
Big
Accelerating Zero Emissions Last Mile Freight in the South Coast Air Basin/Quality Custom Distribution
84
$4,184,000
$9,521,009
Big
Penske Accelerated Electrification of Last Mile Freight Operations/Penske Logistics, LLC
83
$790,786
$10,311,795
Small
Expanding Access and Scaling Electrification (EASE) for Small Fleets/Zeem Solutions
79
$2,378,019
$12,689,814
Big
New Bern Buena Park Electrification Project/Pepsico
79
$2,609,086
$15,298,900
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
68
$70,000
$15,143,900
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
67
$77,500
$15,221,400
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
66
$77,500
$15,298,900
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
66
$387,500
$15,686,400
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
65
$77,500
$15,841,400
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
64
$70,000
$16,058,900
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
64
$70,000
$16,128,900
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
63
$62,100
$16,191,000
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
62
$70,000
$16,261,000
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
62
$70,000
$16,331,000
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
62
$70,000
$16,401,000
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
62
$70,000
$16,471,000
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
61
$70,000
$16,541,000
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
61
$70,000
$16,611,000
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
60
$70,000
$16,681,000
Small
Independent Owner-Operator
60
$70,000
$16,751,000
Business Size | Project Title & Business Name | Project Score | Award Funds | Cumulative Award Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | WattEV HD Battery Electric Truck Deployment: Enabling Equitable Electrification/Watt EV | 86 | $2,958,990 | $2,958,990 |
Big | Good to the Last Dropoff – Sysco's Zero Emission Last Mile Freight Initiative/Sysco Corporation | 85 | $2,378,019 | $5,337,009 |
Big | Accelerating Zero Emissions Last Mile Freight in the South Coast Air Basin/Quality Custom Distribution | 84 | $4,184,000 | $9,521,009 |
Big | Penske Accelerated Electrification of Last Mile Freight Operations/Penske Logistics, LLC | 83 | $790,786 | $10,311,795 |
Small | Expanding Access and Scaling Electrification (EASE) for Small Fleets/Zeem Solutions | 79 | $2,378,019 | $12,689,814 |
Big | New Bern Buena Park Electrification Project/Pepsico | 79 | $2,609,086 | $15,298,900 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 68 | $70,000 | $15,143,900 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 67 | $77,500 | $15,221,400 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 66 | $77,500 | $15,298,900 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 66 | $387,500 | $15,686,400 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 65 | $77,500 | $15,841,400 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 64 | $70,000 | $16,058,900 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 64 | $70,000 | $16,128,900 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 63 | $62,100 | $16,191,000 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 62 | $70,000 | $16,261,000 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 62 | $70,000 | $16,331,000 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 62 | $70,000 | $16,401,000 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 62 | $70,000 | $16,471,000 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 61 | $70,000 | $16,541,000 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 61 | $70,000 | $16,611,000 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 60 | $70,000 | $16,681,000 |
Small | Independent Owner-Operator | 60 | $70,000 | $16,751,000 |
The efficient movement of goods is critical to a strong economy and improves quality of life in the SCAG region by providing jobs and access to markets through trade. However, increased volumes of goods moving across the transportation system contribute to greater congestion, safety concerns and harmful emissions.
The Southern California Goods Movement Communities Opportunities Assessment aims to understand goods movement communities and opportunities. While the benefits of goods movement are broadly dispersed in support of our consumption and economic activity, impacts are often concentrated, having disproportionate impacts on certain communities. It is therefore important to ensure that those most impacted are benefiting from the economic opportunities generated by the region’s goods movement industry.
This study looks to improve the ability of communities to capture the economic benefits of goods movement through a closer look at workforce development initiatives. It will focus on public health, workforce development, and communications best practices. Key products include a best practices toolkit for impacted communities, recommendations for impacted communities, literature and existing conditions review around raised issues of concern, and a communications strategy for SCAG goods movement outreach.
Contact
Prithvi Deore
Associate Regional Planner
deore@scag.ca.gov
Goals
The SoCal Goods Movement Communities Opportunities Assessment looks to:
- Engage the populations of identified communities to understand their views related to goods movement challenges and opportunities.
- Identify goods movement opportunities and how to connect to them.
- Identify burdens related to air quality, traffic and lack of employment.
- Build relationships with disadvantaged, freight impacted and frequently underrepresented communities.
- Prepare, execute and evaluate an innovative communication approach.
- Prepare a toolkit of strategies for the region.
- Select seven (7) communities of interest that are quantifiably disproportionately affected by goods movement activities and/or facilities, satisfy generally accepted criteria for a disadvantaged community, and represent and reflect various geographic areas, causes, and intensities as communities of focus for this effort.
- Pilot and evaluate new communication strategies.
The study is now complete. View the SoCal Goods Movement Communities Opportunities Assessment Report
Download the Southern California Goods Movement Communities Opportunities Assessment Fact Sheet for more information.
Workshops
- Workshop I
SCAG organized a workshop on Jan. 18, 2022, to share plans for the SoCal Goods Movement Communities Opportunities Assessment with stakeholders.
This workshop:
- Introduced the study goals and expected outcomes.
- Provided a forum to discuss potential goods movement opportunities and challenges that affect your community.
- Shared the process of identifying 6-8 communities of focus for this study.
- Announced the next steps in the study and share opportunities to stay engaged.
Workshop Materials
- Workshop II
SCAG organized a closing workshop for this project on Sept. 15, 2022, to share findings from the SoCal Goods Movement Communities Opportunities Assessment and collect feedback from participants.
This workshop:
- Reviewed the study purpose and approach.
- Shared findings and feedback from community engagement efforts.
- Included Community Advisory Committee member reflections.
- Discussed next steps and opportunities to engage in planning Connect SoCal 2024.
Workshop Materials
As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties, SCAG performs ongoing research and analyses of the regional transportation system. Goods movement, in particular, receives a significant amount of attention as it serves as one the most critical economic generators in Southern California.
Studies
SCAG has recently completed, or is currently involved in, a number of studies related to goods movement in Southern California at any given time. Below are a number of recently completed efforts designed to provide meaningful input into the development of the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy as the agency develops the long-term blueprint for transportation in the region
- Industrial Warehousing Study (Revised 2018)
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region is home to approximately 34,000 warehouses with 1.17 billion square feet of warehouse building space, and undeveloped land that could accommodate an additional 338 million square feet of new warehouse building space. The Industrial Warehousing Study is an update from previous work, which evaluates how the region could accommodate future demand for warehouse space based on key supply chain trends. Study findings were used to formulate discussion points, which will engage policy-makers, logistics industry stakeholders, and public-sector agencies about how best to shape the region’s strategic vision and grow, while balancing economic and environmental objectives.
- SCAG Goods Movement Border Crossing Study – Phase II
The Goods Movement Border Crossing Study – Phase II assessed goods movement border crossings in San Diego and Imperial Counties to identify emerging trends expected to affect future freight movement, provide forecasts of cross-border freight volumes under alternative scenarios, and develop recommendations to enhance future goods movement.
SCAG Goods Movement Border Crossing Study - Phase II | View Story Map
- Connect SoCal – The 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy
Goods movement and freight transportation are essential to support the SCAG regional economy and quality of life. Working with its public and private partners, SCAG has established a vision for a comprehensive regional goods movement system. This network is intended to be a world-class, coordinated system that accommodates growth in the throughput of freight to the region and nation in ways that support the region’s economic vitality, attainment of clean air standards, and the quality of life for our communities.
- Comprehensive Regional Goods Movement Plan and Implementation Strategy
On The Move represents a long-range comprehensive plan for the goods movement system in Southern California. The Plan is designed to ensure that the region continues to play a vital role in the global supply chain while meeting regional economic goals, addressing critical mobility challenges, preserving the environment, and contributing to community livability and quality of life goals. The Plan is the final product of the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) Comprehensive Regional Goods Movement Plan and Implementation Strategy, a multi-year effort to collect data, conduct analyses, and engage with regional, statewide and national stakeholders covering various aspects of the region’s goods movement system.
- Chapter 1: A Vision for a World-Class System
- Chapter 2: What Drives Regional Goods Movement
- Chapter 3: The Goods Movement System
- Chapter 4: Existing and Future Conditions and Needs
- Chapter 5: Environmental/Community Issues and Needs
- Chapter 6: The Regional Goods Movement Plan
- Chapter 7: Economic Benefits of Goods Movement
- Chapter 8: Paying for the Plan
- Chapter 9: Paving the Path Forward
Complementary Studies
- Regional Warehousing Needs Assessment
- Evaluation of Environmental Mitigation Strategies
- Port Activity Competitiveness Tracker (PACT) Report
- Analysis of Freight Rail Electrification in the SCAG Region
- Regional Rail Simulation Study Summary Report
- Regional Rail Simulation Study Technical Appendix
Steering Committee
September 28, 2011
- Meeting Agenda
- Rail Emissions Reduction Strategies
- Truck Emissions Reduction Strategies
- Railroad Project Packaging Status Update
September 8, 2011
- Meeting Agenda
- Bottleneck Strategy
- East-West Freight Corridor Zero-Emission Technology Strategy Status Update
- East-West Freight Corridor Concept
- Update on Rail Electrification Study
August 4, 2011
June 21, 2011
March 21, 2011
February 24, 2011
- Meeting Agenda
- Review of Key Items from the December Meeting and Overview of Agenda
- Regional Rail Strategies: Rail Market Review
- Regional Rail Strategies: SCAG Region Rail Strategies
- Regional Rail Strategies: Updated Regional Rail Simulation Results
- Railroad Emissions - Background and Mitigation Options
- Air Quality Impacts and Implications
December 9, 2010
- Meeting Agenda
- Meeting Notes
- RTP Development Process and Integration of Goods Movement Plan
- On-Road Emissions Reductions
- New Technology Alternatives for Line-haul Freight
September 21, 2010
- Meeting Agenda
- Meeting Notes
- Warehouse Space Forecasts
- Proximity of Warehousing to Alternative East-West Freight Corridors
- Truck Congestion Hot Spot Analysis
- Task 5 Final Findings: Needs Assessment of Industrial/Warehouse Facilities
April 21, 2010
- Meeting Agenda
- Meeting Notes
- An Overview of Import Supply Chains
- Port and Modal Elasticity Study Phase II Findings
- Process for Updating Goods Movement Element of the Regional Transportation Plan: Railroad Component
January 21, 2010
- Meeting Agenda
- Meeting Notes
- Understanding California's Growth Pattern
- Regional Truck Lanes System
- Warehouse Analysis
October 13, 2009
- Complementary Studies
- Goods Movement Border Crossing Study and Analysis (2012)
With today’s global economy and time-based competition, efficient freight transportation networks serve as extremely critical links between manufacturers, distributors, and consumers. Planning for adequate transportation infrastructure and freight facilities that enhance goods movement in is particularly challenging for border regions. Given this, SCAG conducted the Border Crossing Study and Analysis to gather and synthesize information on goods movement across the U.S.-Mexico border in Imperial County to assist in the assessment of infrastructure needs and general planning efforts.
- Port and Modal Elasticity Study – Phase II
As a follow-up to its original study, SCAG conducted Phase II of the Port and Modal Elasticity Study to develop and apply analytical tools to predict flows of waterborne containerized imports from Asia to the United States through North American ports and landside supply-chain channels. These forecasts were used by regional stakeholders to assist and advance regional policies on goods movement.
- Southern California National Freight Gateway Collaboration
Created through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Southern California National Freight Gateway Collaboration comprises high-level leadership from regional, state and federal stakeholders working closely to address regional freight challenges and explore the common understanding about goods movement issues. This is especially critical given its economic impact. Efforts of the Collaboration include engaging members in productive, facilitated discussions aimed at supporting regional goods movement in Southern California while addressing the myriad infrastructure, environmental, and quality of life challenges.
The SCAG Goods Movement Program strives to create, maintain, and provide information and tools that advance planning for freight in Southern California. Please use the resources below to access past regional freight studies, videos on goods movement in Southern California, an interactive map of the FreightWorks system, quarterly trade reports, and fact sheets.
The Last Mile Freight Program (LMFP) is a regional initiative led by SCAG and developed through multi-agency collaboration. The focus of the LMFP is to accelerate the transition to zero-emission and near-zero emission freight transportation in Southern California.
The efficient movement of goods is critical to a strong economy and improves quality of life in the SCAG region by providing jobs and access to markets through trade. However, increased volumes of goods moving across the transportation system contribute to greater congestion, safety concerns and harmful emissions.
As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties, SCAG performs ongoing research and analyses of the regional transportation system. Goods movement, in particular, receives a significant amount of attention as it serves as one the most critical economic generators in Southern California.
The SCAG Goods Movement Program strives to create, maintain, and provide information and tools that advance planning for freight in Southern California. Please use the resources below to access past regional freight studies, videos on goods movement in Southern California, an interactive map of the FreightWorks system, quarterly trade reports, and fact sheets.
