NATSO Provides Input on U.S. DOT Transportation Research and Development Strategic Plan
NATSO on Feb. 12, 2026, urged the U.S. Department of Transportation to direct resources toward researching and developing policies that promote a reliable, efficient and well capitalized surface transportation system supported by private sector investment and consumer driven innovation.
NATSO submitted its comments in response to the Agency’s Request for Information seeking industry input on a strategic plan for transportation research and development.
Specifically, NATSO urged the agency to research efficient, sustainable infrastructure funding mechanisms to ensure a strong, well-funded highway program. NATSO encouraged the agency to examine funding mechanisms to increase revenue into the Highway Trust Fund that are consistent with NATSO’s Board adopted principles. Funding sources should be efficient and inexpensive to collect; difficult to evade; user-based; energy source neutral; transparent; dedicated to infrastructure and sustainable for the long-term.
In its comments, NATSO said research should recognize the evolving vehicle fleet, including electrification, increased fuel efficiency, and emerging technologies.
NATSO further encouraged the agency to study the economic impact of inaction. Specifically, DOT should study the long-term impacts of revenue stagnation on pavement conditions, bridge integrity, freight reliability, congestion, supply chain efficiency, and overall economic competitiveness.
Of Importance to NATSO members, NATSO urged the agency to recognize the economic and operational consequences of revenue mechanisms that may disrupt freight movement, reduce efficiency, or undermine private-sector investment, including rest area commercialization, tolling existing Interstate Highways and the 12 percent Federal Excise Tax on new truck purchases.
NATSO also called for research to prioritize: a technology neutral approach to transportation energy; private investment in truck parking capacity; research on roadside safety—including the effectiveness and enforcement of Move Over Laws; and opportunities to streamline emergency waiver declarations.
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