U.S. Department of Transportation officials unveiled the comprehensive National Freight Strategic Plan Sept. 3 during a virtual event. The plan identifies improving the safety of the freight system, modernizing infrastructure and supporting the development of data and technologies as primary goals. The initiative also notes that increased e-commerce shopping habits are creating a demand for deliveries in areas that already are heavily congested. U.S. Census Bureau data indicates e-commerce sales increased 16.7% between the fourth quarters of 2018 and 2019. Those buying trends have continued as more people shop from home during the coronavirus pandemic.