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1. IIJA in Brief: What’s in the Bill for Transportation?

The IIJA authorizes $1.2 trillion in infrastructure investments over five years, with a heavy focus on making America’s roads and bridges safer, smoother, and more resilient. Here’s a closer look at the highway and bridge portion:

• $350 billion allocated to federal highway programs (2022–2026), the biggest such commitment since the 1950s.
• $110 billion specifically set aside for roads, bridges, and major ground      transportation.
• Over 15,000 bridges scheduled for repair or replacement across the United States.

What does this mean on the ground? Over the next few years, key freight routes, access roads to logistics hubs, and highways to and from major military installations will see significant construction and improvement. While each state decides how to prioritize projects, the goal is clear: reduce bottlenecks, increase safety, and cut down on lost time and costly breakdowns.

a) Lower Operating Costs & Fewer Breakdowns

Better roads are not just easier on nerves—they’re easier on equipment.

• Smoother pavement reduces wear-and-tear on suspensions, tires, brakes, and cargo.
• Fewer potholes and surprise bumps mean reduced out-of-pocket maintenance and      less time in the shop.

For a long-haul truck that logs 100,000 miles a year, even minor improvements in road quality can lead to significant annual savings on repairs. For moving companies carrying sensitive cargo—furniture, commercial goods, or military families’ prized possessions—good roads lower the risk of in-transit damage and insurance claims.

b) More Predictable Schedules, Less Downtime

Upgrades funded by the IIJA target not just surface quality but also problem spots known for congestion, flooding, or frequent closures. That means:

• Fewer weather and maintenance delays: New drainage systems and upgraded      bridge materials lead to fewer weather-related closures.
• Reduced lost hours in traffic jams or detours: Many projects are prioritizing      high-traffic freight corridors.

For military movers, improved base access roads mean fewer late arrivals and faster PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves, a critical benefit during peak moving seasons.

c) Boosted Fuel Economy

Studies backed by the U.S. Department of Transportation confirm that improved pavement can boost truck fuel efficiency by 3% to 7% compared to worn-down, rough routes. Across a fleet, those savings quickly add up to thousands of dollars a year on fuel alone.

d) New Market Opportunities

As more secondary and regional highways get improved, companies can confidently expand into new service areas—including rural markets, new metropolitan regions, and military bases that were previously harder to access. That’s growth potential you can actually plan for.

Funding flows everywhere, but heavier traffic corridors and states with the most bridge repair needs are getting major resources first. Here’s a snapshot of top states by federal highway and bridge allocations under the IIJA (source: FHWA, IIJA State Apportionments 2022–2026):

Many high-priority rural freight corridors and connectors to military installations are included as well. If you operate routes in or near these states, expect to see increased construction and—soon—major improvements.

1. Know the Projects on Your Routes

Use government resources (like the DOT’s online project locator) or ask your industry association about construction timelines in your territory. Don’t wait for surprises—proactively reroute or adjust delivery plans as needed as construction ramps up.

2. Track Pre- and Post-Upgrade Costs

Keep basic records for each vehicle: monthly fuel usage, suspension and tire maintenance, average trip speed, and delay hours. This helps you document real cost savings when roads improve—and negotiate better rates or justify expansion later on.

3. Review Fleet Purchasing Plans

If you were planning a major fleet investment, align it with completed roadwork. Trucks and trailers last longer on new pavement—possibly letting you extend replacement cycles safely, so you buy less often with lower total cost of ownership.

4. Consider Service Area Expansion

As new corridors open up, consider pilot programs in improved areas—especially routes serving military bases, ports, and emerging urban centers. Enhanced infrastructure makes these markets less risky for newcomers.

5. Communicate Improvements to Customers

Make sure clients—shippers, families, or military personnel—know when to expect faster or more dependable service. Improvements to on-time delivery increase satisfaction and can lift your reputation in contract negotiations.