Through creation of a "port inland distribution network," goods would be transported to smaller, "feeder" ports and terminals. The Port Authority discovered that such a network could allow alternatives to trucks, namely barge and rail, to capture 40% or more of all container traffic passing through the NY/NJ port. While the cost of such a network has not yet been determined, the PA does not envision the need for major projects such as new rail lines, but rather improvements like roll-on, roll-off loading facilities and cranes at network nodes. Viability of the concept does, however, have as a prerequisite the main line rail capacity improvements sketched by CSX and Norfolk Southern for the region (MTR #230).

Unfortunately, the Port Authority views development of the distribution network as a largely private enterprise and has not allocated funding to it in its 5-year capital plan (MTR # 242, 289). However, the agency does acknowledge the need for unspecified start-up incentives to launch shuttle services on the network. If the agencies directing the multi-year Comprehensive Port Improvement Plan now underway embrace, rather than ignore, the findings of the PA's study, the region will have taken a huge step towards a sustainable plan for expanding the NY/NJ Port (MTR #291).