The National Highway Freight Network (NHFN) dataset was compiled on January 27, 2023 from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)/Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) National Transportation Atlas Database (NTAD). Congress established a new National Highway Freight Program (NHFP) in 23 U.S.C. 167 to improve the efficient movement of freight on the National Highway Freight Network (NHFN) and support several goals. The law required the FHWA Administrator to strategically direct Federal resources and policies toward improved performance of the network. The NHFP provides formula funding apportioned annually to States, for use on the NHFN. The definition of the NHFN is established under 23 U.S.C. 167(c) and consists of four separate highway network components: the PHFS; Critical Rural Freight Corridors (CRFCs); Critical Urban Freight Corridors (CUFCs); and those portions of the Interstate System that are not part of the PHFS.

Primary Highway Freight System (PHFS): This is a network of highways identified as the most critical highway portions of the U.S. freight transportation system determined by measurable and objective national data. The network consists of 41,800 centerlines miles, including 38,014 centerline miles of Interstate and 3,785 centerline miles of non-Interstate roads. Other Interstate portions not on the PHFS: These highways consist of the remaining portion of Interstate roads not included in the PHFS. These routes provide important continuity and access to freight transportation facilities. These portions amount to an estimated 10,265 centerline miles of Interstate, nationwide, and will fluctuate with additions and deletions to the Interstate Highway System. Critical Rural Freight Corridors (CRFCs): These are public roads not in an urbanized area which provide access and connection to the PHFS and the Interstate with other important ports, public transportation facilities, or other intermodal freight facilities. Nationwide, there are 5,389 centerline miles designated as CRFCs as of January 27, 2023. CRFCs are not included in GIS data base. Critical Urban Freight Corridors (CUFCs): These are public roads in urbanized areas which provide access and connection to the PHFS and the Interstate with other ports, public transportation facilities, or other intermodal transportation facilities. Nationwide, there are 2,656 centerline miles designated as CUFC as of January 27, 2023. CUFCs are not included in GIS data base. A data dictionary, or other source of attribute information, is accessible at https://doi.org/10.21949/1529856