The objective of this project was to conduct a conduct a needs assessment and create a plan for launching a program to provide training to public sector professional on freight transportation and goods movement. through an immersion-based program. Information was gathered about existing programs providing freight-related training to public and private sector individuals, feedback and input from freight professionals in the public sector, private sector and academic realms such as the Merchant Marine Academy was solicited.  The work resulted in a set of recommendations to the Intermodal Committee on the concept and organization of an immersion-based Freight Academy Program and the development of the program itself, including design of pre-work required of students, the development of the curriculum, lesson plans, project-based work and identificaion of field experiences to be garnered through on-site visits to freight-related facilities.  The needs assessment also deveoped cost and facility needsand identified a partner host venue (Rutgers University). The project also provided funding for logistics for the Academy venue and delivery as well as to provide for a number of Coaltion members to receive scholarships to attend the inaugural Freight Academy held in October, 2008.