Right now, out of out 20 million barrels a day of oil use, about 1/3 of it comes from transportation of goods. Most transport these days is by Truck. I propose to change it to primarily by rail.
details below the jump.
One decent-sized Train, with 3 people and 2 to 4 diesel locomotives can carry as much cargo as 250 18-wheel trucks. Cheaper both in people and fuel than those 250 trucks. Hoverever, since the 1960s, costs for railroads have escalated to the point that No railroad in the country is willing to take on small loads, or short distances. And the number of 'Class 1' roads has shrunk from 25 in 1960 to 4 today.
I propose to subsidize small loads on rail (LCL cargo 'Less than a Car Load' lots) by outlawing long-haul trucking.
All shipment of cargo over 200 miles MUST be by train, along with 50% of all cargo shipments between 150 and 200 miles. Trucks can carry the majority of cargo transport under 200 miles.
To make LCL shipments worth doing, create 'Distribution Warehouses' where trucks carry cargo to individual stores on trips of 100 miles or less. This is made easier by the existance of 'Containerized' frieght, where the same container fits on the back of a truck, the flatbed car of a train, or a cargo ship, or a barge.
The increased rail traffic will improve financing for high speed passenger rail as well.