A new study on the future needs of freight operators will get underway shortly.
The Ministry of Transport says the last national study was done six years ago and since then events like the global financial crisis and the Canterbury earthquakes have changed the country's freight use.
Chief executive Martin Matthews said the study would provide more up to date information for future infrastructure planning.
Producers and transport operators would be interviewed.
A second study focusing on ports, the Port Case Study, will be carried out at the same time.
The studies will be completed by the end of the year.