Eric Jessup

Eric Jessup is a Research Professor and Director of the Freight Policy Transportation Institute at Washington State University's School of Economic Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from WSU (1998), an M.S. and B.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Kentucky (1992, 1988). His career includes roles at Informa Economics, Albert-Ludwig-University (Germany), and American Express. His research focuses on transportation modeling, freight systems, applied econometrics, and geo-spatial analysis. Notable awards include the 2008 Transportation Research Forum Best Paper Award and recognition as an Eno Fellow (1994).

Research interests emphasize optimizing freight logistics, transportation policy, and infrastructure investment. Recent work addresses pandemic impacts on global trade, truck parking safety, and rail rate dynamics. He has directed major freight policy initiatives, including the Freight Policy Transportation Institute and the PacTrans Workforce Development Institute. Over 80 publications span journals like Transportation Research Forum and Journal of the Transportation Research Forum, with a focus on GIS applications, supply chain resilience, and safety critical events.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. Agricultural Economics, WSU, 1998
  • M.S. Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky, 1992
  • B.S. Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky, 1988
• Awards:
  • 2008 TRF Best Paper Award
  • 2006 Best Paper Award (Italy)
  • 1996 Northwest UTC Student of the Year
  • 1994 Eno Transportation Fellowship
• Labs/Teams: Leads the Freight Policy Transportation Institute and collaborates with the Transportation Research Group at WSU. Engaged with national initiatives like PacTrans and the Idaho Statewide Freight Data Project.

Grants and advising are central to his work, though specific student advisees are not listed. His research bridges academia and industry, addressing real-world challenges in freight logistics, environmental policy, and transportation safety.