Background

The Department of Transportation announced recently that as part of its Freight Logistics Optimization Works program it has developed a data exchange to provide real-time pooled information on goods movement, including incoming container volumes and available logistics equipment.

FLOW was launched in March 2022 to test the exchange of freight information between parts of the goods movement supply chain in an effort to ease congestion and speed up the movement of goods. The DOT has now advanced this initiative to establish a baseline data infrastructure available to shipping lines, ports and marine terminal operators, truckers, railroads, warehouses, and cargo owners.

Specifically, the DOT is serving as an independent data steward for FLOW participants to exchange and access supply and demand information to be aggregated, anonymized, and returned for a holistic view of freight movement. Depending on the participant, data exchange may involve total incoming container demand or available supply-side assets, as measured by the availability of different assets to move goods including terminal slots, tractors, chassis, and warehouse space. The DOT has said that by providing a shared view of the national logistics system – including both supply and demand assets – FLOW participants can better understand supply chain capacity nationally and thus make better informed decisions that will reduce shipping costs.

FLOW now has 53 participants after launching with 18. The DOT anticipates adding more participants in the coming months.

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