The Biden administration is broadening the scope of the Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) platform, a supply chain data-sharing partnership initially launched in March 2022 to mitigate West Coast port congestion. This expansion aims to enhance the tracking of both global and domestic movements of goods by incorporating data on inland freight hubs, including rail terminals and warehouse destinations. This initiative promises real-time insights into port congestion and cargo shifts due to world events, assisting over 60 members, including major retailers and logistics companies, in better supply chain planning and mitigation of delays and fees.
Two years after its inception, FLOW now publishes data that enables stakeholders to gain an enhanced view of future container import volumes and traffic. This move is expected to track container import volumes from export origins to U.S. ports, then onto trucks or rails to warehouses or other inland ports, offering a comprehensive picture of the supply chain.
Retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Nike, alongside logistics giants like UPS, FedEx, DHL, and major ocean carriers, are part of this initiative. FLOW collects, aggregates, and anonymizes key information on inbound containerized freight, providing daily or weekly updates to support effective supply chain decisions. This initiative is part of the Biden administration’s broader effort to strengthen national supply chain operations and promote clean commerce within the freight community.
Credits:
- Sourcing Journal, “Biden Admin Expands Supply Chain Data-Sharing to Track Inland Ports”, Sourcing Journal Article.
