FLOW: Freight Logistics Optimization Works

The Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) program is a public-private partnership among industry and government to build a forward-looking, integrated view of supply chain conditions in the United States. FLOW data helps forecast how current capacity and throughput will fare against future demand, helping participating companies anticipate changes in supply chain throughput and take proactive step to mitigate previously unanticipated delays. The FLOW program collects purchase order information from importers in addition to logistics supply, demand, and throughput data from participants (e.g., beneficial cargo owners, ocean carriers, ports, terminals, railways). The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) anonymizes, regionally segments, and aggregates the data. Participants then receive FLOW data that provides a broad, daily view of the current conditions of the overall logistics network, beyond what they may observe within their own operations.