U.S. Department of Transportation to Launch Freight Visibility Dashboard to Boost Trucking and Supply Chain Networks
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced on June 12 that it will launch the "American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative," aimed at accelerating cargo processing, reducing logistics costs, and strengthening the American workforce. The initiative includes a high-visibility dashboard connecting ocean carriers, trucking companies, railroads, and retailers such as Walmart to major hubs like the Port of Los Angeles. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that this move will reduce delays, lower costs, and promote more efficient cargo flow. The initiative builds on the Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) project launched in 2022 and the National Freight Strategic Plan initiated in 2020, with FLOW currently having 86 members. Duffy is requesting Congress to include relevant legislation in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
At a Glance
- The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to launch the "American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative" to speed up cargo handling, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen the U.S. workforce,according to a June 12 press release。
- The initiative includes a high-visibility dashboard connecting ocean carriers, trucking companies, railroads, and retailers (such as Walmart) to major hubs including the Port of Los Angeles, the press release shows.
- "Reducing delays means lower costs across the supply chain," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in the announcement. "The American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative will prevent bottlenecks, speed up freight movement, and deliver goods to the American people at more affordable prices."
In-Depth Analysis
The American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative builds on theFreight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) projectlaunched by DOT in 2022, according to DOT. The data-sharing initiative was originally created toimprove the flow of goodsafter prolonged restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FLOW platform contains multiple types of data. In 2024, DOT beganpublishing inland freight hub information, including rail terminals and warehouse destinations, to help shippers with capacity planning and avoid supply chain delays. Other published data includes procurement information and cargo flow information for specific ports of origin.
As of April, FLOW had 86 members,according to DOT's member list, includingPetSmart, CMA CGM,Home DepotandGE Appliances。
The American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative also builds on theNational Freight Strategic Plan, according to the press release, which was updated this year. TheNational Freight Planwas launched in 2020 toguide national policies and investments related to the supply chain。
Duffy is currently asking Congressto include the necessary American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative legislation in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, according to the press release.
"By authorizing the U.S. Department of Transportation to create role-based access for specific data points, Congress will provide the department with the framework and flexibility to securely streamline national logistics," the press release said.