U.S. Department of Transportation to Launch Freight Visibility Dashboard to Boost Trucking and Supply Chain Networks
On June 12, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the launch of the "American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative," aimed at accelerating cargo handling, reducing logistics costs, and strengthening the workforce. The initiative will introduce 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 and lower costs. The initiative builds on the FLOW data-sharing project launched in 2022 and plans to seek congressional authorization in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
Quick Overview
- The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to launch the "American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative" to speed up cargo processing, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen the American workforce,according to a June 12 press release。
- The initiative will introduce 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."
Deep Dive
The American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative builds on theFreight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) programlaunched by DOT in 2022, according to DOT. This data-sharing initiative was initially designed toimprove cargo flowin response to long-term supply chain constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FLOW platform covers multiple data types. In 2024, DOT beganpublishing inland freight hub information, including rail terminals and warehouse destinations, to help shippers plan capacity and avoid supply chain delays. Other published data includes procurement information and cargo movement dynamics for specific ports of origin.
As of April, FLOW had 86 members，according to DOT's member list, includingPetSmart, CMA CGM,Home DepotandGE Appliancesamong others.
The American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative also builds on theNational Freight Strategic Plan, the press release said, which was updated this year. ThisNational Freight Planwas launched in 2020 and aims toguide national policies and investments related to the supply chain。
Duffy is currently asking Congress toinclude the necessary American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative legislation in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, the press release said.
"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 needed to securely streamline national logistics," the press release quoted.