In a bold move toward modernizing freight logistics, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is making waves with its Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) portal. Despite the absence of major players, the DOT’s Deputy Assistant Secretary, Allison Camden, believes FLOW is a game-changer, processing a whopping 65% of U.S. container imports.
Camden, set to lead the newly established Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy, aims to revolutionize how the nation handles freight. We had the chance to catch up with her for an exclusive interview with FreightWaves to get a glimpse into the future of freight logistics.
FLOW: Transforming Freight Data for Efficient Supply Chains
FLOW, launched in March 2022, is not just a data portal; it’s an innovative solution to enhance the nation’s supply chain efficiency. Camden sees FLOW as the answer to a problem exposed during the supply chain crisis – the need for better data infrastructure.
During the interview, Camden highlighted the successful collaboration between the private sector, states, local governments, and ports to address supply chain challenges. FLOW, she emphasized, is the missing piece that ensures both physical and data infrastructure align for a resilient and efficient supply chain.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Unprecedented Participation
Despite some notable absentees, including major railroads and a limited number of trucking companies, Camden remains optimistic about FLOW’s effectiveness. She revealed that FLOW currently boasts an impressive 65% of all import container bookings, a feat unmatched by any other platform.
Camden emphasized that starting small and growing has been intentional. The collaboration between the federal government and the private sector, sharing proprietary data, is unprecedented. Participants are not only using the data but are excited about its real-world value.
Future Access to FLOW and Demo Release
When questioned about access to FLOW data, Camden clarified that only participants will have access to the system. However, an interactive portal demo is in the works and expected to be available by early next year, providing a sneak peek into the revolutionary FLOW platform.
As the DOT’s commitment to revolutionize freight logistics takes center stage, FLOW emerges as a beacon of innovation, transforming the way freight data is utilized for the greater good of the supply chain and the nation as a whole. Stay tuned for the unveiling of FLOW’s interactive portal demo, a preview of the future of efficient and data-driven freight logistics.