The DOT has announced the inclusion of three significant West Coast ports – Oakland, Seattle, and Tacoma – to its data-sharing supply chain platform, the Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) network. These ports join the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, completing the five largest West Coast shipping hubs’ representation in the FLOW initiative.
Enhancing Supply Chain Visibility and Efficiency
Launched in 2022 to address pandemic-induced disruptions, the FLOW initiative collects and consolidates data from various supply chain stakeholders, including importers, ocean carriers, ports, terminals, and railways. This comprehensive data collection provides an up-to-date overview of global logistics networks, facilitating more informed decision-making across America’s supply chains.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized that the inclusion of the five largest West Coast ports in the FLOW network would enhance efficiency and potentially lower consumer costs. These ports account for 95% of all inbound container volume to the West Coast. With their inclusion in the FLOW initiative, carriers, shippers, and ports can better anticipate and prepare for capacity needs, preventing potential bottlenecks in the supply chain.
