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LA dockworkers
Dockworkers move cargo on a container terminal. Photo: Port of Los Angeles.

White House Pushes Supply Chain Operators to Share Data

March 16, 2022

A White House initiative launched this week is President Joe Biden’s latest effort to address supply chain bottlenecks that stretch across the U.S. 

Called the Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW), the data-sharing initiative will pilot key freight information exchange between ocean carriers, ports, trucks and major retailers to improve the flow of goods, according to a statement.

The project will begin with 18 companies, among them, Target Corp., FedEx Corp., the world’s largest container line Mediterranean Shipping Co. and freight middleman C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. The Department of Transportation will lead the effort, playing the role of broker and convener to bring supply chain stakeholders together to problem solve and overcome coordination challenges. This initial phase aims to produce a proof-of-concept by the end of the summer.

No supply chain visibility software companies appear to be participating. However, a DOT web portal will gauge industry interest in expanding FLOW for a potential long-term data-sharing effort.

Here’s the complete list of partners:

Port authorities:
Port of Long Beach
Port of Los Angeles
Georgia Ports Authority

Ocean carriers:
CMA CGM
MSC

Terminal operators:
Fenix Marine Terminal
Global Container Terminals

Business: 
Albertsons
Gemini Shippers
Land O’ Lakes
Target
True Value

Chassis:
DCLI
FlexiVan

Logistics and warehousing:
FedEx
Prologis
UPS
CH Robinson