The Port of Oakland has joined the USDOT’s Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) initiative to enhance the nation’s supply chain.
FLOW aims to integrate the nation’s supply chain, and establish a more comprehensive framework for exchanging information with public and commercial partners in the freight industry.
Oakland, along with the other major West Coast container ports, will be able to exchange information in real-time. FLOW will enable Oakland’s marine operations to be further modernised, detect sources of supply chain bottlenecks, and promote coordinated remedies.
Port of Oakland Executive Director, Danny Wan, said: “We appreciate the USDOT for the opportunity to join the FLOW initiative. FLOW will allow us to leverage valuable, goods movement information with our existing data initiatives. This will result in creating a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable supply chain up and down the West Coast.”
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According to the Port of Oakland, participants who utilise FLOW data can make better operational planning decisions, leading to more smooth circulation of freight across the country.
FLOW is one of the first public-private partnerships to provide its members with real-time information on the nation’s supply chain.
The data is collected from various sources such as purchase orders and booking information from importers. This information can be combined with shipping and transportation data acquired from ocean carriers, port terminals, and railroads.
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FLOW supports existing programmes in Oakland that aim to improve data interoperability and information sharing.
For example, in July, the California Governor’s Office announced a $3 million investment for the Port of Oakland to install cutting-edge technologies.
These technologies will enhance data and cargo visibility programmes, including the Oakland Portal. Oakland Portal provides truck drivers, dispatchers, and port workers with real-time information on marine terminal turnaround times.
