DOT Renews Boring Freight Data Gathering for Supply Chains
Published Date: 3/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Transportation wants to keep collecting important data on how goods move across the country through the Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) program. This renewal helps improve supply chains without adding new costs or big changes. If you have thoughts, you can share them by May 1, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Time Burden for Participating Businesses
FLOW participants are estimated to spend up to 21 hours per year each submitting data: up to 6 hours to establish the initial system connection, up to 2 hours annually for routine maintenance, and up to about 13 hours annually for weekly manual uploads. BTS estimates up to 140 respondents and a total annual burden of 2,940 hours.
Aggregated FLOW Data Aims to Improve Operations
BTS will provide aggregated, deidentified FLOW measures to participants as leading indicators of freight congestion and supply chain performance to help industry decision making. The program aims to support balancing cargo demand with system capacity and improve supply chain efficiencies.
Participation Is Voluntary, Not Mandatory
FLOW participation is voluntary for businesses in the freight industry; there is no regulatory requirement to submit data. Companies may choose whether to join and submit data to the program.
Confidentiality Protections Under CIPSEA
Data submitted to FLOW are treated confidentially under the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act (CIPSEA, 44 U.S.C. 3561-3583) and will be used exclusively for statistical purposes. BTS will share only aggregated, deidentified data with participants and will not disclose identifiable responses except with informed consent.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12829 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of a Previously Approved Information Collection: Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW)
The Department of Transportation is renewing its info collection for the Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) program, which helps businesses in the freight industry share data to make supply chains run smoother. About 140 companies spend around 21 hours a year providing this info. Public comments are open until July 27, 2026, so everyone can weigh in before the renewal is finalized.
2026-10436 — Data Security Requirements for Accessing Confidential Data; Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
The Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics wants to make sure anyone accessing secret data follows new security rules. They’re asking for public feedback by June 25, 2026, before finalizing these changes. This update affects researchers and agencies handling confidential info and aims to keep data safe without adding extra costs or delays.
2026-09195 — Agency Information Collection: Activity Under OMB Review; Report of Traffic and Capacity Statistics-The T-100 System
The Department of Transportation wants to keep collecting flight data from U.S. and foreign airlines to track how busy airports and flights are. They’re asking for public feedback by June 8, 2026, to make sure this info collection is still useful and not too much work. This helps everyone understand air travel trends without costing airlines extra money.
2026-08116 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of a Previously Approved Information Collection: Barrier Failure Reporting in Oil and Gas Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf
The Department of Transportation wants to keep collecting reports about equipment failures in oil and gas operations on the Outer Continental Shelf. This helps keep offshore work safer by tracking what goes wrong with critical safety gear. Companies involved should know the renewal means no big changes or extra costs, but they can share their thoughts by June 26, 2026.
2026-04735 — Data Security Requirements for Accessing Confidential Data; Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
The Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics is asking for public feedback on their rules for keeping secret data safe. This affects anyone who accesses sensitive transportation info and helps BTS keep data private and secure. Comments are open until May 11, 2026, with no new costs but a chance to improve how data security paperwork works.
2026-12605 — Request for Information: Shaping the Future of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Extension of Comment Period
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is giving everyone more time to share their ideas on how to improve transportation data and services. Originally, comments were due by July 2, 2026, but now you have until July 31, 2026, to speak up. This extension helps make sure BTS hears from all the people who use and care about transportation info.
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