Census Asks 185,000 Businesses Where Their Goods Are Going
Published Date: 10/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Census Bureau is gearing up for the 2027 Commodity Flow Survey, asking businesses about the goods they ship across the country. This survey helps track what’s moving, how far, and by what mode, giving a big-picture view of America’s trade and transportation. About 185,000 businesses will spend some time sharing their info, helping shape smart transportation and economic decisions without extra paperwork hassle.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Total Reporting Burden: 843,750 Hours
All respondents combined are expected to spend 843,750 burden hours on the 2027 Commodity Flow Survey. The average time per response is listed as 5 minutes for the pre-screener and 1.5 hours for each main survey response.
Mandatory Survey Participation for Selected Businesses
If your business is selected, you are legally required to respond to the 2027 Commodity Flow Survey under Title 13 and 49 U.S.C. The survey will sample about 45,000 establishments for a pre-screener and about 140,000 establishments for the main survey, with the main-sample respondents each answering four times during the 2027 survey cycle.
Pre‑screener Removes Non‑shipping Establishments
If your establishment completes the pre-screener and indicates it ships no goods, it will be removed from the main 2027 Commodity Flow Survey and will not have to complete the quarterly main survey.
Survey Data to Guide Transportation and Market Decisions
The CFS will produce national- and area-level statistics on the value, weight, mode, and distance of shipped commodities, including export, hazardous material, and temperature-controlled shipments. Federal, state, and local agencies and private-sector entities will use these data to inform transportation investment, policy, and market decisions.
Electronic-Only Reporting via Centurion
All data collection for the 2027 CFS will be done through Centurion electronic instruments, meaning selected establishments must use the electronic reporting system to submit responses.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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