Electronic Freight Management (EFM)

The Electronic Freight Management (EFM) initiative, sponsored by the U.S. DOT, identifies technologies that improve data sharing between supply chain partners.  Increasing the “supply chain visibility” is an important means of improving supply chain efficiency.  While capturing high quality supply chain data is critical, companies must also have access to the data and the ability to use it to their advantage.  EFM technologies can assist with the ability of supply chain partners to collect, distribute and utilize operational data.  These technologies can benefit supply chain partners of varying sizes and levels of technical sophistication by providing them the means to track cargo, connect with new and existing partners, and expedite the paperwork process. 

The Columbus EFM research project successfully deployed EFM technology improvements in 2007.  The majority of supply chain partners involved experienced improved productivity, service quality, data quality and availability, and shipment integrity. 

Additional Information

Research and Innovative Technology Administration.  Electronic Freight Management.
http://www.its.dot.gov/efm/

Federal Highway Administration.  Columbus Electronic Freight Management.
http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop09053/index.htm#toc

Battelle.  Electronic Freight Management Project.
http://projects.battelle.org/fih/Index.htm