ports

DOT Launches Container Pre-Screening Program to Reduce Port Bottlenecks

The Department of Transportation introduced the American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative on Friday, a program designed to expedite container processing at U.S. ports through advance screening. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the initiative at the Port of Los Angeles, positioning it as a mechanism to lower logistics costs and accelerate freight movement nationwide.

The program will establish a dashboard connecting logistics hubs, transportation providers and retailers to enable more transparent supply chain operations. Nearly 52 million containers were processed at U.S. ports in 2025, with the majority flowing through major gateways including Los Angeles. Officials argue that streamlining inspections could yield significant savings. Customs and Border Protection currently conducts physical inspections on only 3-5% of containers, with importers covering exam costs.

Duffy requested Congress include enabling legislation in this year's National Defense Authorization Act, noting the initiative builds on existing Biden-era freight programs.