Commodity Flow Survey (CFS)

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Summary

The Commodity Flow Survey (CFS) is a joint effort by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), U.S. Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce and is required by law. The survey, conducted every five years, is the primary source of national and state-level data on domestic freight shipments by American businesses. As a shipper-based survey, the CFS collects information on how U.S. establishments transport raw materials and finished goods; the types of commodities shipped by mode of transportation; the value, weight, origin, and destinations of shipments (including exports). The CFS does not include imports or shipments originating in any U.S. territories. Industry coverage includes: Mining, Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade, Select Retail and Services, and some auxiliary establishments (e.g., warehouses) of in-scope, multi-unit, and retail companies.Done

Historical Data Availability

No Known Issue

Future Data Availability

No Known Issue

Data Quality

No Known Issue

Statutory Context

High Risk
Statutory authorization is vague.

Staffing and Funding

Moderate Risk
From FY2024 to FY2026, the Department of Transportation's Office of the Secretary, which houses the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, lost more than 20% of its staff. In addition, the FY2027 House Appropriations Committee proposal would reduce the Department of Transportation's budget by approximately 10%. From FY2024 to FY2026, the Census Bureau has lost more than 2,500 staff (~20%). While the FY27 President's Budget requests an approximately 30% increase for the Census Bureau, the proposal recommends reductions to many programs and surveys. In May 2026, the House Appropriations Committee advanced its version of the budget, proposing level funding at FY26 levels.

Policy

No Known Issue
Last updated: 2026-06-22

Details

Reference Number Title Agency Status Request Type
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