FREIGHT DATA ARCHITECTURE BUSINESS PROCESS, LOGICAL DATA MODEL, AND PHYSICAL DATA MODEL

In November 2011, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) funded a study to integrate data from multiple sources to optimize freight transportation planning efforts in the state. The Center for Transportation (CTR) study team was commissioned to explore the feasibility of entering into a data-sharing partnership with representatives of the private sector (i.e., shippers, receivers, trucking companies, forwarders, etc.), and obtain sample data that can be used in formulating a strategy for integrating multiple data sources. To build relationships with the private sector, the study team contacted 493 companies, received 151 responses, and conducted 33 key-person interviews with executive level managers of trucking companies, shippers, airports, logistics companies, rail carriers, and ports. These interviews were preceded by an online survey of 32 companies to establish private-sector willingness to enter into a data-sharing partnership, and assist the study team in understanding their needs and concerns. This document summarizes the study team’s efforts to establish data-sharing partnerships and relay the lessons learned. In addition, it provides information on a prototype freight data architecture and supporting description and specifications that will facilitate the storage and exchange of data through a data sharing partnership with members of Texas’s freight community. Final recommendations on who should be responsible for populating and developing the integrated freight system are also made, and list of items to be considered in estimating the cost for developing and maintaining the system are presented.