Department of Transportation
What is the Role of the Department
Written by J. Mance Gordon
Updated at April 21st, 2024
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What is the Department of Transportation?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is a cabinet department of the federal government of the United States dealing with transportation.
The department is headed by the Secretary of Transportation, who works to ensure safe and secure travel and increasing the mobility of people.
It also aims at contributing to the economic growth of the country using the transportation system.
The department employs around 55,000 people across the U.S. The department was created on October 15, 1966, and became operational on April 1, 1967.
What Agencies fall under the Department of Transportation?
There are 10 administration operated under this department including:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
- Office of Inspector General (OIG),
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA),
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA),
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA),
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA),
- Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC),
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
- Maritime Administration (MARAD).
Each of these administrations has responsibilities in their respective sectors.
The office of the Secretary monitors the overall operation.
The Secretary of Transportation is the principal adviser to the President in all matters related to federal transportation.
The office is responsible for policy formulation and promotes intermodal transportation.
It negotiates and implements the international transportation agreements, ensures the fitness of US airlines, enforces transportation regulations, and prevents alcohol and illegal drug abuse in the transportation system.