About DOT

What We Do

Mission

To deliver the world’s leading transportation system, serving the American people and economy through the safe, efficient, sustainable, and equitable movement of people and goods. 

Values

Our values represent guiding principles that are the core of who we are as a Department and how we approach our work. Our values are at the foundation of our strategic approach to achieving our mission. They guide how we work with partners and how we treat each other. In serving the public, we strive to live up to these values in everything we do.

Statutory Authority

The Department of Transportation was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966. The Department’s first official day of operation was April 1, 1967.