U.S. Department of Transportation

The Mission of the USDOT

To ensure our nation has the safest, most efficient and modern transportation system in the world; that improves the quality of life for all American people and communities, from rural to urban, and increases the productivity and competitiveness of American workers and businesses.

Office of the Secretary

“Safety will always be our number one priority.” – Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

The Office of the Secretary (OST) oversees the formulation of national transportation policy and promotes intermodal transportation. Other responsibilities range from negotiation and implementation of international transportation agreements, assuring the fitness of US airlines, enforcing airline consumer protection regulations, issuing regulations to prevent alcohol and illegal drug abuse in transportation systems, and preparing transportation legislation.

Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Information

During emergency situations, DOT will post information related to transportation permits, waivers, and other regulations and authorities that are applicable during an emergency.  Under the National Response Framework, DOT is the primary federal agency for the Emergency Support Function - 1 - Transportation (ESF-1).

Secretary Chao on Safety

Autonomous Vehicle Symposium, San Francisco, CA

July 10, 2018

“The Department’s goal is to encourage the safe deployment and integration of AV technology, while maintaining maximum individual choice and enhanced safety.”

U.S. Department of Transportation Publishes Drug Testing Rule to Enhance Safety While Combating the Opioid Epidemic

November 13, 2017

“The ability to test for a broader range of opioids will advance transportation safety significantly and provide another deterrence to opioid abuse, which will better protect the public and ultimately save lives.”

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao Presents Details of U.S. Drone Integration Pilot Program

November 2, 2017

"The Drone pilot program will accelerate the safe integration of drones into our airspace by creating new partnerships between local governments, the FAA, and private drone operators.”

DOT Issues Nearly $2.5 Million in Grants to State Entities, Local Communities, and Non-Profit Organizations to Spur Involvement in Pipeline Safety Efforts

October 2, 2017

“The grants we’re issuing today are more than just about protecting pipelines or promoting awareness, it’s about saving lives.”

FMCSA Awards More Than $70 Million in Grants to Enhance Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety

September 28, 2017 

“Our shared goal of a safer transportation system is a top priority. These grants will further assist state and local officials in their efforts to prevent commercial motor vehicle crashes and injuries each year, and have the potential to save hundreds of lives.”

Safety in Action

DOT Modal Information

Aviation

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Temporary Flight Restrictions

FAA Flight Delay Information

FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)

Maritime

Maritime Administration Ready Reserve Force (RRF)

RRF Characteristics Pamphlet

RRF Locations Map

Pipelines and Hazmat

Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) Approvals and Permits

Public Transportation

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Emergency Management

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Emergency Relief Manual

Railroads

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Emergency Declarations

Roadway and Bridges

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) National Road Closure Information

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Oversize/Overweight Load Permits

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief Program

Trucking and Motor Coaches

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions and Permits

Promoting Innovation and Competition in Transportation

Automated Driving Systems (ADS): A Vision For Safety 2.0

Automated Driving Systems (ADS) Public Workshop

Successfully showcased AV Truck Platooning Technology (Sept. 13-15, 2017)

Automated Track Inspection Program (ATIP)

ITS Architecture and Standards – Renewal of Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations

UAS Integration Pilot Program

Testing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Human Trafficking

USDOT is working with other U.S. Government agencies and with transportation stakeholders across the country on human trafficking initiatives.

In November 2012, the Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking partnership was launched. The partnership is an open membership group comprised of transportation and travel industry stakeholders, in order to maximize the transportation industry’s collective impact in combating human trafficking. The partnership identified five key focus areas: Industry leadership, Industry training and education, Policy development, Public awareness, Information sharing and analysis

NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESOURCE CENTER

1-888-3737-888

GET HELP and connect with a service provider in your area

REPORT A TIP with information on potential human trafficking activity

LEARN MORE by requesting training, technical assistance, or resources