UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (USDOT)
The United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) is the federal agency responsible for developing and overseeing the nation's transportation system. Through its various administrations, the Department establishes transportation policies, administers federal funding programs, supports infrastructure development, and promotes safety across all modes of transportation, including highways, aviation, rail, transit, maritime, and commercial motor vehicles.
For student transportation professionals, the U.S. Department of Transportation serves as the parent agency for several organizations that directly impact school transportation, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Department provides guidance, research, safety initiatives, and regulatory resources that help improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of student transportation nationwide.