Unit 5: The Role of Key U.S. Government Agencies in Transportation

U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)

Ensures a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system across the U.S.

Federal Highway Administration

Administers intermodal transportation programs in cooperation with states.

Federal Railroad Administration

Oversees federal freight railroad safety.

Federal Aviation Administration

Manages civil aviation safety and administers the U.S. air traffic control system.

Maritime Administration

Oversees federal waterborne transportation, including shipping, shipbuilding, port operations, and merchant marine issues.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Enforces safety regulations for commercial motor vehicle drivers and vehicles.

Federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

Regulates, researches, and educates to improve pipeline and hazardous materials transportation safety.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Sets and enforces motor vehicle safety standards, investigates defects, regulates fuel efficiency, and supports highway safety programs.

Surface Transportation Board

Regulates interstate surface transportation (primarily railroads), resolves disputes, and reviews mergers to ensure efficient and competitive services.

Department of Homeland Security

Secures the nation against threats, including in aviation, border security, emergency response, and cybersecurity.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Facilitates legal international travel and trade, prevents illegal entry, inspects cargo and ship crews at U.S. ports.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Safeguards U.S. transportation systems, co-manages Operation Safe Commerce to verify and track cargo containers.

U.S. Coast Guard

Safeguards maritime interests, inspects commercial ships, and oversees port security via the Captain of the Port.

Federal Maritime Commission

Regulates U.S. ports and international ocean transportation, resolves disputes, licenses shipping companies, and enforces the Shipping Act of 1984 and the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Independently investigates air, rail, marine, and pipeline accidents, determines probable cause, recommends safety improvements, and assists victims post-accident.