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Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590

202-366-4000
http://www.dot.gov

SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATIONPeter P.M. Buttigieg
Deputy SecretaryPolly E. Trottenberg

Chief of StaffLaura Schiller
Under Secretary of Transportation for PolicyCarlos Monje, Jr.
https://www.transportation.gov/office-of-secretary

Assistant Secretaries

Assistant Secretaries
AdministrationPhilip A. McNamara
Aviation and International AffairsCarol A. Petsonk*
Finance and BudgetVictoria B. Wassmer*
Governmental AffairsMohsin Syed*
Research and TechnologyRobert C. Hampshire*
Transportation PolicyChristopher Coes*

CHIEF OFFICERS
Financial(vacancy)
LegalJohn E. Putnam, Acting

General CounselJohn E. Putnam, Acting
https://www.transportation.gov/mission/meet-key-officials

Heads of Administrations

Heads of Administrations
Federal AviationSteve Dickson
Federal HighwaysStephanie Pollack, Acting
Federal Motor Carrier SafetyMeera Joshi*
Federal RailroadsAmit Bose*
Federal TransitNuria Fernandez
MaritimeLucinda Lessley, Acting
National Highway Traffic SafetySteven Cliff, Acting
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials SafetyTristan Brown, Acting

Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway DevelopmentCraig H. Middlebrook*
https://www.transportation.gov/administrations

Heads of Offices

Heads of Offices
DIRECTORS
Civil RightsIrene Marion
Executive SecretariatJustine Hong
Intelligence, Security and Emergency ResponseRichard M. Chávez
Public AffairsDani Simons
Small and Disadvantaged Business UtilizationShelby M. Scales

Chief Information OfficerCordell Schachter
https://www.transportation.gov/policy/key-officials
Inspector GeneralEric J. Soskin
https://www.oig.dot.gov/about-oig/inspector-general

The Department of Transportation establishes national transportation policy for highway planning and construction, motor carrier safety, urban mass transit, railroads, aviation, and the safety of waterways, ports, highways, and pipelines.

ESTABLISHMENT AND ORGANIZATION

On October 15, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson approved Public Law 89–670, which also is cited as the Department of Transportation Act, "to establish a Department of Transportation [DOT] and for other purposes." The U.S. Congress had found that the establishment of a DOT was necessary "to assure the coordinated, effective administration of the transportation programs of the Federal Government; to facilitate the development and improvement of coordinated transportation service, to be provided by private enterprise to the maximum extent feasible; to encourage cooperation of Federal, State, and local governments, carriers, labor, and other interested parties toward the achievement of national transportation objectives; to stimulate technological advances in transportation; to provide general leadership in the identification and solution of transportation problems; and to develop and recommend to the President and the Congress for approval national transportation policies and programs to accomplish these objectives with full and appropriate consideration of the needs of the public, users, carriers, industry, labor, and the national defense." It also contained the following declaration of national policy: "Special effort should be made to preserve the natural beauty of the countryside and public park and recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites" (80 Stat. 931). The Nation's DOT had its first official day of operation on April 1, 1967.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-80/pdf/STATUTE-80-Pg931.pdf

The President appoints the Secretary of Transportation by the advice and with the consent of the Senate (80 Stat. 931). The Secretary, who serves as the principal adviser to the President in all Federal transportation program matters, administers the DOT. The Under Secretary for Policy serves as a principal policy adviser to the Secretary and provides leadership in policy development for the Department.

The DOT's statement of organization has been assigned to subpart A of part 1 in 49 CFR.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=e53320fbfd2ae88a9b5ab278d4b5c6bd&mc=true&node=pt49.1.1&rgn=div5#sp49.1.1.a

The DOT posts its organization chart online.

https://www.transportation.gov/org-chart

STATUTORY AND REGULATORY AUTHORITIES

Statutory material affecting the DOT has been codified and assigned to subtitle I of 49 U.S.C.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title49/subtitle1&edition=prelim

Regulatory material on the subject of transportation has been codified and assigned to 49 CFR.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?gp=&SID=e53320fbfd2ae88a9b5ab278d4b5c6bd&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title49/49tab_02.tpl

ACTIVITIES

Aviation and International Affairs

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs develops, reviews, and coordinates policy for international transportation and develops, coordinates, and implements policy on economic regulation of the airline industry. The Office licenses U.S. and foreign carriers to serve in international air transportation and conducts carrier fitness determinations for carriers serving the United States. The Office participates in negotiations with foreign governments to develop multilateral and bilateral aviation and maritime policies on international transportation and trade and to coordinate cooperative agreements for the exchange of scientific and technical information. The Office also resolves complaints of unfair competitive practices in domestic and international air transportation, establishes international and intra-Alaska mail rates, determines the disposition of requests for approval and immunization from the antitrust laws of international aviation agreements, and administers the essential air service program.

https://www.transportation.gov/policy/assistant-secretary-aviation-international-affairs

Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance

The Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance ensures that the Secretary's national and international drug and alcohol policies and goals are developed and implemented in a consistent, efficient, and effective manner within the transportation industry. Experts from the Office advise, counsel, and give recommendations on drugs and alcohol, as they pertain to the DOT and testing within the industry, to the Secretary.

https://www.transportation.gov/odapc

Intelligence, Security and Emergency Response

The Office of Intelligence, Security and Emergency Response ensures development, coordination, and execution of plans and procedures for the DOT to balance transportation security requirements with safety, mobility, and the Nation's economic needs. The Office monitors the Nation's transportation network on a continuous basis; advises the Secretary on incidents affecting transportation systems; leads on issues of national preparedness, response, and transportation security; briefs the Secretary on transportation-related intelligence; performs the DOT's National Response Framework Emergency Support Function responsibilities; coordinates departmental participation in emergency preparedness and response exercises under the National Training and Exercise Program; administers the DOT's Continuity of Government and Continuity of Operations programs; and serves as the DOT representative for emergency planning for civil aviation support to NATO and other allies.

https://www.transportation.gov/mission/administrations/intelligence-security-emergency-response

Transportation Policy

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy analyzes, develops, articulates, and reviews policies and plans for all transportation modes. It also develops, coordinates, and evaluates public policy on safety, energy, and environmental initiatives that affect air, surface, marine, and pipeline transportation. It maintains policy and economic oversight of DOT regulatory programs and legislative initiatives. The Office also analyzes the economic and institutional implications of current and emerging transportation policy issues, transportation infrastructure finances, and new transportation technologies.

https://www.transportation.gov/policy/assistant-secretary-transportation-policy

Research and Technology

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST–R) was created by title I, division L, of the Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2014 (49 USC 112 note), which transferred the authorities, functions, personnel, and powers and duties of the former Research and Innovative Technology Administration to the OST–R. The Office coordinates, facilitates, and reviews DOT research and development programs and activities; performs transportation statistics research, analysis, and reporting; and promotes innovative technologies for improving transportation systems. The OST–R is composed of the staff from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, the Transportation Safety Institute, and the Office of Research, Development, and Technology.

https://www.transportation.gov/administrations/assistant-secretary-research-and-technology/office-assistant-secretary-research-0

Sources of Information

Administrations

The "Our Administrations" web page provides convenient access to the home pages of the DOT's Administrations.

https://www.transportation.gov/administrations

Archived Records

The "Guide to Federal Records in the National Archives of the United States" indicates that DOT records have been assigned to record group 398.

https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/398.html

Aviation Consumer Protection

For information on air travelers' rights or for assistance in resolving consumer problems with providers of commercial air transportation services, contact the Consumer Affairs Division. Phone, 202-366-2220.

https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer

The Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings publishes the "Air Travel Consumer Report" each month. The report makes information on the quality of airline services accessible to consumers. Issues of the consumer report are posted on the DOT website in Portable Document Format (PDF). Phone, 202-366-2220. TTY, 202-366-0511.

https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/air-travel-consumer-reports

Blog

The DOT's official blog is titled "Destinations."

https://www.transportation.gov/blog/Destinations-by-DOT

Build America Bureau

The "Project Highlights" web page features 20 narratives that summarize the development process of specific new-build transportation public-private partnerships. Each narrative covers the partnership's conception through to its financial closing and construction.

https://www.transportation.gov/buildamerica/projects/project-highlights | Email: BuildAmerica@dot.gov

Business Opportunities

Information on small business assistance, small business loans for women, and small business loans for veterans, as well as additional resources like DOT procurement forecasts, are available on the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization's website.

https://www.transportation.gov/content/office-small-and-disadvantaged-business-utilization

Career Opportunities

The DOT employs administrators and managers, air traffic controllers, aviation safety specialists, clerical staff, electronics maintenance technicians, and engineers—aeronautical, automotive, civil, electrical, highway, and general. For further information, contact the Office of the Secretary–Human Resource Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W75–340, Washington, DC 20590. Phone, 202-366-9391 or 800-525-2878.

https://www.transportation.gov/careers

In 2020, the DOT ranked 3d among 17 large agencies in the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places To Work Agency Rankings.

https://bestplacestowork.org/rankings/detail/?c=TD00

In 2020, the Office of the Inspector General ranked 83d among 411 agency subcomponents in the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places To Work Agency Rankings.

https://bestplacestowork.org/rankings/detail/?c=TD12

Civil Rights

For information on equal employment opportunity, nondiscrimination in DOT employment and transportation services, or the Department's disadvantaged business enterprise certification appeals program, contact the Director, Departmental Office of Civil Rights. Phone, 202-366-4648.

https://www.transportation.gov/civil-rights

Climate Change

On July 14, 2009, former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood read a statement before the U.S. Senate's Committee on Environment and Public Works. As part of his statement, the Secretary said: "Addressing VMT [vehicle-miles-traveled] growth plays a key role in decreasing transportation related GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions and should be included in overall efforts to prevent climate change. . . . transportation infrastructure will also face climate impacts such as rising sea levels, changing precipitation patterns, and temperature fluctuations. The need for adaptation is unavoidable. To ensure the continued integrity of the nation’s transportation system, transportation infrastructure decisions must adequately consider forecasted effects and impacts from climate change."

https://www.transportation.gov/testimony/transportations-role-climate-change-and-greenhouse-gases

Conferences / Events

The DOT has placed on one web page a list of links for conference and event pages that are found on the websites of various DOT Administrations, the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance, the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, and the Volpe Center.

https://www.transportation.gov/mission/conferences-and-events

Contact Information

The "Contact Us" web page contains the DOT's postal address and customer service center's hours and phone number, as well as directions to DOT headquarters and links leading to additional contact information for DOT Administrations.

https://www.transportation.gov/contact-us

Federal Register

Significant documents and documents that the DOT recently published in the Federal Register are accessible online.

https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The FOIA gives information seekers the right to access DOT records, unless the Department determines that releasing the information would harm an interest that one or more of the nine FOIA exemptions shields or that releasing the information would violate the law. After receiving a properly submitted FOIA request, the DOT must provide the requester with copies of the relevant documents and records, or portions of them, that he or she is entitled to access under the law.

https://www.transportation.gov/foia

Improving the U.S. Transportation System

The DOT Secretary has prioritized innovation through engagement with emerging technologies, maintenance of the Nation's infrastructure, and the safety of Americans when they travel.

https://www.transportation.gov/priorities

Infographics

The Volpe Center's "Our Impact Through Infographics" web page communicates concisely, both textually and graphically, how the Center has advanced transportation innovation for the public good.

https://www.volpe.dot.gov/our-work/infographics

Motor Vehicle Safety

To report vehicle safety problems, get motor vehicle and highway safety information, or request consumer information publications, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's SafeCar.gov website or call its vehicle safety hotline. Phone, 888-327-4236. TTY, 800-424-9153. Reports also may be filed online.

http://www.safercar.gov

Newsroom

The DOT posts press releases on its website.

https://www.transportation.gov/newsroom

Plain Language

The Plain Writing Act of 2010 improves "the effectiveness and accountability of Federal agencies to the public by promoting clear Government communication that the public can understand and use." The DOT is committed to helping its employees write clearly.

https://www.transportation.gov/regulations/plain-language

Policy Initiatives

The DOT posts current policy initiatives on its website.

https://www.transportation.gov/policy-initiatives

National Transportation Library

The Library makes transportation-related data, reports, research, and reference services accessible.

https://ntl.bts.gov/ntl

Social Media

The DOT has a YouTube channel and maintains Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts.

https://www.transportation.gov/social

Federal Aviation Administration

800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591

202-366-4000
866-835-5322
http://www.faa.gov

ADMINISTRATORSteve Dickson
Deputy AdministratorA. Bradley Mims
Chief of StaffAngela H. Stubblefield
https://www.faa.gov/about/key_officials

ESTABLISHMENT AND ORGANIZATION

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), formerly the Federal Aviation Agency, was established by the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (72 Stat. 731).

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-72/pdf/STATUTE-72-Pg731.pdf

The Administration became a component of the Department of Transportation in 1967, pursuant to the Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 106).

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-80/pdf/STATUTE-80-Pg931.pdf

The FAA posts an organizational chart on its "Offices" web page in Portable Document Format (PDF) for viewing and downloading.

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/

ACTIVITIES

The FAA regulates civil aviation and U.S. commercial space transportation, maintains and operates air traffic control and navigation systems for civil and military aircraft, and develops and administers programs involving aviation safety and the National Airspace System.

https://www.faa.gov/about/mission/

Air Navigation Facilities

The FAA locates and positions, constructs or installs, maintains, operates, and assures the quality of Federal air navigation electronic and visual aids. At flight service stations, airport traffic control towers, and air route traffic control centers, the Administration operates and maintains computer systems, radar facilities, and voice-data communications and visual display equipment.

http://www.faa.gov/about/safety_efficiency

Airport Programs

The Administration maintains a national plan of airport requirements, administers a grant program for development of public-use airports to assure and improve safety and to meet current and future airport capacity needs, evaluates the environmental effects of airport development, and administers an airport noise compatibility program. It also develops standards for and technical guidance on airport planning, design, operations, and safety and provides grants to assist public agencies in airport system and master planning and airport development and improvement.

http://www.faa.gov/airports

Airspace and Air Traffic Management

FAA activities center on the safe and efficient utilization of the navigable airspace. To achieve this goal, the Administration operates a network of airport traffic control towers, air route traffic control centers, and flight service stations. It develops air traffic rules and regulations and allocates airspace use. It also provides air traffic security control that meets national defense requirements.

http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic

Civil Aviation Abroad

Under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 and the International Aviation Facilities Act (49 U.S.C. app. 1151), the FAA promotes aviation safety and supports civil aviation abroad. FAA experts exchange aeronautical information with foreign counterparts; certify foreign airmen, mechanics, and repair shops; provide technical aid and training; negotiate bilateral airworthiness agreements with other countries; and participate in international conferences.

http://www.faa.gov/about/safety_efficiency

Commercial Space Transportation

The Administration regulates and supports the U.S. commercial space transportation industry. It licenses commercial space launch facilities and private sector launches of space payloads on expendable vehicles. It also sets insurance requirements for the protection of persons and property and ensures that space transportation activities comply with U.S. domestic and foreign policy.

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/about

Registration

The Aircraft Registry establishes and maintains the record of every U.S. civil aircraft. Buyers seeking information on aircraft they want to acquire, banks that finance aircraft purchases, aviation historians, and law enforcement and security agencies rely on the registry. An aircraft record contains information on the aircraft's registered owner, its airworthiness, and on recorded aircraft security interests.

http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/about_aircraft_records

Research, Engineering, and Development

The research, engineering, and development activities of the FAA provide the systems, procedures, facilities, and devices needed for a safe and efficient air navigation and air traffic control system for civil aviation and air defense. The Administration also performs an aeromedical research function: It applies knowledge gained from its research program and the work of others to improve civil aviation safety and the safety, health, and efficiency of FAA employees. The Administration also supports the development and testing of aircraft and their parts.

http://www.faa.gov/data_research/research

Safety Regulation

The FAA issues and enforces regulations and minimum standards affecting the manufacture, operation, and maintenance of aircraft. It also certifies airmen and airports that serve air carriers.

http://www.faa.gov/about/safety_efficiency

Test and Evaluation

The FAA tests and evaluates specified items such as aviation systems, subsystems, equipment, devices, materials, concepts, or procedures at any phase in the cycle of their development from conception to acceptance, to implementation. At key decision points, it also carries out assigned independent testing.

Other Programs

The FAA administers the Aviation Insurance Program, which provides insurance products to cover U.S. domestic air transportation industry needs that are not adequately met by the commercial insurance market. The Administration develops specifications for the preparation of aeronautical charts. It also publishes current information on airways and airport service; issues technical publications for the improvement of in-flight safety, airport planning and design, and other aeronautical activities; and serves as the executive administration for the operation and maintenance of the DOT automated payroll and personnel systems.

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/aviation_insurancehttp://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav

Sources of Information

A–Z Index

The FAA website features an alphabetical index to help visitors browse its content or search for information.

https://www.faa.gov/quick_reference

Aircraft Registry

The FAA maintains a registry that allows users to search aircraft registration information online.

https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry

Airlines

The Air Traffic Control System Command Center website features a list of links for the Web sites of airlines.

http://www.fly.faa.gov/FAQ/Airline_Links/airline_links.jsp

Airmen Certification

The FAA posts answers to frequently asked questions dealing with airmen certification on its website.

https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/airmen_FAQ

Archived Records

The "Guide to Federal Records in the National Archives of the United States" indicates that FAA records have been assigned to record group 237.

https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/237.html

Business Opportunities

Registration with the System for Award Management is required for doing business with the FAA.

https://sam.gov/content/home

The Small Business Office administers programs that assist small businesses, small businesses that are owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, women-owned small businesses, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, with FAA procurement opportunities.

https://sbo.faa.gov/Home.cfm

Career Opportunities

The FAA offers civil aviation career opportunities in air traffic control, acquisition, contracts, engineering, information technology, safety and security, and other fields.

https://www.faa.gov/jobs/career_fields

In 2020, the FAA ranked 119th among 411 agency subcomponents in the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places To Work Agency Rankings.

http://bestplacestowork.org/BPTW/rankings/detail/TD03

Contact the FAA

Information for finding the appropriate point of contact or reporting an issue to the FAA is available on the "Contact" web page.

https://www.faa.gov/contact

Contact information for field and regional offices is available on the "National Engagement and Regional Administration" web page.

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/arc/

Data / Research

The FAA conducts research on commercial and general aviation. It posts information on how the research is carried out, the resulting data and statistics, and grant data and funding information.

https://www.faa.gov/data_research

Federal Register

Significant documents and documents that the FAA recently published in the Federal Register are accessible online.

https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-aviation-administration

Flight Delays

The FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center provides status information, which is not flight specific, for general airport conditions nationwide.

http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp

Flying With Pets

The "Flying With Pets" web page has information and relevant links for flying with a pet or service animal.

https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_pets/

Email, personal digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, phones, and wireless devices can be used to monitor the real-time operating status of the Nation's largest airports and receive delay information from the FAA.

https://www.fly.faa.gov/ais/jsp/ais.jsp

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

To any person, the FOIA gives a statutory right for obtaining access to Government information in the records of executive branch agencies. This right to access is limited, however, when the requested information is shielded from disclosure by one or more of nine exemptions that are contained within the statute.

https://www.faa.gov/foia

FAA posts a lot of information on its website. Before making a formal FOIA request, search the records that are immediately available, particularly the contents of the FAA's electronic FOIA library. The desired information already may be accessible.

https://www.faa.gov/foia/electronic_reading_room

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The FAA posts answers to FAQs on its website.

https://faa.custhelp.com

Glossary

The Air Traffic Control System Command Center maintains a glossary of air traffic control management acronyms and terms.

http://www.fly.faa.gov/FAQ/Acronyms/acronyms.jsp

International Travel

The "International Travel" web page has information and resources for those preparing to fly abroad.

https://www.faa.gov/travelers/international_travel/

History

A timeline of aerospace history is available on the FAA website. The timeline starts on December 17, 1903, with Orville and Wilbur Wright's first self-propelled airplane flight.

https://www.faa.gov/about/history/timeline

Newsroom

The FAA posts factsheets, news items and updates, press releases, speeches, and testimonies on its website.

https://www.faa.gov/newsroom

NextGen

NextGen is a series of interlinked programs, portfolios, systems, policies, and procedures. It uses advanced technologies and capabilities for improving the operation of the National Airspace System.

https://www.faa.gov/nextgen

Report a Drone

Please report a drone that is being operated dangerously or used to commit a crime to local law enforcement first responders. Please report a drone that is being operated in a manner that flouts FAA rules to a local FAA flight standards district office. An unauthorized drone operator may be penalized or criminally charged.

https://www.faa.gov/uas/contact_us/report_uas_sighting/

Social Media

The FAA has a Facebook account.

https://www.facebook.com/FAA

The FAA tweets announcements and other newsworthy items on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/faanews

The FAA posts videos on its YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/user/FAAnews

Wildlife Strikes

Aircraft and wildlife in the United States collide on occasion. Wildlife strikes almost always involve birds; however, the FAA also has received reports of alligator, bat, coyote, deer, skunk, and turtle strikes. The most frequently struck birds are gulls, but ducks and geese cause more damage per strike. The FAA's National Wildlife Strike Database contains the information needed for telling the full story of collisions involving aircraft and animals.

http://wildlife.faa.gov

The wildlife strike reporting system helps the FAA collect the information used to build the National Wildlife Strike Database. An online form is available for submitting a strike report.

https://wildlife.faa.gov/add

Federal Highway Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590

202-366-0650
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov

ADMINISTRATORStephanie Pollack, Acting

Deputy AdministratorStephanie Pollack
Executive DirectorThomas D. Everett
https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/foisp/hqphone.do

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) was established as an agency of the Department of Transportation by the Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 104). Title 23 of the United States Code and other supporting legislation authorize the Administration's various activities.

The FHWA improves mobility on our Nation's highways through national leadership, innovation, and program delivery. The Administration works with Federal, State, and local agencies as well as with other stakeholders and partners to maintain and improve the National Highway System, which includes the Interstate System and other roads of importance for national defense and mobility. The FHWA works to increase the National Highway System's safety and to minimize its traffic congestion. The FHWA ensures that America's roads and highways remain safe, technologically up-to-date, and environmentally friendly.

Through surface transportation programs, innovative and traditional financing mechanisms, and new types of pavement and operational technology, the FHWA helps people and goods move more efficiently throughout the Nation. The Administration also improves the efficiency of highway and road connections to other modes of transportation. The Federal-aid Highway Program's budget is primarily divided between Federal-aid funding and the Federal Lands Highway Program.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/about

Activities

Federal-aid Highway Program

The Federal-Aid Highway Program supports State highway systems, providing financial assistance for the construction, maintenance and operations of the Nation's 3.9 million-mile highway network, which includes the Interstate Highway System, primary highways, and secondary local roads. The FHWA implements the Federal-aid Highway Program in cooperation with State and local governments.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/federal-aidessentials/federalaid.cfm

Federal Lands Highway Program

The Office of Federal Lands Highway promotes effective, efficient, and reliable administration for a coordinated program of Federal public roads and bridges; protects and enhances the Nation's natural resources; and gives transportation access to Native Americans. The Office provides financial resources and engineering assistance for public roads that meet the transportation needs of Federal and Indian lands. These services are provided in all 50 States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Territories, and the District of Columbia through the Office's Headquarters and its eastern, central, and western Federal Lands Highway division offices.

http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/about

Sources of Information

All-American Roads / National Scenic Byways

America's Byways—which include the National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads—is an umbrella term referring to the collection of 150 roads that the Secretary of Transportation selects for inclusion based on distinctiveness and diverseness.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways

Business Opportunities

FHWA programs generate a large number of contracting and procurement opportunities.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/about/business.cfm

The Office of Acquisition and Grants Management manages most FHWA contracting opportunities. Phone, 202-366-4232.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/aaa

Career Opportunities

The FHWA operates offices throughout the country and hires professionals with expertise in a variety of fields to carry out its mission.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/careers

The FHWA consistently ranks high among agency subcomponents in the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places To Work Agency Rankings.

http://bestplacestowork.org/BPTW/rankings/detail/TD04

Core Topics

The "Core Highway Topics" Web page features a topical, alphabetical list. The topics are categorized according to nine headings: environment, Federal and Indian lands, highway funding, international, research and technologies, road operations and congestion, roads and bridges, road users, and safety.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/topics

Environment

The "Air Quality and Climate Change Highlights" newsletter is available on the FHWA Web site.

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/sustainability/newsletter/index.cfm

Federal-Aid Essentials

Federal-aid Essentials offers an online library of informational videos and resources for local public agencies. Each video addresses a single topic and condenses the complex regulations and requirements of the Federal-aid Highway Program into basic concepts and illustrated examples.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/federal-aidessentials

Field and Division Offices

The FHWA comprises a headquarters office in Washington, DC; a Federal-aid division office in each State, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia; four metropolitan offices—Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia—that serve as extensions of the corresponding Federal-aid division offices; and three Federal Lands Highway division offices.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/about/field.cfm

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The FOIA establishes a presumption that records in the possession of agencies and departments of the Federal Government's executive branch are available to the public. The statute sets standards for determining when Government records must be made available and which records may be withheld. It also gives information seekers specific legal rights and provides administrative and judicial remedies when access is denied. Most importantly, the FOIA requires that Federal agencies provide, to the fullest extent possible, access to and disclosure of information pertaining to the Government's business.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/foia

The FHWA maintains an electronic FOIA reading room. It contains records that are often requested under the statute.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/foia/err.cfm

Glossary

The FHWA Web site features a glossary of transportation planning terms and acronyms.

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/glossary

History

The FHWA Web site features a general highway history.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/history.cfm

Infrastructure

The FHWA's Web site offers a trove of information on the following infrastructure topics: asset management, bridges and structures, construction, design, Federal-aid Program administration, Federal-aid programs and special funding, geotechnical, hydraulics, pavement, preservation, and transportation performance management.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure

Libraries

The FHWA research library is located in the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, VA. It is open on weekdays, excluding Federal holidays, 7:30–4 p.m. Phone, 202-493-3172. Fax, 202-493-3495.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/library/ | Email: fhwalibrary@dot.gov

Each FHWA office maintains accessibility information that relates to its own program. The accessibility resource library supports the effort to organize information relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other accessibility resources that may affect FHWA projects.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/accessibility

Newsroom

The FHWA posts press releases, as well as photos and videos, speeches and testimony, on its Web site and YouTube channel.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/briefingroom

Resource Center / Technical Service Teams

The FHWA's technical service teams are organized into 12 activity areas: air quality, civil rights, construction and program management, environment and realty, finance services, geotechnical, hydraulics, operations, pavement and materials, planning, safety and design, and structures. Contact information for these teams and information on their activities, products, and services are available online in the Resource Center.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/resourcecenter/index.cfm

Social Media

The FHWA tweets announcements and other newsworthy items on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/USDOTFHWA

The FHWA maintains a page on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/FederalHighwayAdmin

The FHWA posts videos on its YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/user/USDOTFHWA

Staff Directories

The headquarters organizational directory, key field personnel directory, and Washington headquarters fax numbers are available on the FHWA's Web site.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/about/staff.cfm

Sustainability

The FHWA provides technical assistance to local, regional, and State transportation agencies to help them enhance sustainability, improve resilience, and reduce energy use and emissions on the Nation's highway system.

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/sustainability/index.cfm
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/contact

For further information, contact the Federal Highway Administration, Office of Public Affairs, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Phone, 202-366-0660.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590

202-366-2519
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov

ADMINISTRATOR(vacancy)
Deputy AdministratorMeera Joshi
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/leadership

ESTABLISHMENT AND ORGANIZATION

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000, pursuant to the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (113 Stat. 1750).

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-113/pdf/STATUTE-113-Pg1748.pdf

Statutory material that affects the organization of the FMCSA has been codified in the United States Code (U.S.C.) and assigned to 49 U.S.C. 113.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title49-section113&num=0&edition=prelim

ACTIVITIES

Formerly a part of the Federal Highway Administration, the FMCSA reduces commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries. Administration activities increase the safety of motor carrier operations by enforcing safety regulations—targeting high-risk commercial drivers and carriers; improving safety information systems and commercial motor vehicle technologies; strengthening equipment and operating standards; and increasing safety awareness. When carrying out these activities, the Administration works with representatives of the motor carrier industry, labor safety interest groups, and Federal, State, and local enforcement agencies.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/about-us

Commercial Licensing

The FMCSA develops standards to test and license commercial motor vehicle drivers.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license

Data / Analysis

The FMCSA collects and disseminates data on motor carrier safety and directs resources to improve motor carrier safety.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/motor-carrier-safety-progress-reports

Regulatory Compliance / Enforcement

The FMCSA operates a program to improve safety performance and remove high-risk carriers from the Nation's highways.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations

Research / Technology

The FMCSA coordinates research and development to improve the safety of motor carrier operations and commercial motor vehicles and drivers.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/research-and-analysis/active-research-projects

Safety Assistance

The FMCSA provides States with financial assistance for roadside inspections and other commercial motor vehicle safety programs.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety

Other Activities

The FMCSA supports the development of unified motor carrier safety requirements and procedures throughout North America. It participates in international technical organizations and committees to help share best-practices in motor carrier safety worldwide. It enforces regulations ensuring safe highway transportation of hazardous materials and maintains a task force for identifying and investigating household goods carriers that exhibit an unmistakable pattern of consumer abuse.

Sources of Information

Archived Records

The "Guide to Federal Records in the National Archives of the United States" indicates that FMCSA records have been assigned to record group 557. That record group, however, does not have a description that is associated with it.

https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/000.html

Bicyclists / Pedestrians

Bicyclists and pedestrians share roads with large trucks and buses. The FMCSA website has resources that address safety issues affecting riders, walkers, and drivers.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/resources-bicyclists-and-pedestrians

Career Opportunities

The FMCSA posts job announcements on the USAJobs website. Application tips, information for students and recent graduates, and reasons for pursuing a career at the FMCSA are available on its website. Phone, 800-832-5660.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/careers

In 2020, the FMCSA ranked 138th among 411 agency subcomponents in the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places To Work Agency Rankings.

https://bestplacestowork.org/rankings/detail/?c=TD17

Certified Medical Examiners

Inclusion in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners is limited to medical professionals who complete training and pass an exam on the FMCSA's physical qualification standards.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/national-registry/national-registry-certified-medical-examiners

Commercial Carriers

The FMCSA website has resources to help carrier companies with registration and safety and regulatory matters.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/resources-for-carrier-companies

The FMCSA website has resources—regulatory information and safety publications—to make complying with regulations easier for passenger carriers and to help them operate more safely.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/passenger-safety/passenger-carrier-safety-information

Commercial Drivers

The FMCSA website has resources for drivers who want to increase safety and who may need help them with the registration and licensing processes.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/resources-for-drivers

Company Safety Records

The FMCSA maintains websites that provide convenient access to safety-related information. To perform a search, a user must know a company's name, USDOT number, or motor carrier number.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/company-safety-records

Contact Information

The "Contact Us" web page has a table that contains email addresses, phone numbers, and web forms.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/contact-us

Data / Statistics

The annual "Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics" highlights the FMCSA’s role in collecting and analyzing data on large trucks and buses. The pocket guide is a compilation of statistics from the overall state of the industry to enforcement activity, details on traffic violations and other incidents, the costs of crashes, and more.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/commercial-motor-vehicle-facts

The Analysis Division compiles the information used for "Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts," an annual report containing descriptive statistics on fatal, injurious, and property-damage-only crashes involving large trucks and buses.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts

Federal Register

Significant documents and documents that the FMCSA recently published in the Federal Register are accessible online.

https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-motor-carrier-safety-administration

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The FMCSA supports efforts to create a more open and transparent Federal Government. Accordingly, it conscientiously carries out the requirements of the FOIA. The FMCSA ensures that nonexempt documents or records are accessible to anyone who properly files a FOIA request. Phone, 202-366-2960. Fax, 202-385-2335.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/foia | Email: foia@fmcsa.dot.gov

The FMCSA's electronic reading room contains frequently requested records, as well as final opinions and orders, policy statements, and staff manuals.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/foia/foia-electronic-reading-room

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The FMCSA posts answers to FAQs on its website.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq

Grants

State and local government agencies in the 50 States and the District of Columbia, as well as in American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana and the U.S. Virgin Islands may apply for safety grant funding.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/grants

Look Before You Book

The FMCSA website has resources for those making travel plans and for those looking to charter a bus for a sporting event, field trip, or other group activity. Safety tips and information, software applications (apps) to research bus operators, and information on reporting safety violations are available on the "Look Before You Book" web pages.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/passenger-safety/bus-passengers-look-you-book

Bus travel safety kits for seniors, students, and those traveling to faith-based events are available on "Look Before You Book."

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/look-you-book/consumer-safety-resources

Newsroom

The FMCSA posts events, news releases, speeches, and testimony on its website.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom

Protect Your Move

The "Protect Your Move" web pages have a trove of information on and resources for planning a move, selecting a mover, and filing a moving fraud complaint.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move

Safety Violations

Safety, service, or discrimination issues involving a bus or truck or moving company or a cargo tank facility? If so, file a complaint on the National Consumer Complaint Database website or by phone on weekdays, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., eastern time. Phone, 888-368-7238.

https://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov/nccdb/home.aspx

Service Centers / Field Offices

Contact information for service centers and field offices is available on the FMCSA website. Phone, 800-832-5660.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/field-offices

Social Media

The FMCSA tweets announcements and other newsworthy items on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/fmcsa

The FMCSA has a Facebook account.

https://www.facebook.com/FMCSA

USDOT Numbers

The FMCSA website features an interactive tool that can determine whether or not a commercial vehicle requires a USDOT number.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number

Veterans

The FMCSA helps veterans find employment in the motor carrier industry. Several provisions in the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act support this effort.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/fastact/veteran-drivers

Federal Railroad Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building, Washington, DC 20590

202-493-6014
http://www.fra.dot.gov

ADMINISTRATOR(vacancy)
Deputy AdministratorAmit Bose
https://railroads.dot.gov/about-fra/organization/vacant-administrator

The above list of key personnel was updated 09–2021.

The above list of key personnel was updated 09–2021.

ESTABLISHMENT AND ORGANIZATION

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) was created pursuant to section 3(e)(1) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (49 U.S.C. 103).

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-80/pdf/STATUTE-80-Pg931.pdf

The FRA posts its organizational chart in Portable Document Format (PDF) on its website for viewing and downloading.

https://railroads.dot.gov/about-fra/organization/organization-chart

ACTIVITIES

The Administration promulgates and enforces rail safety regulations, administers railroad financial assistance programs, conducts research and development to improve railroad safety and national rail transportation policy, provides for the rehabilitation of Northeast Corridor rail passenger service, and consolidates Government support of rail transportation activities.

https://railroads.dot.gov/about-fra/about-fra

Passenger and Freight Services

The FRA's passenger rail activities include administering Federal grants and loans to Amtrak, Alaska Railroad, and high-speed rail; supporting the Secretary of Transportation in his or her role as a member of Amtrak's board of directors; providing guidance and analysis of intercity passenger rail services and high-speed rail.

https://railroads.dot.gov/rail-network-development/passenger-rail/passenger-rail

Its freight rail activities include supporting current freight rail market share and growth and developing strategies to attract 50 percent of all shipments 500 miles or more to intermodal rail. The Administration's Office of Railroad Policy and Development implements programs that provide financial support, research and development, and analysis and guidance for the freight rail industry and its stakeholders.

https://railroads.dot.gov/rail-network-development/freight-rail-overview

Railroad Safety

The Administration administers and enforces the Federal laws and regulations that promote railroad safety, and it exercises jurisdiction over all areas of rail safety under the Rail Safety Act of 1970—track maintenance, inspection standards, equipment standards, operating practices. Railroad and related industry equipment, facilities, and records are inspected and required reports are reviewed. The Administration also educates the public about safety at highway rail grade crossings and the danger of trespassing on rail property.

https://railroads.dot.gov/railroad-safety

Research / Development

The FRA's research and development program relies on basic and applied research and on the development of innovations and solutions to ensure the efficient, reliable, and safe movement of people and goods. Safety is the principal driver of the research and development program.

https://railroads.dot.gov/research-development/research-development-and-technology

Transportation Test Center

The Administration tests and evaluates conventional and advanced railroad systems and components at the Transportation Test Center, Inc. Private sector companies and the Governments of Canada, Japan, and the United States use the facility to study the operation of conventional and advanced systems under controlled conditions. Amtrak tests new high-speed locomotives and trains at the Center, and the Federal Transit Administration uses it for testing urban rapid transit vehicles.

https://railroads.dot.gov/program-areas/testing-facilities-equipment/testing-facilities-equipment

Sources of Information

Archived Records

The "Guide to Federal Records in the National Archives of the United States" indicates that FRA records have been assigned to record group 399.

https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/399.html

Business Opportunities

The "How To Do Business with the FRA" web page explains the steps of becoming eligible for doing business with the FRA and of identifying business opportunities that the FRA has to offer. The web page also has a database of small business vendors.

https://railroads.dot.gov/resource-center/how-do-business-fra/how-do-business-fra

Career Opportunities

The FRA relies heavily on railroad safety inspectors—hazardous materials, motive power and equipment, operating practices, signals and train control, and track inspectors—to carry out its mission. Safety inspectors inspect for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, rules, and standards; conduct accident investigations and report on their findings; and seek correction of unsafe conditions. They also testify as expert witnesses in civil suits. These jobs require skill in evaluation, factfinding, and report writing; comprehension and application of technical and regulatory standards; an ability to build rapport with individuals and organizations; and knowledge of methods used in installation, operation, and maintenance or manufacturing of railroad equipment and systems.

https://railroads.dot.gov/resource-center/jobs/job-vacancies

In 2020, the FRA ranked 206th among 411 agency subcomponents in the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places To Work Agency Rankings.

https://bestplacestowork.org/rankings/detail/?c=TD05

Contact Information

Email addresses and phone numbers are available on the "Contact Us" web page.

https://railroads.dot.gov/about-fra/contact-us

Electronic Library (eLibrary)

An eLibrary offers convenient access to all the documents that are posted on the FRA's public website.

https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary-search

Environmental Reviews

The FRA posts a list of environmental projects that require the FRA to pursue an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement or both an assessment and a statement.

https://railroads.dot.gov/rail-network-development/environment/environmental-reviews

Federal Register

Significant documents and documents that the FRA recently published in the Federal Register are accessible online.

https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-railroad-administration

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Any person—U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, as well as those representing organizations, associations, and universities—can file a FOIA request. All FOIA requests must be submitted in writing and are processed in the Office of Chief Counsel at FRA headquarters in Washington, DC.

https://railroads.dot.gov/freedom-information-act-foia | Email: FRAFOIA@dot.gov

To comply with the Electronic Freedom of Information Act (E–FOIA) Amendments of 1996, agencies must make some categories of records available to the public on an ongoing basis.

https://railroads.dot.gov/resource-center/freedom-information-act/electronic-reading-room

Horn Noise

Noise from transportation systems, including rail operations, often has adverse environmental effects. The FRA posts answers to frequently asked questions on horn noise.

https://railroads.dot.gov/environment/noise-vibration/horn-noise-faq

Maps

The "Maps—Geographic Information System" web page has interactive safety and trespassers casualty maps.

https://railroads.dot.gov/maps-and-data/maps-geographic-information-system/maps-geographic-information-system

Media Relations

The Office of Communications handles media relations.

https://railroads.dot.gov/about-fra/communications/communications

News

The FRA posts news items on its website.

https://railroads.dot.gov/newsroom

Railroad Crossings / Trespassing

FRA programs have helped to reduce the number of railroad crossing and trespassing fatalities by 60% over the last two decades. The Railroad Crossing Safety and Trespasser Prevention Division seeks to continue this trend. Information on and resources for railroad crossing safety and preventing trespassing along railroad rights-of-way are available online.

https://railroads.dot.gov/highway-rail-crossing-and-trespasser-programs/railroad-crossing-safety-trespass

Railroad Safety

The Office of Safety Analysis posts railroad safety information—data related to railroad accidents and incidents, including highway-rail grade crossing accidents, rail equipment accidents, and employee injuries and illnesses—on its website.

https://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/OfficeofSafety/Default.aspx

The FRA has a new safety data website.

https://railroads.dot.gov/forms-guides-publications/guides/interacting-new-fra-safety-data-website

The FRA monitors the occurrence of train accidents and incidents and investigates serious events to determine their cause and to assess compliance with safety laws and regulations. Detailed information on these investigations is available on the FRA's website.

https://railroads.dot.gov/railroad-safety/accident-data-reporting-and-investigations

Operation Lifesaver, Inc., is a nonprofit organization and a rail safety education leader.

https://oli.org/about-us

Research / Development

The Office of Research and Development is organized into four divisions and works in 10 program areas. An online table shows where the four divisions and 10 program areas intersect with the most frequent causes of railroad accidents and incidents.

https://railroads.dot.gov/research-development/program-areas/program-areas

Social Media

The FRA posts photographs and tweets announcements and other newsworthy items on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/USDOTFRA

The FRA has a Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/USDOTFRA

The FRA posts videos on its YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/user/usdotfra

Federal Transit Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590

202-366-4043
http://www.fta.dot.gov

ADMINISTRATORNuria Fernandez
Deputy Administrator(vacancy)
Executive DirectorMatthew J. Welbes
https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/officials/officials

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), formerly the Urban Mass Transportation Administration, was established as an operating administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation by section 1 of Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1968 (5 U.S.C. app. 1), effective July 1, 1968. The FTA helps America's communities by developing improved public transportation and providing financial assistance to State and local governments to finance public transportation systems and carry out national transit goals and policy.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/about-fta

Programs

Alternatives Analysis

The Alternatives Analysis program provides grants to help identify public transportation needs and the costs and benefits of various transportation strategies for a defined travel corridor. The results of these studies may be the selection of a locally preferred transportation alternative, which is the first step for developing viable projects for possible future funding under the New Starts and Small Starts program.

http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13094_7395.html

Capital Investment

The Capital Investment program helps finance the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, and improvement of facilities and equipment for public transportation service in urban areas. The Capital Investment program makes available three types of funds: fixed guideway modernization funds for rolling stock renewal, safety-related improvements, and signal and power modernization; new and small starts funds for construction of new fixed guideway systems or extensions to existing fixed guideway systems or corridor based rapid bus systems; and bus and bus facilities funds for the acquisition of buses and rolling stock, ancillary equipment, and the construction of bus facilities.

http://www.fta.dot.gov/12304.html

Clean Fuels Grants

The Clean Fuels Grants program helps nonattainment and maintenance areas achieve or maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and carbon monoxide, and it supports emerging clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies for transit buses and markets for those technologies. The program funds purchasing or leasing clean fuel buses, including buses that employ a lightweight composite primary structure and vans for use in revenue service; constructing or leasing clean fuel bus facilities, including electrical recharging facilities and related equipment; and projects involving clean fuel, biodiesel, hybrid electric, or zero emissions technology buses.

http://www.fta.dot.gov/cleanfuels

Elderly Persons and Persons With Disabilities

The Transportation for Elderly Persons and Persons With Disabilities program provides financial assistance to private nonprofit agencies for the transportation needs of elderly persons and persons with disabilities in places where public services are unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate; to public bodies approved by the State to coordinate services for elderly persons or persons with disabilities; and to public bodies that certify to the Governor that no nonprofit corporation or association is readily available in an area to provide the service. Funds are allocated by formula to the States. Local organizations apply for funding through a designated State agency.

http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13093_3556.html

Job Access and Reverse Commuting

The Job Access and Reverse Commute program addresses the transportation challenges faced by welfare recipients and low-income persons seeking or maintaining employment. The program provides capital and planning and operating expenses for projects that transport low income individuals to and from jobs and employment-related activities and for projects that support reverse commuting. Many new entry level jobs are located in suburban areas: Low-income individuals have difficulty accessing these jobs from their inner city, urban, or rural neighborhoods. Many entry level-jobs also require working late or on weekends when conventional transit services are either reduced or nonexistent. Many employment related-trips also are complex, involving multiple destinations.

http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13093_3550.html

New Freedom

The New Freedom formula grants program supports new public transportation services that surpass the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The program makes capital and operating funding available to private nonprofit organizations, State and local governmental authorities, and operators of public transportation services, including private operators of public transportation services. Eligible projects must benefit individuals with disabilities: Projects must assist them with transportation—including transportation to and from jobs and employment services—and remove barriers to transportation.

http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13093_3549.html

Nonurban Area Assistance

The Other Than Urbanized Areas formula grants program provides funding to States to support public transportation in rural areas—with populations under 50,000. The program enhances people's access in nonurbanized areas to health care, shopping, education, employment, public services, and recreation; assists in the maintenance, development, improvement, and use of public transportation systems in nonurbanized areas; encourages and facilitates the most efficient use of all transportation funds used to provide passenger transportation in nonurbanized areas through the coordination of programs and services; helps develop and support intercity bus transportation; and promotes the participation of private transportation providers in nonurbanized transportation.

http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13093_3555.html

Planning

The Office of Planning and Environment supports the development of information that Federal, State, and local officials use to make transportation investment decisions. With FHWA partners, the Office co-administers a national planning program that provides funding, guidance, oversight, and technical support to State and local transportation agencies. The FTA's 10 region offices and FHWA's 52 division offices work to convey the program to State and local governments and other transportation agencies.

http://www.fta.dot.gov/about/12347.html

Research and Technology

The FTA conducts research, development, demonstration, deployment, and evaluation projects to improve public transportation services. The FTA administers the Bus Testing, International Public Transportation, National Research and Technology, and Transit Cooperative Research Programs. Through the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) program, the Administration works with public transportation agencies to implement new strategies for lowering greenhouse gas emissions and to reduce energy use within transit operations. The FTA has five priority research areas: bicycles and transit, bus rapid transit, environmental sustainability, livable and sustainable communities, and state of good repair.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/research-innovation

Rural Transit Assistance

The Rural Transit Assistance Program provides a funding source to help design and implement training and technical assistance projects and other support services tailored to meet the needs of transit operators in nonurbanized areas. States, local governments, and providers of rural transit services can receive program funds. States may use the funds to support nonurbanized transit activities in four areas: training, technical assistance, research, and related support services.

http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13093_3554.html

Safety

The Office of Transit Safety and Oversight administers a national safety program and oversees compliance with it. Based on FTA legislative, policy, and regulatory requirements, the program helps further the nationwide provision of transit service that is equitable, reliable, and safe.

http://www.fta.dot.gov/tso.html

Training and Technical Assistance

The Administration funds the National Transit Institute at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Working with the Institute, the FTA develops and offers training courses on transit operations, planning, workforce performance, and productivity. Institute courses are offered at locations nationwide on a variety of subjects. Current course offerings are posted online.

http://www.ntionline.com/courses/list.php

Transit in Parks

The Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program provides funding for alternative transportation projects in and around National Parks and other Federal recreation areas. Alternative transportation includes bicycle, ferry, pedestrian trail, shuttle bus, and other forms of public or nonmotorized transportation. These projects reduce congestion, protect sensitive natural and cultural treasures, and enhance visitor experience. Funding is awarded through a competitive process to units of Federal land management agencies and to State, local and tribal government agencies.

http://www.fta.dot.gov/transitinparks

Sources of Information

Business Opportunities

Procurement-related information and resources are available on the FTA Web site.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/procurement/procurement

Career Opportunities

FTA fills vacancies in its Washington, DC, headquarters and regional offices. The FTA relies on attorneys, congressional relations specialists, engineers, environmental specialists, planners, program management specialists, research program specialists, and other professionals to carry out its mission.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/jobs/jobs

In 2016, the FTA ranked 228th among 305 agency subcomponents in the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places To Work Agency Rankings.

http://bestplacestowork.org/BPTW/rankings/detail/TD09

Environmental Justice

The FTA posts answers to questions related to environmental justice on its Web site.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/environmental-programs/environmental-justice/environmental-justice-faqs

Events

The FTA has a calendar of events on its Web site.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/events

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The FOIA grants public access to the content of certain records that are held by the offices, agencies, corporations, administrations, commissions, boards, and services of the Federal Government's executive branch. Some records that contain sensitive commercial, governmental, and personal information are protected from disclosure.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/foia/foia-requests | Email: FTA.FOIA@dot.gov

The FTA maintains an electronic reading room. Before submitting a FOIA request, information seekers should search for the desired document or record in the reading room to determine whether it is accessible immediately, without charge.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/foia/foia-electronic-reading-room

Glossary

The FTA maintains a National Transit Database glossary on its Web site.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/ntd/national-transit-database-ntd-glossary

Grants

The FTA provides grants to local public transit systems. It invests billions of dollars each year to support and to expand public transit services. It provides annual formula grants to transit agencies nationwide, as well as discretionary funding in competitive processes.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/grant-programs

History

A brief history of mass transit is available on the FTA Web site.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/brief-history-mass-transit

National Transit Database

U.S. transit ridership has grown by more than 20 percent in the last decade. To keep track of the industry and provide public information and statistics as growth continues, the National Transit Database records the asset, financial, and operating conditions of transit systems. Phone, 888-252-0936.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/ntd | Email: NTDhelp@dot.gov

News

The FTA posts news releases on its Web site.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news

Regional Offices

Contact information for the 10 regional offices is available on the FTA's Web site.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/regional-offices/regional-offices

Research / Innovation

Research projects assess new operational processes, expand public-private partnerships, fund demonstration grants for low or no emissions buses, improve traveler experiences, and test systems that monitor safety. Research and innovation reports and publications are available on the FTA Web site.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/research-innovation/research-innovation-reports-and-publications

Social Media

The FTA maintains a channel on YouTube, as well as accounts on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/social-media

Updates

A subscription form is available on the FTA Web site to sign up for email updates.

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOTFTA/subscriber/new
http://www.fta.dot.gov/newsroom/13006.html

For further information, contact the Federal Transit Administration, Office of Communications and Congressional Affairs, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Phone, 202-366-4043.

Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

55 M Street SE., Suite 930, Washington, DC 20003.

202-366-0091
202-366-7147
http://www.seaway.dot.gov

Departmental Postal Address: Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

Email: slsdc@dot.gov

Postal and Physical Address: Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation–Operations, 180 Andrews Street, Massena, NY 13662

315-764-3200
315-764-3235

POLICY HEADQUARTERS—WASHINGTON, DC

POLICY HEADQUARTERS—WASHINGTON, DC
ADMINISTRATOR(vacancy)
Deputy AdministratorCraig H. Middlebrook

OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS—MASSENA, NY

OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS—MASSENA, NY
Associate Administrator, Seaway OperationsGary Croot
https://www.seaway.dot.gov/about/meet-our-team

The above list of key personnel was updated 03–2021.

The above list of key personnel was updated 03–2021.

The Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLSLSDC) was established by the Saint Lawrence Seaway Act of May 13, 1954 (33 U.S.C. 981-990) and became an operating administration of the DOT in 1966.

The GLSLSDC, working jointly with the Saint Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) of Canada, operates and maintains a safe, reliable, and efficient deep draft waterway between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. It ensures the safe transit of commercial and noncommercial vessels through the two U.S. locks and the navigation channels of the Saint Lawrence Seaway System and engages in economic and trade development activities to stimulate trade and employment in the eight States of the Great Lakes region. The GLSLSDC and SLSMC work together on all matters related to rules and regulations, overall operations, vessel inspections, traffic control, navigation aids, safety, operating dates, and trade development programs.

The Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence Seaway System extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Lake Superior ports of Duluth and Superior, a distance of 2,342 miles. The Corporation's main customers are vessel owners and operators, Midwest States and Canadian Provinces, Great Lakes port communities, shippers and receivers of domestic and international cargo, and the maritime and related service industries of the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway systems.

https://www.seaway.dot.gov/about/what-does-slsdc-do

Sources of Information

Career Opportunities

The GLSLSDC relies on professionals with expertise in administration, engineering, information technology, management, marine operations, public policy, and other fields.

https://www.seaway.dot.gov/about/careers-slsdc

Contact Information

Information for contacting the GLSLSDC by email, postal mail, and phone is posted online.

https://www.seaway.dot.gov/about/contact-us

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Any person has the right to a copy of certain records possessed by the Government's executive administrations, agencies, boards, commissions, corporations, offices, and services. Some records, however, are protected from disclosure.

https://www.seaway.dot.gov/publications/electronic-reading-room

Grants

The GLSLSDC has an easy-to-use Federal grants toolkit that offers a snapshot of the essential information, resources, and tools needed to identify Federal agencies and processes offering financial assistance to maritime stakeholders seeking to carry out environmental, infrastructural, intermodal, and other development projects.

https://www.seaway.dot.gov/publications/slsdc-federal-grants-toolkit

Map

An interactive map of vessels transiting the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System is available online.

https://www.seaway.dot.gov/explore/interactive-shipping-map-and-shipping-schedule

News

The SLSDC's quarterly newsletter "Seaway Compass" is available online. It features current information and recent news on the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System.

https://www.seaway.dot.gov/publications/seaway-compass

Publications

The "Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System Directory" is a comprehensive publication on the ports and shipping-related businesses that are critical throughout the region and beyond. It features extensive photography and serves as an excellent resource for readers who are interested in the Great Lakes Seaway maritime industry.

https://www.seaway.dot.gov/publications/seaway-system-directory

The GLSLSDC's marketing brochure offers comprehensive information on the waterway and its significance to the Great Lakes region. It is available online in Portable Document Format (PDF).

https://www.seaway.dot.gov/publications/slsdc-marketing-brochure

Reports

The GLSLSDC posts annual reports on its website.

https://www.seaway.dot.gov/publications/annual-reports

The GLSLSDC posts Asset Renewal Program reports on its website.

https://www.seaway.dot.gov/publications/asset-renewal-program-reports

Social Media

The GLSLSDC maintains a Facebook account.

https://www.facebook.com/USDOTSLSDC

Studies

The "Environmental and Social Impacts of Marine Transport in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway Region" study provides marine stakeholders, transportation planners, and government policymakers with an assessment of the potential environmental and social consequences that could occur if cargo carried by marine vessels on the Seaway navigation system shifted to rail and road modes of transport.

https://www.seaway.dot.gov/publications/social-impact-study

Visitors' Center

The Seaway Visitors' Center at the Eisenhower Lock provides tourists and ship watchers with an observation deck where they can view commercial vessels and cruise ships transiting the lock. Each year, hundreds of ships from all over the globe make thousands of transits through the St. Lawrence Seaway. They carry a wide variety of cargoes: coal, grains, iron ore, steel, steel slabs, stone, and more.

https://www.seaway.dot.gov/explore/visitors-center

The Sources of Information were updated 3–2021.

Maritime Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590

202-366-5807
800-996-2723
http://www.marad.dot.gov

ADMINISTRATORLucinda Lessley, Acting
Deputy AdministratorLucinda Lessley
https://www.maritime.dot.gov/about-us/office-administrator/key-personnel

MARAD develops and promotes the U.S. merchant marine and its operations and oversees emergency merchant ship operations.

ESTABLISHMENT

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) was established by Reorganization Plan No. 21 of 1950 (5 U.S.C. app.). The Maritime Act of 1981 (46 U.S.C. 1601) transferred the Maritime Administration to the DOT.

MARAD manages programs that help develop and promote the U.S. merchant marine and its operations. It also organizes and directs emergency merchant ship operations.

ACTIVITIES

MARAD serves as the DOT's waterborne transportation agency. Its programs promote waterborne transportation use, the seamless integration of waterborne transportation with other parts of the transportation system, and U.S. merchant marine viability. The Administration's activities involve ships and shipping, shipbuilding, port operations, vessel operations, national security, safety, and the environment. It also maintains the health of the merchant marine—commercial mariners, vessels, and intermodal facilities contribute significantly to national security. The Administration, therefore, supports current mariners, helps educate future mariners, and informs Americans about the maritime industry and how it benefits them. Recently, the Administration realigned its functions to be more effective as an industry promoter and to focus more attention on the environment and safety.

MARAD administers the Maritime Security Program, which maintains a core fleet of U.S.-flag, privately-owned ships that operate in international commerce. Under agreement, these ships are available to provide needed capacity, during war and national emergencies, to meet Department of Defense requirements.

It also administers the Ready Reserve Force program to facilitate deployment of U.S. military forces—rapidly and worldwide. The Force primarily supports transport of Army and Marine Corps unit equipment and combat support equipment. The Force also supports initial resupply during the critical surge period before commercial ships become available. The program provides nearly one-half of the Government-owned surge sealift capability.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/about-us

Sources of Information

Archived Records

The "Guide to Federal Records in the National Archives of the United States" indicates that MARAD records have been assigned to record group 357.

https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/357.html

Business Opportunities

To learn about doing business with MARAD, visit its "Business Services and Products" web page.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/about-us/marad-business-services-products

Career Opportunities

The "Mariners" web page has information on becoming a mariner and mariner opportunities.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/outreach/mariners

The six maritime academies and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy educate students for service as officers in the U.S. Merchant Marine, U.S. Armed Forces, and Nation’s intermodal transportation system.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/education/maritime-academies/maritime-academies | Email: careersafloat@dot.gov

In 2020, MARAD ranked 228th among 411 agency subcomponents in the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places To Work Agency Rankings.

https://bestplacestowork.org/rankings/detail/?c=TD13

Contact Information

MARAD posts contact information on its "Maritime Contact Information" web page.

https://cms.marad.dot.gov/about-us/maritime-contact-information

Data / Statistics

The "Data and Reports" web pages contain data that are organized into four broad categories: historical datasets, U.S.–international trade, U.S. vessel movements and port calls, and vessel fleet lists. The Office of Policy and Plans publishes statistical and economic analyses and reports on a variety of maritime transportation topics.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/data-reports | Email: data.marad@dot.gov

Federal Register

Significant documents and documents that MARAD recently published in the Federal Register are accessible online.

https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/maritime-administration

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Enacted in 1966, the FOIA took effect on July 4, 1967. The Act gives a right for accessing Federal agency records to any person, except a fugitive from the law. Some records, or portions of them, are shielded from disclosure by one or more of nine statutory exemptions or by specific harm that disclosure could cause. The Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 1996 require Federal agencies to use electronic information technology to expand access to and availability of FOIA documents. MARAD posts contact information for its FOIA officer and FOIA public liaison on its "Freedom of Information Act Contacts" web page.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/about-us/foia/freedom-information-act-contacts | Email: FOIA.Marad@dot.gov

The agency maintains an online document library. Before submitting a FOIA request, browse its electronic reading room or search for the desired information to determine if it is accessible, immediately and free of charge, without submitting a formal FOIA request.

https://www.marad.dot.gov/about-us/foia/electronic-reading-room

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

MARAD posts answers to FAQs on its website.

https://www.marad.dot.gov/about-us/frequently-asked-questions

Glossary

The "Glossary of Shipping Terms—2008" contains abbreviations, acronyms, initialisms, and words that its compilers selected from the rich vocabulary of the shipping business.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/sites/marad.dot.gov/files/docs/resources/3686/glossaryfinal.pdf

History

The MARAD vessel history database has information on vessels that have been or remain part of the National Defense Reserve Fleet and other vessels that were at one time owned, operated, or in the custody of MARAD or one of its predecessor agencies. Each database entry includes one or more images of vessel status cards—paper index cards that tell the story of a ship's career in Government service—and additional information when it is available.

https://vesselhistory.marad.dot.gov/ShipHistory/ShipList?pageNumber=1&matchFromStart=True | Email: marad.history@dot.gov

Maps

A map of MARAD gateway offices is available on the "Gateway Offices" web page.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/about-us/gateway-offices/gateway-offices

MARAD maintains a deepwater port location and status map online. The "Deepwater Ports Map" web page has links to information on applications that are under review, that have been approved or disapproved, and that have been withdrawn.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/ports/deepwater-ports-and-licensing/deepwater-ports-map

Marine Environment

In a three-page special report "Marine Environment—Protecting the World's Waters," Carolyn E. Junemann and Koichi Yoshida discuss the following topics: anti-fouling systems, cooperation with the International Maritime Organization, oil booms, port waste, and underwater sound.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/sites/marad.dot.gov/files/docs/environment-security-safety/office-environment/606/isofocus12-04-ensr-marineenvironment.pdf

Marine Highway Routes

The Marine Highway system comprises 25 marine highway routes serving as extensions of the surface transportation system.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/sites/marad.dot.gov/files/docs/grants-finances/marine-highways/3061/marine-highway-route-descriptions-8-14-2019.pdf

Maritime Advisory System

U.S. maritime alerts provide basic information—date and time, incident type, location—on reported maritime security threats to U.S. maritime industry interests. In some situations, an alert may be issued to refute unsubstantiated claims. To be added to the electronic distribution list for U.S. maritime alerts and advisories, email the request to MARAD security.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/office-security/msci-portal/maritime-security-communications-industry-msci-web-portal | Email: MaradSecurity@dot.gov

Newsroom

Congressional testimonies, news items, and speeches are available online.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/newsroom

Ship Disposal

MARAD's website has information on four methods for disposing of a ship: artificial reefing, domestic recycling, ship donations, and naval sink at sea live-fire training exercises (SINKEX).

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/national-defense-reserve-fleet/ship-disposal-program/ship-disposal-program

Social Media

MARAD has a Facebook account.

https://www.facebook.com/DOTMARAD

MARAD tweets announcements and other newsworthy items on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/DOTMARAD

Video Archives

A video archives is available on MARAD's website.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/outreach/maritime-administration-video-archives

Virtual Ship Tours

Virtual tours inside cargo and crew spaces and engine rooms are part of MARAD's website.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/history/artifact-program/exhibits

A virtual tour of the NS Savannah, the world's first nuclear-powered merchant ship, which was launched in 1959 as part of the Atoms for Peace Program, is available online.

https://maritime.org/tour/savannah

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590

202-366-9550
888-327-4236
http://www.nhtsa.gov

ADMINISTRATORSteven Cliff, Acting
Deputy Administrator(vacancy)
Executive DirectorJack Danielson
https://www.nhtsa.gov/about-nhtsa/nhtsa-leadership

The above list of key personnel was updated 9–2021.

The above list of key personnel was updated 9–2021.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was established by the Highway Safety Act of 1970 (23 U.S.C. 401 note) to reduce the number of deaths, injuries, and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes on the Nation's highways.

The Administration administers motor vehicle and related equipment safety performance programs; co-administers the State and community highway safety program; regulates the Corporate Average Fuel Economy program; issues Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that prescribe safety features and levels of safety-related performance for vehicles and vehicular equipment; rates the safety of passenger vehicles in the New Car Assessment Program; monitors and participates in international vehicle safety forums to harmonize the FMVSS where appropriate; investigates and prosecutes odometer fraud; administers the National Driver Register Program; conducts studies and operates programs to reduce economic losses in motor vehicle crashes and repairs; performs studies, conducts demonstration projects, and issues regulations requiring manufacturers to provide motor vehicle consumer information; promotes programs to reduce impaired driving, to reduce risky driver behaviors, and to increase seat belt use; and issues theft prevention standards for passenger motor vehicles.

Activities

Research and Program Development

The Administration helps develop motor vehicle and highway safety program standards. It analyzes data and researches, develops, tests, and evaluates motor vehicles, motor vehicle equipment, and advanced technologies, and it collects and analyzes crash data. NHTSA activities are broad in scope with respect to safety: The Administration encourages industry to adopt advanced motor vehicle safety designs, increases public awareness of safety issues, and provides a base for vehicle safety information.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Research

Regional Operations and Program Delivery

The NHTSA administers State highway safety grant programs that the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users authorized. The Highway Safety formula grant program provides funds to States, Indian nations, and the territories each year to support safety programs, particularly in the following priority areas: data and traffic records, emergency medical services, impaired driving, motorcycle safety, occupant protection, pedestrian and bicycle safety, police traffic services, roadway safety, and speed control. Incentive grants are also used to encourage States to implement effective data improvement, impaired driving, motorcycle safety, and occupant protection programs.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/highway-safety-grants-program

Rulemaking

The Administration issues FMVSS that prescribe safety features and levels of safety-related performance for vehicles and vehicular equipment. The Administration participates in the United Nations World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29). It also oversees the New Car Assessment Program and the Government's Five Star Safety Rating Program, which evaluates the safety performance of light trucks, passenger cars, vans, and child seats (https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings). These evaluations are highly publicized—star ratings must be visible on the price labels of new vehicles. The Administration also educates consumers on topics such as driving while distracted, as well as the proper use of vehicle safety features and child restraint seats. To promote fuel economy, it manages a program establishing and revising fleet average fuel economy standards for passenger car and light truck manufacturers (https://www.nhtsa.gov/laws-regulations/corporate-average-fuel-economy). The Administration also runs an antitheft program. Under this program the NHTSA issues rules requiring that certain passenger motor vehicles meet parts-marking requirements, and it calculates and publishes annual motor vehicle theft rates.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/laws-regulations

Enforcement

The Administration's Office of Enforcement assures that all new vehicles sold in the U.S. meet applicable FMVSS. Under its compliance program, the Office conducts random tests and collects consumer complaints to identify and investigate problems with motor vehicles and vehicular equipment. If a vehicle or equipment suffers from a safety-related defect or does not meet all applicable FMVSS, the Office seeks a recall, which requires manufacturers to notify owners and to remedy the defect free of charge. The Office monitors recalls to ensure that owners are notified in a timely manner and that the scope of the recall and the remedy are adequate. The Office also assures that all motor vehicles subject to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations meet their respective targets, and it enforces violations of Federal odometer fraud regulations by criminally prosecuting offenders.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

National Center for Statistics and Analysis

The NHTSA maintains a collection of scientific and technical information on motor vehicle safety. It also operates the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, whose activities include the development and maintenance of national highway-crash data collection systems and related statistical and economic analyses. The public and the private sector and universities and Federal, State, and local agencies rely on these motor vehicle safety information resources for documentation.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/research-data/national-center-statistics-and-analysis-ncsa

Communications and Consumer Information

The Office of Communications and Consumer Information develops, directs, and implements communication strategies based on NHTSA policy and programs, including campaigns to support high visibility enforcement efforts. It promotes safety messages for NHTSA vehicle-related issues. The Office also manages NHTSA Web sites and the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline. Information received from calls to the hotline forms the basis of investigations, which can lead to recalls if safety-related defects are identified.

http://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/ciot

Sources of Information

Car Seats

A car seat glossary is available on the Parents Central Web site.

http://www.safercar.gov/parents/CarSeats/Car-Seat-Glossary-of-Terms.htm?view=full

The car seat finder is an online tool that uses date of birth, height, and weight to find a car seat type that properly fits a child.

http://www.safercar.gov/cpsApp/crs/index.htm

Career Opportunities

Information on job openings is available on the "Jobs at NHTSA" Web page.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Jobs

In 2016, the NHTSA ranked 290th among 305 agency subcomponents in the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places To Work Agency Rankings.

http://bestplacestowork.org/BPTW/rankings/detail/TD10

Data

The NHTSA posts factsheets, reports, research notes, statistics, and studies on its Web site.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/research-data

Driving Safety

The NHTSA Web site features a trove of safety information and resources. Disabled, older, and teen drivers, as well as motorcyclists and others can find Web pages dedicated to improving their driving habits and addressing their safety needs.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving-Safety

Events

The NHTSA hosts meetings and forums to explore new approaches to highway safety. Information and materials from these event are available online.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/events

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The NHTSA is required to disclose records that are properly requested in writing by any person. A Government agency may withhold information pursuant to one or more of nine exemptions and three exclusions contained in the FOIA. The act applies only to Federal agencies and does not give a right of access to records held by Congress, the courts, State or local government agencies, and private entities.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/about-nhtsa/foia

The NHTSA maintains an electronic reading room. Before submitting a FOIA request, an information seeker should search for the desired document or record in the reading room to determine whether it may be available immediately, without charge. The NHTSA also operates a service center for answering FOIA-related questions. Phone, 202-366-2870.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/about-nhtsa/electronic-reading-room

News

The NHTSA posts press releases on its Web site.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/About-NHTSA/Press-Releases

The NHTSA posts speeches, press events, and testimonies on its Web site.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/speeches-presentations

Publications

The NHTSA disseminates information on traffic safety programs in "Traffic Techs." The publication, starting with the year 1995, is available online. Staring with the years 2005 and 2006, "Traffic Techs" becomes available in Portable Document Format (PDF).

http://www.nhtsa.gov/About-NHTSA/Traffic-Techs | Email: TrafficTech@dot.gov

Recalls

The Recalls Spotlight monitors high-profile recalls and provides resources finding and addressing vehicle recalls.

http://www.safercar.gov/rs/index.html

The NHTSA's Web site features a search tool that allows the user to enter a vehicle's identification number (VIN) to learn whether it has been repaired as part of a safety recall in the last 15 years.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues

Regional Offices

Contact information for the NHTSA's 10 regional offices is available on the "Regional Offices" Web page.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa/whatis/regions

Research

The Office of Vehicle Safety Research strategizes, plans, and implements research programs to reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries. The NHTSA's Web site contains a trove of information related to these programs.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Research

Resources for Parents

The Parents Central Web site features resources to help parents protect their children and educate them on car and road safety and becoming responsible drivers.

http://www.safercar.gov/parents/index.htm

Vehicle Safety

The NHTSA Web site features a trove of information on and resources for vehicle safety. Topics include defects and recalls, odometer fraud, theft protection, and tires.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle-Safety

To report suspected safety defects in vehicles, vehicle equipment, and child restraint seats, call the Vehicle Safety Hotline. English- and Spanish-speaking representatives are available on weekdays, excluding Federal holidays. Phone, 888-327-4236. TTY, 800-424-9153.

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint
https://www.nhtsa.gov/about-nhtsa/contact-us

For further information, contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Communications and Consumer Information, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Phone, 202-366-9550.

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590

202-366-4433
http://www.phmsa.dot.gov

ADMINISTRATOR(vacancy)
Deputy AdministratorTristan Brown
Executive DirectorHoward W. McMillan
https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/about/key-officials

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) was established on February 20, 2005. It is responsible for hazardous materials transportation and pipeline safety.

Hazardous Materials

The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety develops and issues regulations for the safe and secure transportation of hazardous materials by all modes, except bulk transportation by water. The regulations cover shipper and carrier operations, packaging and container specifications, and hazardous materials definitions. The Office provides training and outreach to help shippers and carriers meet hazardous material regulatory requirements. The Office enforces regulations other than those applicable to a single mode of transportation. It manages a fee-funded grant program to help States plan for hazardous materials emergencies and to assist them and Indian tribes with training for hazardous materials emergencies. The Office also maintains a national safety program to safeguard food and other products from contamination during motor or rail transportation.

http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/info-center | Email: phmsa.hm-infocenter@dot.gov

Pipelines

The Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) ensures the safety, security, and environmental protection of the Nation's pipeline transportation system. The Office establishes and enforces safety and environmental standards for pipeline transportation of gas and hazardous liquids. The Office analyzes data, educates and trains, promotes damage prevention, and conducts research and development for pipeline safety. Through OPS administered grants, States that voluntarily assume regulatory jurisdiction of pipelines can receive funding for up to 50 percent of the costs for their intrastate pipeline safety programs. OPS engineers inspect most interstate pipelines and other facilities not covered by State programs. In accordance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Office also approves and tests oil pipeline spill response plans.

http://phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline

Sources of Information

Business Opportunities

Information on the acquisition vehicles that the PHMSA uses to fulfill the requirements for goods and services of its program offices is available online.

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/about-phmsa/working-phmsa/phmsa-business-opportunities

Career Opportunities

The PHMSA relies on accident investigators, accountants, attorneys, auditors, budget analysts, economists, engineers, finance analysts, geographic information systems specialists, grant specialists, human resource specialists, information technology specialists, and other professionals to carry out its mission.

http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/careers

In 2020, the PHMSA ranked 322d among 411 agency subcomponents in the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places To Work Agency Rankings.

https://bestplacestowork.org/rankings/detail/?c=TD16

Data / Statistics

The Office of Pipeline Safety makes available data on federally regulated and State regulated natural gas pipelines, hazardous liquid pipelines, and liquefied natural gas plants. The operators of these pipeline facilities report this data in accordance with PHMSA pipeline safety regulations. The PHMSA provides downloads of the raw data, yearly summaries, multiyear trends of safety performance metrics, and inventories tracking the removal of aging and other higher-risk infrastructure.

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/data-and-statistics/pipeline/data-and-statistics-overview

Environmental Justice

The PHMSA website provides information for promoting environmental justice and ensuring nondiscrimination in communities.

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/about-phmsa/civil-rights/environmental-justice

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The FOIA establishes the public's right to obtain information from Federal Government agencies. Any person may file a FOIA request, including citizens and foreign nationals, as well as associations, organizations, and universities.

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/foia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The PHMSA posts answers to FAQs on its website.

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/about-phmsa/phmsa-faqs

Glossaries

The PHMSA website has an inspection activity glossary.

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline/inspections/inspection-activity-glossary

The PHMSA has posted a list of definitions that are associated with safe travel.

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/safe-travel/definitions

Hazardous Materials

The Hazardous Materials Information Center can provide assistance with applying the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR Parts 100–185), can provide information on hazardous materials transportation and rulemakings, receives reports of violations of the hazardous materials regulations, can provide copies of recent Federal Register publications or Department of Transportation special permits, can provide copies of training materials, and receives requests for formal letters of interpretation.

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/standards-rulemaking/hazmat/hazardous-materials-information-center | Email: phmsa.hm-infocenter@dot.gov

History

Millions of miles of transportation pipelines deliver the energy products that the American public uses to keep homes and businesses running. While rare, pipeline incidents can be fatal and cost millions of dollars in property damage. The Office of Pipeline Safety participated in the investigations of major pipeline incidents in San Bruno, CA; Allentown, PA; and Marshall, MI. In its commitment to safety awareness and outreach, the Office offers a historical look at high-profile pipeline incidents.

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/safety-awareness/pipeline/historical-pipeline-incidents

Library

The resources library contains an accessible collection of public documents related to the safe transport of hazardous materials.

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/resources

Mapping System

The National Pipeline Mapping System public map viewer is a Web-based application designed to assist the general public with displaying and querying data related to gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines, liquefied natural gas plants, and breakout tanks under the jurisdiction of the PHMSA.

https://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/Default.aspx

Newsroom

The PHMSA posts news items online.

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/newsroom