All About the DOT

By Rose Kreller of Medi-WasteDisposal

The US Department of Transportation(US DOT or DOT) is a federal cabinet department of the US government concerned with transportation. It was established by Congress on October 15, 1966. It is governed by the US Secretary of Transportation.

The DOT’s mission is to serve the US by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.

Prior to the DOT, these functions were administered by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Transportation. In 1965, it was suggested to President Lyndon B. Johnson that transportation be elevated to a cabinet level post.

Various agencies are within the DOT including Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, just to name a few.

The DOT’s budget funds various entities including light and heavy rail projects, commuter rails, subways, and transit projects. The budget for fiscal year 2014 for the DOT was $77.2 billion.

How does the DOT affect our daily lives?

• It governs all highway structure and infrastructure as well as motor carriers hauling materials on those highways, ensuring safety and compliance.
• It also oversees pipeline transportation and shipment of materials, some of which are hazardous.
• All shipments from waterborne transportation, rail transportation, and aviation fall under the DOT.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505
medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com