The Department of Transportation (DOT) was founded on April 1, 1967, by President London B. Johnson to ensure a fast, safe, accessible, and convenient system of traveling that meets the nation's interest and enhances the quality of life of the American people.

The current head of the DOT is, secretary and president's cabinet, Elaine Chao. Her job is to oversee the operating administrations of the department and coordinate policies to provide an efficient and economical national transportation system. 

Representatives are appointed by the President with confirmation by the Senate through the Appointments Clause in section 2, clause 2 of the Constitution.

The DOT is the federal government's lead agency for planning and support of the nation's land, air, and sea-based travel systems. It develops and enforces federal regulations governing use of roads, highways, airports, air corridors, railways and seaports, with an annual budgets of $3.72 billion.

Organizations under the DOT include the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration.

The mission of the U.S. DOT is to ensure our nation has the safest, most efficient and modern transportation in the world. This will improve the quality of life of the people and communities and also increase productivity and competitiveness of the America businesses.