On April 1, 1967, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) officially began operations. The department was created to coordinate national transportation policy across highways, railroads, aviation, and maritime activity. Before DOT, many of these responsibilities were scattered across separate agencies. Centralizing them made it easier to plan large-scale infrastructure projects and safety programs. Over time, the department has overseen major initiatives in interstate highways, aviation safety, and public transit. Its work continues to shape how people and goods move across the country.
