<Tr> <Th> Website </Th> <Td> www.transportation.gov </Td> </Tr> <P> The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT or DOT) is a federal Cabinet department of the U.S. government concerned with transportation . It was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966, and began operation on April 1, 1967 . It is governed by the United States Secretary of Transportation . </P> <P> Its mission is to "Serve the United States 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 ." </P> <P> Prior to the Department of Transportation, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Transportation administered the functions now associated with the DOT . In 1965, Najeeb Halaby, administrator of the Federal Aviation Agency--the future Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)--suggested to U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson that transportation be elevated to a cabinet - level post, and that the FAA be folded into the DOT . </P>

What is the purpose of a usdot number