Began in April 1967. Their 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”. DOT's web site is http: //www.dot.gov/. Additional Info: DOT has eleven operating administrations, many of which deal with labeling, classification and handling of hazardous materials. These agencies include: (1) Bureau of Transportation Statistics; (2) Federal Aviation Administration; (3) Federal Highway Administration; (4) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; (5) Federal Railroad Administration; (6) Federal Transit Administration; (7) Maritime Administration; (8) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; (9) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration; (10) Research and Special Programs Administration (RITA); (11) Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; (12) Surface Transportation Board. MSDS Relevance: Many of DOT's regulations parallel or further define OSHA regulations regarding health and safety in the workplace. A terrific summary of these is available from DOT on their web page titled How to Comply With Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations. This document is a must-read for anyone who is shipping or transporting hazardous materials. DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations apply to the following (See: 49 CFR 171.1(a)): (1) The offering of hazardous materials for transportation and transportation of hazardous materials in interstate, intrastate, and foreign commerce by rail car, aircraft, motor vehicle, and vessel. (2) The representation that a hazardous material is present in a package, container, rail car, aircraft, motor vehicle, or vessel. (3) The use of terms and symbols prescribed in 49 CFR 171.1(a) for the marking, labeling, placarding and description of hazardous materials and packagings used in their transport. See also: OSHA, UN and NA Numbers