United States Department of Transportation

The U.S. DOT Volpe Center in Cambridge, MA at dusk - Dave Burk © SOM

The John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

As part of U.S. DOT, our mission is to improve the nation’s transportation system by anticipating emerging issues and advancing technical, operational, and institutional innovations for the public good (Photo: Dave Burk © SOM)

About Us

For more than 50 years, the U.S. DOT Volpe Center has been advancing transportation innovation for the public good. As the National Transportation Systems Center, our mission is to help the transportation community navigate its most challenging problems.

Our Work

Image shows large ship carrying shipping containers on the open waterway.

The U.S. DOT Volpe Center assembled a team of operation research analysts, maritime experts, geographic information system (GIS) specialists, economists, and more to support MARAD’s report to Congress.

Report on Opportunities for Maritime Highway Transportation

Image shows airplane in sunset.

Learn how IT and aviation specialists from the U.S. DOT Volpe Center helped FAA develop and enhance a custom mobile application to provide real-time data to safety inspectors.

Modernizing Aviation Safety by Building a Safety Assurance System (SAS) Mobile Application for FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs)

Image shows maritime woman with binoculars.

Read how the U.S. DOT Volpe Center assisted MARAD with strengthening the nation's maritime industry by developing a plan to strengthen the maritime workforce.

Development of a Mariner Workforce Strategic Plan

Stay Informed

Sign up for our e-newsletter to find out what's next in transportation innovations and developments.

Publications

News

cover art from Annual Review: January 2025

Read on to learn about our Annual Review, which highlights our best work of 2024 and illustrates the sustained impact the U.S. DOT Volpe Center and its workforce has on advancing innovation for the public good

What's New at the U.S. DOT Volpe Center: January 2025

Image shows TRB Annual Meeting graphic January 5 through 9.

U.S. DOT Volpe Center experts will be participating in the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting, January 5-9, 2025 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.   

U.S. DOT Volpe Center at 2025 TRB Annual Meeting

Longfellow Bridge from Cambridge to Boston, down the street from the U.S. DOT Volpe Center

Read on for some recent U.S. DOT Volpe Center project highlights—along with the latest news from around the U.S. DOT Volpe Center.

What’s New at the U.S. DOT Volpe Center – December 2024

Image shows ship with shipping containers.

The U.S. DOT Volpe Center assembled a team of operation research analysts, maritime experts, geographic information system (GIS) specialists, and more to support MARAD’s report to Congress.

Report on Opportunities for Maritime Highway Transportation

Image shows woman with binoculars overlooking the sea.

Read how the U.S. DOT Volpe Center assisted MARAD with strengthening the nation's maritime industry by developing a plan to strengthen the maritime workforce.

Development of a Mariner Workforce Strategic Plan

Resources for...