Which governmental agency regulates interstate shipment of materials and sets related rules?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the governmental agency responsible for regulating interstate shipment of materials. This includes the creation and enforcement of rules and regulations concerning the safe transport of hazardous and non-hazardous materials across state lines. The DOT oversees several modes of transportation, including trucking, rail, air, and maritime transport, ensuring compliance with safety provisions and environmental standards.

In the context of shipping materials, the DOT sets guidelines that carriers must follow to minimize risks during transportation, which includes packaging requirements, labeling, and documentation. These regulations are essential for maintaining public safety and environmental protection during the movement of goods and materials.

Other agencies have specific regulatory roles that do not focus primarily on interstate shipment. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates environmental protection matters, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration focuses on workplace safety and health, and the Federal Aviation Administration governs civil aviation safety, which includes regulations pertinent to air transport but not to the broader context of interstate material shipment.