DOT seeks panel members to advise on transportation reforms

‘High-level guidance’ needed to shape policy for potential $4T infrastructure overhaul

DOT needs advisers to help shape infrastructure and policy and investment strategies. (Photo: John Gallagher/FreightWaves)

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation is creating a 10-member advisory board to make policy and investment recommendations aimed at modernizing the country’s transportation infrastructure.

“With the American Society of Civil Engineers estimating that over $4 trillion is needed to improve U.S. infrastructure from a D rating to a B, the board’s expertise will be instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that drive safety, efficiency, resiliency, and long-term progress,” DOT stated in a notice published on Thursday.

According to the notice, “high-level guidance” provided by USDOT Advisory Board members will be dedicated in particular to:

  • Developing strategic recommendations for infrastructure modernization and expansion.
  • Identifying key investment opportunities in transportation technology and innovation.
  • Providing insights into regulatory and policy improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce bureaucratic obstacles.
  • Advising on public-private partnerships to maximize funding and impact.

The board, which will report to the secretary of transportation, is expected to meet virtually four times a year and will be up for renewal every two years. Members will serve two-year terms but may be reappointed. The administration wants to recruit industry leaders and experts across transportation sectors, including aviation, logistics, infrastructure, construction, finance and law.

Candidates for the panel will have until June 2 to either self-nominate or be nominated by an individual or organization.

To be considered, the following information for each candidate should be submitted:

  • Name, title and relevant contact information (including phone, fax and email address) of the individual requesting consideration.
  • A letter of support from a company, union, trade association, academic or nonprofit organization on letterhead containing a brief description why the nominee should be considered for membership.
  • Short biography of nominee including professional and academic credentials.
  • A statement affirming the nominee meets all committee eligibility requirements.

Additional information for submitting nominations can be found here.

Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher.

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Fraud & Security

Freight Fraud Symposium

Double brokering. AI deepfakes. Identity theft. Freight fraud is an existential threat to the industry. Get ahead of it.

May 20, 2026
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame • Cleveland, OH
Register Now
AI & Technology

Supply Chain AI Symposium

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

July 15, 2026
The Old Post Office • Chicago, IL
Register Now
Rail & Policy

Future of Rail Symposium

Reshoring is rewriting freight demand. Join shippers, rail executives, and government officials to shape the next decade.

July 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Fraud & Security Freight Fraud Symposium May 20 • Cleveland, OH

Double brokering. AI deepfakes. Identity theft. Freight fraud is an existential threat to the industry. Get ahead of it.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame • Cleveland, OH Register Now
AI & Technology Supply Chain AI Symposium Jul 15 • Chicago, IL

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

The Old Post Office • Chicago, IL Register Now
Rail & Policy Future of Rail Symposium Jul 28 • Chattanooga, TN

Reshoring is rewriting freight demand. Join shippers, rail executives, and government officials to shape the next decade.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now

John Gallagher

Based in Washington, D.C., John specializes in regulation and legislation affecting all sectors of freight transportation. He has covered rail, trucking and maritime issues since 1993 for a variety of publications based in the U.S. and the U.K. John began business reporting in 1993 at Broadcasting & Cable Magazine. He graduated from Florida State University majoring in English and business.