Which agency is responsible for administering DOT certifications?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency responsible for administering DOT certifications. The FMCSA's primary mission is to ensure the safety of commercial motor vehicles and their drivers. This includes overseeing the certification processes necessary for various operations that involve commercial transportation, such as those related to trucking and public transportation.

This agency develops regulations and guidelines to ensure that drivers and companies adhere to safety standards, promoting overall safety on the nation's highways. The FMCSA provides certification for drivers such as Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) and ensures compliance with federal safety regulations, making its role crucial in maintaining industry standards.

Other agencies mentioned in the options play different roles within the transportation sector. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration focuses more on vehicle safety standards and consumer protection. The Department of Transportation Services does not administer DOT certifications specifically and is more of a general term that could refer to various state and local transportation agencies. The Surface Transportation Board primarily oversees economic regulation of various modes of transport rather than safety certification.