The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is a unit of the National Research Council, the principal operating agency of the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering. The purpose of TRB is to bring together scientific and technical information to bear on transportation problems by encouraging and conducting research, and disseminating information.

The major functions of TRB are accomplished through the voluntary efforts of individuals through TRB committees, supported by TRB staff. These functions are to:

• Identify research needs and resources
• Stimulate research efforts
• Provide for the exchange of concepts and techniques
• Encourage reporting, evaluating, synthesis and interpretation of research findings
• Provide for publication of research findings
• Promote coordination of national research efforts
• Encourage the dissemination and application of knowledge.