Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning trucking, rail, and shipping, ports, cargo terminals, international and interprovincial logistics. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Freight & Ports? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Aviation and Oil & Gas.

Dates: 2025-08-03 to 2025-08-09

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Expiry Review on Ukrainian Steel Plate

On August 5, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal began an expiry review of its November 2020 order on hot‑rolled carbon steel plate and high‑strength low‑alloy steel plate imported from Ukraine. The Tribunal will determine whether the expiration of this order may result in the resumption or continuation of dumping, potentially causing injury to Canada’s domestic industry. The CBSA is set to deliver a finding on the likelihood of resumed dumping by January 2, 2026, followed by the Tribunal's decision regarding injury by June 11, 2026 if dumping is anticipated. Stakeholders interested in participating can file Form I—Notice of Participation. The Tribunal manages complaints and reviews concerning dumped imports, procurement, and tariff rulings, and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Finance.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Consultation Opens for Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act

On August 7, the Government of Canada initiated industry and stakeholder consultations aimed at developing regulations for the forthcoming Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act. This initiative is intended to lower federal obstacles to interprovincial trade and labour movement by recognizing the equivalency of regulatory requirements among provinces and territories. The process seeks input from businesses, industry, and labour representatives regarding the requirements that qualify federal regulations as comparable to provincial or territorial ones, and potential exceptions to maintain essential protections. Final regulations are scheduled for release in autumn 2025, and will operationalize the Act.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Interim Order Expands LNG Carrier Pilotage Requirements in Pacific Region

The Minister of Transport issued an Interim Order on July 31, 2025, to address urgent safety concerns in Area 4 of the Pacific Pilotage Authority Region. Effective August 9, the order extends the compulsory pilotage area to include new coordinates mapped in the interim regulation, but restricts compulsory pilotage within the extended area to liquid natural gas carriers only. This measure, made under the Pilotage Act, is intended to mitigate risks to safety, human health, or the environment. Details of the new boundaries and requirements were published in Canada Gazette, Part I.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca, Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

CBSA Seizes 197 kg of Cocaine at Blue Water Bridge Border Crossing

On August 7, CBSA announced the seizure of 197 kg of cocaine from a commercial truck entering Canada from the US at the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward, Ontario. This shipment, valued at $24.6 million, was found during a secondary inspection, resulting in the arrest and charge of Onkar Kalsi for importation and possession for the purpose of trafficking. From January to July, CBSA intercepted 1,164 kg of cocaine from US sources and 514 kg from other origins. The investigation is ongoing and highlights continuing efforts to secure the freight transport corridor.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Releases June Trade Data: Merchandise Exports Rise, Imports Outpace

Statistics Canada reported that, in June 2025, Canadian merchandise imports grew by 1.4% while exports increased by 0.9%. This trade shift widened the monthly trade deficit from $5.5 billion in May to $5.9 billion in June. These results provide relevant context for freight and port stakeholders tracking movements of goods and adjusting logistics plans in response to changing trade balances.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canada Invests $2.5 Million in Ottawa-Based Carbon Capture Project

Natural Resources Canada announced a $2.5 million investment in TerraFixing to advance direct air capture technology suitable for cold climates. The project features structured zeolite beds designed for efficient CO2 removal, targeting a 1,000-tonne-per-year modular unit that fits inside a shipping container at projected costs under $100/tonne at large scale. The federal funding comes via the Energy Innovation Program, and the initiative could have implications for shipping container retrofits or new applications in logistics and cold storage infrastructure.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Foreign Post Indexes Released for August

August's Canadian foreign post indexes have been published by Statistics Canada. These data sets inform international freight rates and postal adjustment calculations for shipments originating from or destined to foreign posts.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Minister Olszewski Authorizes Federal Resources to Counter Newfoundland and Labrador Wildfires

On August 7, Minister Eleanor Olszewski approved a Request for Federal Assistance from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to tackle severe wildfires threatening infrastructure and requiring evacuations. The federal response includes aircraft support, firefighters, logistics personnel, and transport of essential goods. Coordination is ongoing with the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard to reinforce local capabilities and maintain transport routes for emergency supplies.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Ministerial Condition on Environmental Handling of Mining Flotation Reagent Components

Ministerial Condition No. 22175 under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act took effect July 28, 2025. It requires notifiers and handlers of a specific chemical substance used in mining flotation reagents to ensure that transport containers are properly rinsed and wastes disposed of at hazardous landfill facilities according to local laws. Detailed recordkeeping is mandated for all transfers, disposals, and incidents involving environmental release.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

US Federal GR News

Worldwide Nexus Logistics Files Complaint Against Wallenius Wilhelmsen with Federal Maritime Commission

A notice dated August 5 announced that Worldwide Nexus Logistics, LLC has filed a complaint against Wallenius Wilhelmsen with the Federal Maritime Commission alleging a violation of 46 U.S.C. 41102(c) over failures in documentation submission and settlement withdrawal regarding contracted shipments. The Commission has assigned the proceeding to its Office of Administrative Law Judges, with an initial decision due August 1, 2026 and the final decision by February 16, 2027. This case may affect practices in cross-border vessel documentation and dispute resolution.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

USITC Seeks Submissions on Exclusion Order for Storage Containers and Toolboxes

On August 7, the U.S. International Trade Commission issued a request for public submissions concerning Investigation No. 337-TA-1409. The Commission is considering a limited exclusion order and cease and desist order against Klein Tools, Inc. for certain storage containers, toolboxes, organizers, component boxes, and coolers. Interested parties, including industry players and agencies, have until September 2 to address public health, consumer impact, competitive conditions, and potential effects on domestic manufacturing and product availability.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

FRA Proposes Information Collection on Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Hotline

On August 8, the US Federal Railroad Administration issued a notice for public comment on renewing the information collection system related to telephonic emergency notification for unsafe highway-rail and pathway grade crossing conditions. The updated estimate raises annual burden hours from 13,649 to 22,385, driven by sign maintenance and response rates, which affects 607 railroads and covers roughly 400,000 crossing signs nationally. The program ensures prompt reporting and action on unsafe crossings, with annual reports reaching about 187,200 responses.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

FRA Seeks Comment on State Safety Participation and Remedial Actions Reporting

FRA has posted a 60-day PRA notice seeking feedback on paperwork requirements related to State railroad safety participation programs and remedial action reporting. Total reporting burden is reduced, now estimated at 9,851 hours annually for 34 participating states and 745 railroads, covering documents such as inspection reports, violation filings, and completion of remedial actions after inspector notification.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

FRA Issues Notice on Locomotive Horn Use Data Collection at Rail Crossings

The Federal Railroad Administration is inviting comment on its revised collection, Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings, which saw annual burden hour adjustment from 7,253 to 7,232. The change follows updated requirements for electronic notifications and removal of certified mail rules. 754 railroads and 645 public authorities participate in this program, which impacts freight rail operations by defining horn use and quiet zone application standards.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Saskatchewan Launches Weekly Orange Zone Construction Update

The Ministry of Highways in Saskatchewan will provide a Weekly Orange Zone Construction Update each Friday, offering ongoing details about major highway projects intended to support freight movement and local traffic safety.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Saskatchewan Posts Record July Job Growth

As of August 8, Saskatchewan added 22,200 full-time jobs year over year for July, with the province registering the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 5.0%. Strong gains were seen in healthcare, construction, and finance.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Saskatchewan Invests Over $1 Million in Joint Municipal Projects

The Government of Saskatchewan committed more than $1 million through the Targeted Sector Support Initiative to fund 19 municipal joint projects focused on improving regional service delivery and infrastructure.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Service Road Project Supports Trucking near Prince Albert

The Ministry of Highways finalized a partnership with the RM of Prince Albert to co-fund the paving of a service road, enhancing truck routing options and safety at the intersection of Highway 2 and Elevator Road.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Saskatchewan Reports Stable Provincial Credit Ratings

Saskatchewan maintained the highest provincial credit rating among Canadian jurisdictions, reflecting consistent financial stability and ongoing investment in infrastructure.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Government Consultations

What We're Reading This Week

• Union Pacific Celebrates Its Newest Intermodal Terminal in Kansas City: Opening signals expanded rail freight connections in the Midwest.
• Sterling Logistics Properties Acquires Former Walmart Location in Fremont, CA for $32.6 Million: Real estate acquisition brings new warehouse capacity to Bay Area logistics.
• What US consumers can expect from new tariffs on imported goods: News item examines anticipated effects of latest US import tariffs.
• You’ve got mail? Canada Post issues ‘clarification’ about mailbox flags: Canada Post releases updated guidance for mailbox usage.
• International Product Change-Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International & First-Class Package International Service Agreements: USPS seeks to add new international product contracts to its competitive list.
• Product Change-Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements: USPS files multiple domestic negotiated shipping contracts for Commission approval.
• New Postal Products: Commission reviews USPS filings on new priority mail and ground advantage service agreements.
• New Postal Products: Public comment invited on proposed Priority Mail negotiated service agreements.
• Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V SUNBELLE: Maritime Administration seeks comments on vessel eligibility for coastwise trade.
• Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V YAMUY: Maritime Administration invites input on a foreign-built vessel's proposed coastwise service.

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