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: 2025-09-28 to 2025-10-04

📋 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 Extends Duties on Aluminum Extrusions from China

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has extended, with modifications, its order concerning anti-dumping and subsidizing of certain aluminum extrusions imported from China. The Tribunal determined that letting the previous order lapse would likely result in injury to domestic producers. As a result, Canada Border Services Agency will continue applying anti-dumping and countervailing duties on these imports. The Tribunal cited sustained risks to Canadian manufacturers, as well as the practice of subsidization and dumping activity by Chinese exporters. The Tribunal's decision establishes ongoing tariff protection for Canadian industry participants engaged in manufacturing or using aluminum extrusions in production and supply chains. The order was initially made in January 2020 as a result of an expiry review (RR-2018-008) and, following this most recent review, remains in force. The Tribunal operates independently and its conclusions, impacting trade relations with China, are communicated through the Minister of Finance.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Defence Investment Agency Set to Modernize Canadian Procurement

Public Services and Procurement Canada announced further details of the new Defence Investment Agency, a Special Operating Agency to be led by the Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), Stephen Fuhr, with Doug Guzman as CEO. The Agency’s role will focus on consolidating expertise across government, reducing administrative overhead, and delivering defence and Coast Guard equipment acquisitions at an accelerated pace. Integrated procurement teams will be sourced from departments including National Defence and ISED, with a mandate to engage early with industry partners. This initial phase, beginning fall 2025, will establish internal processes and coordinate with industry to validate new acquisition models. Both the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, and the Minister of National Defence are expected to benefit from improved procurement advice and operational alignment. The Agency will be central to future procurements affecting the Canadian Armed Forces and Coast Guard, including in maritime and security sectors.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Atlantic Canada Firms Present at DEFSEC 2025

Atlantic Canadian aerospace and defence firms were among the major participants at DEFSEC Atlantic 2025 in Halifax, drawing roughly 2,000 attendees from government, military, and the private sector. The conference offered companies access to domestic and international procurement decision-makers, NATO DIANA, and established global contractors. Innovation in areas such as advanced naval systems and AI-based threat detection figured in Atlantic Canada’s regional profile. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency underscored the conference’s role in amplifying participation in global supply chains and supporting jobs in the region, through leveraging the Industrial and Technological Benefits policy. Government support is focused on expanding production, advanced manufacturing, and helping firms access export markets. The event is a fixture for firms involved in defence supply chains and dual-use technologies, including those linked to navy fleet renewal and port security.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CBSA Windsor Smuggling Investigation Results in Firearm Seizure

A Canada Border Services Agency investigation led to the arrest of a Windsor, Ontario resident and the seizure of 48 firearms, 30 auto sears for converting semi-automatic firearms, and 17,000 rounds of ammunition. Officers intercepted multiple parcels from the United States, triggering an investigation culminating in a July 17 search and multiple charges under the Customs Act and Criminal Code. The effort involved coordination between CBSA’s Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team and Windsor Police Emergency Services. The targeted imports included a range of firearms parts and prohibited devices, some of which could be used in the illegal production or modification of firearms. The case drew attention to the role of CBSA enforcement relating to cross-border shipments, parcel inspections, and customs processes at freight terminals and border crossings.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases September Freight Rail and Courier Services Price Indices

Statistics Canada made available the September 2025 data update for the Freight Rail Services Price Index (2018=100). For August, the agency released the Couriers and Messengers Services Price Index (2019=100). These indices track pricing changes over time for services related to rail freight and parcel/courier shipment—informing operators, shippers, and logistics service providers of price trends in key transportation modes. The indices offer monthly performance benchmarks used in tracking operating cost movements, supply chain contracts, and sectoral inflation adjustments.

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

Commercial and Industrial Equipment Rental Price Index, Q2 2025

The Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing Services Price Index (2020=100) for the second quarter of 2025 has been published by Statistics Canada. The index addresses pricing patterns in fleet management, container leasing, equipment rental, and related operational costs tied to freight infrastructure and terminal operations. Logistics operators can reference this data for contract adjustments, cost benchmarking, and budgeting related to rental and leased equipment.

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

Canadian Foreign Post Indexes for October 2025 Released

Statistics Canada released updated Canadian foreign post indexes for October 2025. These indexes quantify currency exchange rate adjustments for international postal transactions and may affect pricing structures for cross-border parcel and mail delivery, settlement with foreign postal operators, and shipping costs for international mail streams.

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

US Federal GR News

Surface Transportation Board Proposes Changes to Class I Rail Carrier Reporting

The Surface Transportation Board issued a proposed rulemaking on September 30, 2025, to terminate supplemental Positive Train Control (PTC) expenditure reporting requirements for Class I railroads and to introduce weekly reporting of two new service metrics: original estimated time of arrival (OETA) and industry spot and pull (ISP). The Board cited full implementation of PTC and diminishing utility of continued module-specific reporting. The proposal would require Class I carriers to submit systemwide metrics on on-time deliveries and car placements or pick-ups. These measures are intended to provide greater transparency on rail service reliability, covering manifest traffic but excluding unit train and intermodal movements. Stakeholder comments are due by October 30, 2025, with implementation details and workload burden estimates included.

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

President Trump Announces Section 232 Tariffs on Timber and Wood Products

President Donald J. Trump issued a Proclamation invoking Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, imposing tariffs on timber, softwood lumber, and derivative products. Effective immediately, the action places a 10% global tariff on softwood lumber and higher tariffs—25% for upholstered furniture and kitchen cabinets, increasing to 30% and 50% respectively in 2026—on select imports. The Proclamation allows more favorable terms for trading partners such as the UK, EU, and Japan. The decision follows a Commerce Department finding that reliance on imported wood products is detrimental to U.S. national security, defense capabilities, and industry sustainability. Domestic supply chain security and self-sufficiency are cited as strategic priorities for the U.S. lumber sector.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

CBP Seeks Comments on Multiple Information Collections Affecting Maritime and Border Operations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection published several notices requesting comments on renewals or extensions of information collections that impact vessel entry, repair, and equipment purchase documentation (Form 226), certification for international cargo containers and vehicles under customs seal, reporting on vessel diversions (Form 26), unlading and lading overtime service permits (Form 3171), and country of origin marking requirements for containers and holders under Section 304 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Each collection is open for public comment until late November. These collections record port activity, equipment and repair expenditures in foreign ports, container/vehicle certification for international trade, compliance with traffic patterns, and import labeling responsibilities. The agency emphasizes maintaining compliance with international conventions and customs regulations in commercial operations.

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

US Maritime Administration Issues Survey Renewal Notices for Seamen's Claims and Mariner Preparedness

The Maritime Administration is seeking comments on two information collection renewals: one evaluating injury claims by seamen on government-owned vessels (OMB 2133-0522), and another surveying merchant mariners participating in military support exercises (renamed the Mariner PrepEx Survey). The data inform the processing of injury-related claims under 46 CFR part 327 and assess the training, readiness, and willingness of merchant mariners for the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) program. Annual burdens are estimated at 188 and 146 hours respectively, with comment periods open until December 1, 2025. Both surveys support MARAD’s operational capacity planning and preparedness for national emergency shipping requirements.

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

US Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) and Trade Compliance Comments Sought

CBP has requested public feedback regarding its planned reinstatement and expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) and Trade Compliance information collection (OMB 1651-0077). CTPAT, which involves both U.S. and Canadian stakeholders, gathers security and trade compliance data from importers, exporters, brokers, and carriers—with new elements including third-party logistics provider participation under a new pilot authorized by the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Pilot Program Act of 2023. The annual reporting burden for CTPAT is estimated at 15,400 hours for applications, plus additional requirements for compliance notices. The notice remains open for comment through December 1, 2025.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Closes Non-Compliant Trucking Companies and Training Schools

Alberta announced enforcement actions against unsafe trucking companies and driver training schools, citing closures, penalties exceeding $100,000, and the removal of 13 carriers for regulatory violations. Initiatives address training standards and cross-jurisdictional data gaps.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Ensures Critical Mail Availability During Postal Disruption

Manitoba will route critical government mail—such as cheques, court orders, and medical supplies—to designated distribution centres during ongoing postal service disruptions.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

Nova Scotia Implements Plan for High-Priority Provincial Mail in Postal Strike

Nova Scotia’s Access Nova Scotia centres will serve as drop-off and pick-up points for essential provincial correspondence during the Canada Post strike, with services commencing October 2 and expanding on October 14.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario Metal Distributor Fined Following Warehouse Injury

Fidelity PAC Metals Ltd. was fined $60,000 after a worker was injured in a Milton, Ontario warehouse, with an investigation finding improper storage and inadequate safety measures in metal rod inventory management.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Saskatchewan Ministries Respond to Ongoing Postal Service Disruptions

Government of Saskatchewan agencies continue to address disruptions in postal service, providing multilingual resources and guidance for individuals requiring alternative access to government information.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Government Consultations

CBSA Seeks Input on Customs Broker Business Number Use for Importer of Record Changes

The Canada Border Services Agency launched a consultation regarding regulatory changes allowing customs brokers to use their business number for accounting declarations when importers are not registered in the CARM system. Feedback is open through October 31.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Bollinger Innovations Signs Agreement with Ariel Fleet Holdings to Provide FedEx ISPs, Advanced Logistics Systems and Springbok Holdings with 34 Commercial EVs for Last Mile Deliveries: 34 commercial EVs will join FedEx Ground's last-mile operations through a new supplier agreement.
• DP World Expands Logistics Footprint in Brazil with New Freight Forwarding Office in Porto Alegre: DP World opens a freight forwarding office in Porto Alegre to extend its reach in Brazil.
• Canada Post is on strike again, GDP rebounds after three-month decline and Trump’s new wave of tariffs: Must-read business and investing stories: National media round-up covers Canada Post labour actions and implications for the broader economy.
• The Port of Montreal’s Contrecoeur expansion: an economic muscle and a ‘dangerous game’: CBC reports on economic ambitions and stakeholder concerns surrounding the Port of Montreal’s Contrecoeur terminal expansion.
• Manitoba potash producer signs partnership with Churchill port operator: Coverage of a new partnership between a Manitoba potash producer and the operator of the Port of Churchill.
• Aptean Unveils AI-Powered Next Gen Routing and Scheduling Solution: Transforming Transportation and Logistics Operations: Aptean launches a new AI routing platform for transportation and freight operators.

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