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: 2025-10-12 to 2025-10-18

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar

• Transport, Infrastructure and Communities: 'Changing Landscape of Truck Drivers in Canada' hearing set for October 21: Witnesses will include Harman Bhangu (MLA, BC), Arjun Vishwanth (Canada Truck Operators Association), Kim Richardson (Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada), Ritesh Kotak (Technology Analyst), Blaine Mitton (Mitton & Associates), and Shelley Spence (Ontario Auditor General). Meeting: October 21, 2025, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
• Public Safety and National Security: Canada-U.S. Border Management sessions scheduled for October 21 and October 23: October 21 session includes Thomas Boyle (Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority), Kenneth N. Bieger (Niagara Falls Bridge Commission), and Christian Leuprecht (Royal Military College). October 23 hears from Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Secretary of State Ruby Sahota, and senior CBSA/Public Safety officials. Times: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. both days.
• International Trade: Hearing on 'Canada and the Forthcoming CUSMA Review' scheduled for October 20: Witnesses include Barry Appleton (Professor), Lana Payne and Angelo DiCaro (Unifor), Vass Bednar (Canadian SHIELD Institute), Anna Zalik (York University), Brian Kingston (Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association), and Linda Hasenfratz (Linamar Corporation). Meeting: October 20, 2025, 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Canadian Federal GR News

Environment and Climate Change Canada fines Canacha Inc. for hazardous waste violations

Canacha Inc. has been ordered by the Court of Québec to pay $125,000 for failing to comply with an environmental protection compliance order under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. In 2022, enforcement officers intercepted several shipping containers at the ports of Montréal and Halifax, which were declared as paper bales for export to India but found to be contaminated with household waste. The company lacked required authorization, triggering an order to submit a detailed environmental management plan for export activities. Canacha Inc. did not comply by the September 2022 deadline, resulting in this conviction and inclusion in the Environmental Offenders Registry. The fine will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund. The government continues to enforce the prohibition of illegal transport of hazardous waste and recyclable materials. Industry operators involved in international shipments from Canadian ports will note enforcement activity involving CBSA and Environment officers at major terminals.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal: Anti-dumping duties imposed on PET imports from China and Pakistan

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal found injury caused by the dumping and subsidizing of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) originating in or exported from China and Pakistan. Anti-dumping and countervailing duties will henceforth be collected by the Canada Border Services Agency. Compagnie Alpek Polyester Canada initiated the complaint, indicating market pressure faced by domestic producers. Reasons for the finding will be formally released October 30, 2025. The Tribunal's decision affects tariff schedules and could shape procurement as PET is widely used for shipping and logistics packaging in Canada. Businesses handling freight packaging or sourcing PET products from affected countries will see changes to duty collection processes.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Border security events scheduled at Ambassador Bridge and Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle POE

Three senior government figures are scheduled to make announcements regarding border security and safety measures at major ports of entry. MP Arielle Kayabaga will be at the Ambassador Bridge port of entry in Windsor on October 17, 2025, joined by CBSA staff. Minister Gary Anandasangaree will be at another Southern Ontario port of entry, and Secretary of State Nathalie Provost will visit the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing in Quebec the same day. Media will have the opportunity to attend demonstrations of detector dogs and mobile X-ray equipment. These events signal official attention to the operational integrity and enforcement resources at critical trade gateways, affecting daily freight and passenger flows between Canada and the U.S.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada launches experimental Traffic Flow Dashboard in Calgary and Toronto

Statistics Canada has released the Traffic Flow Dashboard, providing experimental data visualizations covering selected road segments in Calgary and Toronto. The tool enables tracking of local segment-level traffic flows that may impact urban freight logistics and delivery operations in each city. Stakeholders moving road-based cargo through these metropolitan centres can access up-to-date traffic conditions and volume data as the dashboard develops, supplementing government datasets with near-real-time information.

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

Road motor vehicle registrations rise; continued growth in EV segment

Statistics Canada reports that total road motor vehicle registrations reached 26.8 million in 2024, a 4.2% increase over the previous year. Light-duty vehicles comprised 91.6% of the total, and the share of electric vehicles climbed from 3.9% in 2023 to 5.2%. These numbers track ongoing expansion in both general fleet size and electrification, a dynamic with potential downstream effects on delivery, trucking, fleet management, and supply chain operations.

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

US Federal GR News

White House declares 25% tariff on imported trucks, non-USMCA vehicles; Section 232 action targets national security risks

President Trump has signed a Section 232 proclamation imposing 25% tariffs on medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and key parts, and 10% on buses imported into the United States, effective November 1, 2025. Vehicles and parts from USMCA partners are exempt for U.S.-origin content, but tariffs apply to non-U.S. value. The proclamation includes mechanisms for offset programs and aims to stabilize domestic market share at 80%. These measures are a response to growing import penetration and supply chain dependency risks highlighted by Commerce Department findings. The tariffs are structured to align with prior Section 232 automotive tariffs and incorporate processes to prevent circumvention. Imports of medium and heavy vehicles, parts, and buses—not covered by USMCA compliance—will face higher duties, altering trade flows and cross-border supply dynamics.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov, White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

USTR modifies Section 301 action: 100% duties on Chinese STS cranes, intermodal chassis, cargo handling equipment

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has finalized further modifications to Section 301 trade measures targeting China's dominance in maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding. Tariffs of 100% will be imposed beginning November 9, 2025, on ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, certain intermodal chassis and chassis parts, and other select cargo handling equipment imported from China. Affected equipment includes rubber tire gantry and rail mounted gantry cranes, automatic stacking cranes, reachstackers, straddle carriers, terminal tractors, and top loaders, with proposed rates up to 150%. Operators of Maritime Security Program vessels are exempted until 2029. LNG licensing suspension provisions have been withdrawn. Product clarifications and comment periods were also announced. These measures specifically impact U.S. ports procuring Chinese-origin equipment and may affect Canadian and cross-border freight and terminal operations where U.S. assets interface with trade partners.

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

U.S. Postal Service files new shipping contract templates and competitive product changes

The U.S. Postal Service has submitted multiple filings to the Postal Regulatory Commission, seeking approval for new negotiated service agreements and products. Recent requests include Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and international service contracts. The updates introduce pricing templates for mid-market customers and revisions to product lists. Contracts are designed to enhance shipping options for both domestic and international customers, with mechanisms for tiered pricing and rolling quarter adjustments. No new customer requirements are indicated in the filings; public comments are solicited on several dockets.

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

CBP modifies National Customs Automation Program Test: electronic payment required for supplemental duty bills

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a change to its National Customs Automation Program's Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS) test: participants must transmit supplemental duty bill payments electronically via Automated Clearinghouse (ACH), effective December 15, 2025. Previously, underpayments could be settled by check. This operational update applies to importers and brokers participating in PMS and aims to consolidate payment processes for entries and reconciliations. Electronic procedures now cover both ACH Debit (with Pay.gov accounts) and ACH Credit payment methods. No changes are made to other test provisions apart from the required payment method for supplemental bills.

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

NMFS closes Atka mackerel fishery for trawl limited access vessels in Bering Sea/Eastern Aleutians

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced a temporary closure of directed Atka mackerel fishing for vessels in the trawl limited access sector in the Bering Sea and Eastern Aleutian District, effective October 9 to December 31, 2025. The closure is intended to prevent exceeding the 2025 TAC allocation of 3,386 metric tons. During the closure, retainable amounts for other species remain as stipulated under existing federal regulations. The closure is a regulatory reaction to catch data and impacts vessel operations in the region's groundfish sector.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Government of British Columbia addresses service continuity amid ongoing postal and public sector strike

The provincial government in British Columbia confirms steps to maintain disability and income assistance distribution during postal and BCGEU strike actions. Payments continue mainly via direct deposit, though cheque delivery may see delays.

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

Saskatchewan government works to reduce postal service disruptions

The Government of Saskatchewan has issued repeated notices regarding efforts by ministries and Crown corporations to mitigate postal service issues across the province. Official website content and translation options are highlighted for ongoing communication.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Saskatchewan Business Expo and Procurement Forum scheduled for October 29

The annual Saskatchewan Business Expo and Procurement Forum will take place in Saskatoon, providing provincial vendors and suppliers opportunities to connect with government buyers across multiple sectors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Quebec Ministry of Transport annual management report details operational interventions and project status

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility in Quebec released the 2024-2025 Annual Management Report, summarizing activities including creation of Mobility Infra Quebec (MIQ), flood response measures, and bridge construction.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Saskatchewan updates on agricultural crop progress and housing starts

The provincial government provided updates on crop reporting for October 7–13 and noted that Saskatchewan currently leads the nation in housing starts among provinces.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca, Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Government Consultations

Measurement Canada opens consultation on harmonized software evaluation requirements for measuring devices

Measurement Canada launched a public consultation on new and harmonized evaluation requirements for software controlling trade measurement devices effective October 14, 2025. Stakeholders are invited to comment on the proposed changes to approval processes.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: ised-isde.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Mail is moving again but Canada Post says customers should expect delays. For some, the timing couldn’t be worse: Canada Post warns of delays following disruption, affecting time-sensitive industry shipments.
• U.S., China to begin charging port fees, marking latest escalation in trade war: New port fees introduced by the U.S. and China signal tighter conditions for global freight flows.
• US blocks a global fee on shipping emissions as international meeting ends without new regulations: The U.S. rejects emissions-related global shipping fees, leaving regulatory efforts unresolved.
• Regulations to drive a green transition in shipping hang in the balance, US pushes against change: Regulatory uncertainty around shipping sector climate rules continues.
• Trump signs order hitting truck imports with 25% tariffs: New U.S. tariffs on truck imports raise concerns over cross-border vehicle supply chains.
• Trump signs proclamation for 25 per cent tariff on trucks, with USMCA exemption: Section 232 proclamation carves out USMCA-compliant trucks from upcoming U.S. tariffs.
• DHL Plans to Invest €300 Million to Expand Logistics in Africa: DHL expands logistics investment footprint in emerging African markets.

.