This Week in Freight & Transport — Ottawa (#9, 2026)
Canada invests in green shipping corridors, launches truck body dumping inquiry; Tribunal continues carbon steel screw duties; Billy Bishop preclearance facility opens; White House weighs Jones Act waiver.
This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning the trucking, rail, and shipping industries, ports, storage centers, cargo and container terminals, international and inter-provincial logistics, fulfillment centres, courier and delivery services. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.
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Dates: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
Federal Government News
Canada Invests $6.4 Million in Trap Rock Electrification to Support Green Shipping Corridor
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon announced on March 13, 2026, that the federal government will provide up to $6.4 million to R.W. Tomlinson Ltd.’s Ontario Trap Rock facility under the Green Shipping Corridor Program. The funding targets electrification of the extended ship loading system, replacing diesel haul trucks for transporting aggregates to the company’s commercial dock in Bruce Mines, Ontario. The electrified system, coupled with dock expansion, positions the facility to increase annual shipments by up to 25 percent, which may affect supply chain throughput for construction materials in the Great Lakes region and northern Ontario. The initiative’s stated aim is to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce truck traffic on Highway 17. Ontario Trap Rock is the largest employer in Bruce Mines, with about 50 full-time employees, and holds decades of material reserves.
Sources: www.canada.ca

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Launches US Preclearance Facility
The Government of Canada, alongside key provincial and US partners, opened a new US preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on March 10, 2026. Passengers bound for the United States can now complete US customs processing in Toronto, bypassing arrival procedures stateside. The move is enabled by newly enacted amendments to the Preclearance in Canada Regulations, introducing enhanced security screening for employees with unescorted access to preclearance areas. The regulations, now in force, restrict access for those with criminal records that may pose border security risks. These changes apply to all Canadian preclearance facilities and are the result of a bilateral process with US Customs and Border Protection.
Sources: www.canada.ca
CBSA Intercepts 112 kg of Opium in Commercial Truck at Pacific Highway Port
On January 9, 2026, Canada Border Services Agency officers at the Pacific Highway Commercial Operations port of entry in British Columbia stopped a commercial truck returning from the US after spotting anomalies in the trailer. The inspection uncovered 108 bricks of opium, totaling 112 kg. A Detector Dog team supported the operation, leading to RCMP Federal Policing Pacific Region assuming custody of the driver and narcotics. The investigation is ongoing and illustrates tightening enforcement at commercial border crossings.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Injury Inquiry on Chinese Truck Bodies
On March 9, 2026, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) launched a final injury inquiry (NQ-2025-009) concerning alleged dumping and subsidizing of truck bodies from China. The action follows preliminary findings by the Canada Border Services Agency. A finding is expected by July 3, 2026, to determine whether Canadian industry suffered injury or a threat thereof. Interested parties are invited to participate in the Tribunal’s inquiry. Any remedies could affect procurement decisions and pricing in the truck body supply chain.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Tribunal Continues Anti-Dumping Order on Carbon Steel Screws from China and Chinese Taipei
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal decided on March 11, 2026, to continue, with amendment, its order imposing anti-dumping and countervailing duties on carbon steel screws from China and Chinese Taipei. The Tribunal determined that expiry of the order would likely cause injury. The Canada Border Services Agency will continue to apply duties, affecting importers and supply chains relying on these fasteners.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Interim Review Adjusts Duties on Photovoltaic Modules Used in Trucks
CITT completed an interim review (RD-2025-001) on March 13, 2026, amending its previous anti-dumping order for photovoltaic modules and laminates from China. Flexible photovoltaic modules for attachment to curved vehicle surfaces—such as transport truck fairings—with output not exceeding 200W are now excluded from the order. This change allows for duty-free import of photovoltaic modules meeting these criteria for vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Weekly Aircraft Movement Data for February Released
Statistics Canada released data covering aircraft movements for February 21–27, 2026. Operators and ground services can access updated figures for planning and reporting purposes.
Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca
CBSA Intercepts 80 kg of Cocaine in Commercial Shipment
Border Services Officers at the Kingsgate port of entry in British Columbia seized 80 kg of cocaine concealed in a commercial truck’s cargo, returning to Canada from California on February 5, 2026. The driver was arrested and remains in RCMP Federal Policing custody, with the investigation continuing. In 2025, the CBSA Pacific Region recorded 11,390 narcotics seizures, including 728 kg of cocaine.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Infrastructure Economic Account and Manufacturing Sales Updated
On March 13, 2026, Statistics Canada released the Infrastructure Economic Account for 2025, updating investment, average age, and service life data for transport infrastructure. Revised economic and environmental impact estimates for 2022–2024 are now available. Separately, January manufacturing sales declined 3.0% due mainly to reduced output in transportation equipment and machinery, while miscellaneous manufacturing registered the largest increase.
Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca
CBSA Seizes over 1,000 kg of Cannabis Export Attempts in Ont.
Canada Border Services Agency officers in the Greater Toronto Area intercepted 1,066 kg of illegal cannabis between January 1 and February 28, 2026. The seizures involved both air passengers at Toronto Pearson International Airport and commercial shipments, with destinations including the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. The RCMP Toronto Airport Detachment has initiated criminal proceedings.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Federal Assessment Complete for Bécancour Port Terminal Expansion
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada announced on March 13, 2026, that the federal review of the Bécancour Port Terminal Expansion—B6 Wharf Project (Quebec)—is complete. Potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction were found to be limited or manageable using existing laws and frameworks. The proponent, Société du parc industriel et portuaire de Bécancour, must obtain necessary permits for construction. Documents outlining the factors considered are available in the notice of early decision.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Provincial Government News
Manitoba Launches Highway Traffic Inspection and Weigh Station
The Manitoba government opened a $13-million traffic inspection station and weigh scale near Headingley, allowing officers to verify commercial vehicles’ compliance with safety, weight, and regulatory standards. The site can inspect up to 250 trucks per day.
Sources: news.gov.mb.ca
Ontario Acquires 205 km of Railway for Northlander Service
Ontario completed a $138 million acquisition of 205 km of railway between North Bay and Washago to reinstate the Northlander passenger rail service and support dedicated freight rail traffic.
Sources: news.ontario.ca
Alberta Warns Drivers of Super-Heavy Load Transit North of Edmonton
A quench water tower weighing nearly 987,000 kg and measuring almost 98 meters will move between Tofield and Fort Saskatchewan on March 13, 2026, escorted by guide vehicles with speeds capped at 50 km/h.
Sources: www.alberta.ca
BC Introduces Overheight-Detection System in Chilliwack
British Columbia began construction March 9 on a new overheight-detection system on Highway 1 in Chilliwack to reduce overpass collisions. The project is funded under the 2025–26 Intelligent Transportation Systems program.
Sources: news.gov.bc.ca
Ontario Invests $7.3 Million to Support Tariff-Impacted Manufacturers
Ontario allocated $7.3 million via the Ontario Together Trade Fund to support Windsor and area manufacturers impacted by US tariffs, backing eight projects to create more than 65 jobs and preserve 692 positions.
Sources: news.ontario.ca
Government Consultations
Consultation Launched on Etofenprox Pest Control Products
Health Canada is consulting on registration proposals for Etofenprox Technical and related products, which can be used on transportation modes and other structures. The consultation is open March 12 to April 11, 2026.
Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week
- White House considers Jones Act waiver: Report details US executive discussions on temporary suspension of cabotage rules in response to fuel prices.