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: 2026-03-15 to 2026-03-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Meeting — Aviation and Maritime Legislation: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will hold a business meeting on March 25 at 2:00 p.m. EST in Russell 253, considering bills related to aviation checkpoint technology, FAA mental health disclosures, commercial satellite cybersecurity, and Coast Guard promotions.
• House Homeland Security Subcommittee Hearing – Arctic Maritime Security: The House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security will host a hearing on 'Arctic Security in an Era of Global Competition: Safeguarding U.S. Interests in Frigid Waters' on March 26 at 6:00 p.m. EST in Cannon 310.
• House Appropriations Subcommittee Member Day — DOT and HUD: The House Appropriations Subcommittee for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies is scheduled for 'Member Day' on March 25 at 2:00 p.m. EST in Rayburn 2358-A.

Federal Government News

DHS Shutdown Disrupts Air Travel and Airport Operations

Airline CEOs from major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta, sent a letter to Congress on March 17 requesting immediate action to fund the Department of Homeland Security. The continuing shutdown, now in its 35th day as reported March 20, has resulted in over 100,000 DHS employees—including 50,000 TSA officers—working without pay for the third time in six months. Operations at major airports are affected, with reports of hours-long lines, rebooked flights, and strained checkpoints due to staffing shortages. Associated disruptions extend to U.S. Customs clearance and air traffic controllers, with TSA officers facing financial hardship. The administration reiterated negotiations with Congress and called for resolution to restore full DHS funding and airport operations.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

BEA Surveys Cover Ocean Freight Revenues, Carrier Expenses

The Bureau of Economic Analysis announced two surveys: the quarterly BE-30 survey (March 16), collecting data on U.S. ocean freight carriers’ foreign revenues and expenses for U.S. trade in transport services, and the BE-29 annual survey gathering information on foreign ocean carriers' expenses in the United States. Reporting is mandatory for carriers meeting minimum thresholds ($500,000 revenue/expense for BE-30, 40 port calls or $250,000 expense for BE-29), with submissions due 30–45 days after the reporting period. Data supports federal analyses of transport sector trade impacts. Forms and instructions are available at bea.gov/ssb.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Surface Transportation Board Seeks Extension for Rail Service Preservation Collection

On March 20, the Surface Transportation Board announced its intention to extend OMB approval for the information collection titled 'Preservation of Rail Service' (OMB Control No. 2140-0022). This collection allows shippers, communities, and interested parties to request preservation of rail lines proposed for abandonment via Offers of Financial Assistance, trail use requests, and public use conditions. The STB estimates an average of 27 annual filings with a total burden of 281 hours per year. Comments on necessity, burden, and improvements are requested by May 19.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Corrects Dates in Marine Tank Vessel Loading Operations Emissions Proposal

On March 19, the Environmental Protection Agency issued corrections to its proposed rule regarding National Emission Standards for Marine Tank Vessel Loading Operations. Amendments adjust several deadline dates within the technology review, with corrected references on pages 10559 and 10560 of the original document. The rulemaking continues as scheduled, with public participation and implementation dates clarified.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Federal Maritime Commission Receives New Interline Vessel Service Agreement Filing

The Federal Maritime Commission published a notice March 17 of the CMA CGM/NEOLINE North Europe–USEC Service Space Charter Agreement filing under the Shipping Act of 1984 (Agreement No. 201464). The arrangement authorizes CMA CGM to purchase space from NEOLINE on certain vessels operating between ports in Europe, Canada, and U.S. Atlantic Coast, facilitating additional capacity options in the transatlantic trade. Proposed effective date is April 20, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Aviation Supply Chain Safety and Security Digitization Act of 2025

Bill 6267 proposes digital upgrades for safety and security in aviation supply chains. Latest action: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 469.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025

Bill 6427 would adjust regulatory requirements for airports. Latest action: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 475.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act

Bill 6618 covers procedures for aerial wildfire response safety. Latest action: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 471.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act

Bill 3410 addresses modernization of supersonic aviation. Latest action: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 473.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To exempt certain vessels transporting crude oil and petroleum products from certain coastwise endorsement requirements

Bill 8021 seeks exemption for certain vessels transporting crude oil and petroleum products from coastwise endorsement requirements. Latest action: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Freight Management Inc Highlights Visibility Challenges in U.S. Drayage: Freight Management Inc draws attention to challenges in shipment visibility within U.S. drayage operations.
• Mar 16: How the Iran–Hormuz LNG Shock Will Hit Freight: The Hormuz LNG disruption is expected to affect freight flows and logistics in the coming weeks.
• Mar 18: Scan Global Logistics Cut CO₂ 86.9% on Ocean Lanes — Here’s the Playbook: Scan Global Logistics reports a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions on selected ocean lanes.

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