This Week in Freight & Transport — Washington (#12, 2026)
White House adjusts tariffs on metals; Postal Service revises parcel dimension compliance; DOT issues aviation and rail regulatory notices; Maritime Administration seeks comments on construction fund renewal; Congressional bills advance in transport policy
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.
Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Freight & Transport? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Oil & Gas and Defence. Also consider subscribing to our Freight & Transport - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.
Dates: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
Federal Government News
White House Proclamation Modifies Metal Import Tariffs
President Trump issued a proclamation on April 2, 2026, revising section 232 tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper imports. The new tariffs apply to the full customs value of metal products and derivatives regardless of metal content, with rates set at 50% for most aluminum and steel articles and 25% for certain copper articles. Tariff rates for UK-origin or U.S.-made products are reduced, while imports from trading partners without normal relations are subject to specific rates. The process for including derivative articles in tariff regimes is discontinued, and the Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative are authorized to include additional derivatives threatening national security. The proclamation takes effect April 6, 2026, superseding prior inconsistent actions. Monitoring and provisions to address evasion are included.
Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Postal Service Finalizes Parcel Dimension Compliance Rule
The Postal Service published a final rule expanding the requirement for accurate parcel dimensions in manifests, effective July 12, 2026. The update affects commercial Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select products. Phase One mandates reporting of accurate dimensions, and enforcement of noncompliance fees for parcels exceeding 1 cubic foot or 22 inches in length continues. Phase Two, tentatively planned for early 2027, will automate dimension checks and assess fees for all omissions or inaccuracies. Flat Rate and USPS Returns parcels are exempt. Comments from stakeholders addressed measurement standards, dispute protocols, equipment certification, and exceptions. The Postal Service will publish amendments to 39 CFR part 111 reflecting these changes.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
FAA Solicits Comments on Certified Training Centers Information Collection
The Federal Aviation Administration seeks public comments by April 29, 2026, regarding the renewal of its information collection on Certified Training Centers under OMB Control Number 2120-0570. Operators use these centers to train employees, typically pilots, on various equipment. Regulatory requirements include applications for training center certificates, instructor positions, evaluator qualifications, and curriculum documentation. Part 142 Flight Schools must maintain records showing trainee qualifications and training outcomes for one year. Respondents include Part 142 schools, Part 121 and 135 carriers, and new applicants. Estimated annual burden is $3,868, with reporting mainly electronic and without mandatory forms.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
Department of Labor Seeks Renewal of Shipyard Asbestos Standard Information Collection
The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration is requesting comments by April 29, 2026, on the information collection for the Asbestos in Shipyards Standard, OMB Control Number 1218-0195. Employers are required to train workers, monitor exposure, provide medical surveillance, and keep records. The notice details the annual time burden—976 hours—with 242 respondents and 3,288 responses. The collection supports compliance oversight and worker safety, with no estimated annual other costs. PRA authorization is sought for three years.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
Maritime Administration Requests Comments on Capital Construction Fund Collection Renewal
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced a request for comments regarding renewal of the Capital Construction Fund (CCF) and Exhibits information collection, OMB 2133-0027, by May 29, 2026. The CCF is a tax-deferred ship construction fund designed to support U.S.-flag vessel modernization and expansion. The collection includes applications, annual schedules, and exhibits to determine eligibility and compliance. Respondents are vessel owners or lessees seeking to accumulate capital for qualified vessel construction. Estimated annual burden is 2,160 hours from 160 respondents, with an annual frequency.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
Legislative Updates
Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026
H.R. 7084, the Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026, addresses transportation and public works policy. The bill has been received in the Senate following House passage.
Sources: www.congress.gov
Interagency Working Group for Roadway Management Bill
H.R. 8186, a bill to require the Secretary of Transportation and the Director of the National Weather Service to establish an interagency working group for developing best practices in roadway management, was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and additionally to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Sources: www.congress.gov
Removing Road Grading Limitations in Tribal Transportation Programs
H.R. 8188 aims to remove certain limitations on road grading under Tribal transportation programs and study the impacts of such removal. The bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Natural Resources.
Sources: www.congress.gov
Post Office Facility Designation in Xenia, Ohio
H.R. 8193 proposes designating the United States Postal Service facility at 189 East Main Street, Xenia, Ohio, as the "Gilman 'Gil' Whitney Post Office Building." The bill was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Sources: www.congress.gov
State Government News
Illinois Expands Regional Site Readiness Funding
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $30 million in new funding for the Regional Site Readiness Program, totaling $60 million for this round. Awards include acquisition, infrastructure, and planning grants to create project-ready sites across Illinois’ Economic Development Regions.
Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com
New York Opens Outreach Center for I-787 Corridor in Albany
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the opening of a dedicated outreach center at 125 State Street in Albany for the Reimagine I-787 corridor project. The center will serve as a hub for public engagement, conceptual designs review, and feedback as the State Department of Transportation advances environmental review of the corridor.
Sources: www.governor.ny.gov
Ohio Completes New Madison County Rest Areas
Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine, together with ODOT and local leaders, celebrated new I-70 rest areas in Madison County built for increased accessibility and expanded truck parking. Upgrades include universal changing stations, local exhibits, and enhanced amenities to encourage traveler engagement.
Sources: governor.ohio.gov

What We're Reading This Week
- Iran war disrupts US small businesses with shipping complications and higher costs: U.S. small firms face shipping delays and increased costs owing to conflict in the Middle East.