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: 2026-05-03 to 2026-05-09

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Surface Transportation Board Adopts Final Rule on Class I Rail Carrier Reporting Requirements

The Surface Transportation Board has issued a final rule ending supplemental reporting of Positive Train Control (PTC) expenditures for Class I rail carriers and instituting weekly reporting of two service metrics: original estimated time of arrival (OETA) and industry spot and pull (ISP). The new rule will be effective June 7, 2026, with initial reporting commencing July 8. The OETA metric measures shipment timeliness, while ISP monitors spot and pull performance at shipper facilities, both reported at system and division levels. The Board clarified reporting definitions following industry and stakeholder comments and explicitly excluded unit trains, intermodal traffic, and cars placed in bad order status after arrival in yards from ISP calculations. The regulation aims to minimize reporting burdens and maintain flexibility in carriers’ methodology, enabling data monitoring on network service reliability.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Coast Guard Reopens Comments on Atlantic Shipping Safety Fairways and Environmental Impact Statement

The U.S. Coast Guard has reopened the public comment period for its proposed rule to establish shipping safety fairways and vessel routing measures along the Atlantic Coast, spanning from Long Island, New York, to Port St. Lucie, Florida. The reopened period extends until June 22, 2026, allowing industry stakeholders to submit feedback on both the proposed rule and the draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS/OEIS). The PEIS/OEIS assesses impacts of new routing measures, including those in the Gulf of Maine, and includes a supplemental regulatory analysis in accordance with recent executive orders. Submissions may be made via www.regulations.gov under docket number USCG-2019-0279.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

April Jobs Report Shows Strong Gains in Transportation and Manufacturing Sectors

The April 2026 jobs report recorded an addition of 115,000 jobs across the U.S., nearly twice analysts’ expectations. Manufacturing gained 12,600 factory construction jobs, ending a decline since 2023, and transportation hiring remained strong. Average monthly job growth in 2026 reached 76,000, compared to 10,000 in 2025. Federal government employment contracted by 345,000 positions, reaching its lowest number since 1966. Labor force participation rates—particularly among prime-age men and women—remained at historic highs. Key news outlets reported sustained hiring in sectors including freight logistics, retail, and passenger service. The unemployment rate stood at 4.3%.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

CBP Seeks Public Comment on Extension of Cargo Container and Road Vehicle Certification Information Collection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is inviting comments regarding the continued collection of information for 'Cargo Container and Road Vehicle Certification for Transport Under Customs Seal' (OMB Control Number 1651-0124). The certification—aligned with international conventions—permits efficient cross-border movement of U.S.-manufactured containers and vehicles under customs seal. The process remains voluntary, with no changes to required information or collection burden. The initiative is renamed to better match regulatory language and expects 3,000 responses annually, each requiring 3.5 hours of reporting. Comments must be submitted by June 8 via www.reginfo.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Proposes Clarifying Delivery of Firearms During Transport

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives published a proposed rule clarifying when individuals traveling with firearms aboard common or contract carriers are considered to have 'delivered' or 'caused to be delivered' those firearms for the purposes of the Gun Control Act of 1968. If the person maintains direct control of their firearm or ammunition throughout the trip, it is not considered 'delivered' under federal law. The rule would clarify that the regulation excludes municipal/regional mass transit vehicles and for-hire vehicles like taxis and rideshares. Comments are due August 4, 2026, via regulations.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025

Bill 2975, the PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025, addresses transportation and public works safety issues. The bill is currently held at the desk and awaits further action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Safe Transit for All Act of 2026

Bill 8699, titled the Safe Transit for All Act of 2026, was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The measure concerns requirements for passenger safety in transit operations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Guard the Skies Act

Bill 8697, the Guard the Skies Act, was referred to the Committee on Armed Services and also to Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary for consideration. The referral process covered relevant provisions under each committee's jurisdiction.

Sources: www.congress.gov

No Delays in Disaster Relief Act

Bill 8695, the No Delays in Disaster Relief Act, was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill aims to address relief efforts and expedite transportation during disaster responses.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to require certain specifications for safety placards, and for other purposes.

Bill 8713 was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The legislation directs the Secretary of Transportation to mandate specifications for safety placards, potentially affecting hazardous materials and freight transport operations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

Ohio and Kentucky Officials Launch Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project

Governor DeWine (Ohio) and Governor Beshear (Kentucky) broke ground on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, which aims to construct a companion cable-stayed bridge and overhaul approaches to address major bottlenecks and improve freight flow on I-71/I-75. The $4.05 billion phase is partially federally funded, with completion expected in 2031.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

California High Speed Rail Authority Announces Leadership and Board Appointments

Joshua Hurlbert was appointed Chief Technology Officer of the California High Speed Rail Authority, and Steve Kawa and Jason Elliott joined the Board of Directors. Guillermo Martinez was reappointed to the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Indiana Senator Requests Extension of Gas Tax Holiday and Excise Tax Suspension

State Sen. Ron Alting asked Governor Mike Braun to extend Indiana’s gas tax holiday beyond May 8 and suspend the 36-cent excise tax on gasoline, citing recent price increases and consumer concerns.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

Indiana Begins Rehabilitation of State Road 225 Bridge Over Wabash River

State officials launched work to rehabilitate the historic State Road 225 bridge over the Wabash River, closed for over three years. Upgrades are scheduled to continue through November 2027.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

New York State Recognizes Public Service Workforce During Public Service Recognition Week

Governor Kathy Hochul declared May 3–9 Public Service Recognition Week, directing 16 state landmarks—including One World Trade Center and Moynihan Train Hall—to be lit dark blue on May 8 to honor public workers.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Shipping Firms Left Guessing by Confusion in Strait of Hormuz: Tanker companies face uncertainty navigating political and security risks in the Hormuz Strait.
• Attention must be paid to supply chain shifts. Rhode Island should know.: U.S. port and supply chain shifts impact local economies, with Rhode Island policymakers responding.
• Airlines and Overzealous Antitrust Enforcers: Antitrust scrutiny intensifies for airline mergers and partnerships, raising operational concerns.
• Most Strait of Hormuz shipping at a standstill despite latest US pledge: Majority of shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remains stalled despite assurances from U.S. authorities.
• Amazon opens up logistics network to other businesses in challenge to UPS, FedEx: Amazon expands logistics offering to third-party businesses, increasing competition with established carriers.
• Attack on French Cargo Ship Highlights Continued Risks in Strait of Hormuz: Recent attack on a French cargo vessel underscores ongoing maritime security threats in the Hormuz region.

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