May 10, 2026 to May 16, 2026

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.

📋 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

• House Homeland Security Hearing on TSA Modernization: House Homeland Security will conduct a hearing titled 'TSA Modernization: Industry Perspectives on Key Security and Travel Reforms 25 Years After 9/11' in Cannon House Office Building, room 310, on May 20 at 2 p.m.
• House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Markup: Scheduled on May 20 at 2 p.m. in Rayburn House Office Building, room 2154, to consider H.R. 8096 (Duplication Scoring Act of 2026), H.R. 8801 (DC Rejecting Oppressive Automotive Driving Surcharges Act), H.R. 8844, H.R. 3087, and several postal naming measures.

Federal Government News

FRA Proposes Rescission of Dispatcher Certification Rule

On May 15, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to rescind the May 2024 final rule requiring dispatcher certification (49 CFR Part 245). Responding to industry petitions, FRA concluded that estimated costs ($5.4 million, PV at 7%) outweighed projected benefits ($0.6 million). FRA cites Executive Order 14219 and indicates ongoing enforcement discretion; any received dispatcher certification programs will be held during review. Public comment is invited through July 14.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FRA Proposes Rescission of Signal Employee Certification Rule

FRA announced a proposal to rescind Part 246, which mandates written certification programs for signal employees. The NPRM responds to petitions from AAR, ASLRRA, CRC, and APTA, citing concerns over resource burdens and the definition of 'signal employee.' FRA found the rule's net costs ($6.5 million, PV at 7%) exceeded net benefits ($2.9 million, PV at 7%) and is seeking public input until July 14. During rulemaking, enforcement deadlines are suspended.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Revisions to Rail Safety Training Rules Finalized

FRA has issued a final rule amending 49 CFR Part 243 (Training, Qualification, and Oversight for Safety-Related Railroad Employees). This update clarifies guidance for small entities, removes obsolete requirements, allows a test-out option for refresher training, and streamlines approval processes for training organizations. The rule estimates industry cost savings of $1.1 million, primarily from a one-year relief period for small entities. The new requirements are effective July 14.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Sends Surface Transportation Board and National Mediation Board Nominations to Senate

On May 11, President Biden submitted Karen Jean Hedlund's nomination for a term expiring December 31, 2030, as Member of the Surface Transportation Board. Douglas Ralph was nominated to serve as Member of the National Mediation Board through July 1, 2028. Both nominations await Senate confirmation; the STB and NMB are central in rail and labor oversight.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FMCSA Grants Partial Exemption to Waste Management Holdings

FMCSA has granted Waste Management Holdings, Inc. a two-year exemption from certain driver qualification requirements. WM may use the 'single-employer driver' exception for drivers transferred among affiliates, subject to continued compliance with random controlled substances testing pools and limited Clearinghouse queries. Broad exemptions for pre-employment testing and Clearinghouse requirements were denied. The exemption applies to 83 affiliated motor carriers and expires May 13, 2028.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Coast Guard Invites Comments on Container Inspection Burden

The Coast Guard is seeking public comments regarding the Intermodal Container Inspection Program (OMB Control Number 1625-0129). The estimated annual paperwork burden has increased to 770 hours following higher annual response volumes. Container facilities owners are subject to inspection and reporting under federal hazardous materials regulations, the International Safe Container Act, and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. Comments are open until June 15.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Coast Guard Information Collection Review for Barge Fleeting Facility Records

The Coast Guard is conducting a review ahead of OMB reauthorization for the Barge Fleeting Facility Records collection (OMB 1625-0023). Facilities must document barge mooring inspections and cargo movements as required by 33 CFR 165.803. The estimated annual burden remains at 7,777 hours. The comment period ends June 15.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Solicitation for Shipper Advisory Committee Applications

The Federal Maritime Commission is soliciting applications for voluntary, unpaid membership to the National Shipper Advisory Committee. The NSAC advises FMC on competitiveness and reliability in international ocean freight. Applications (CV, statement of qualifications, affirmation of willingness to serve) are due by May 28. Meetings are held at least annually, in person or virtually.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026

Bill 8748 was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration. The bill addresses research and development priorities for surface transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Safe Bus Routes to School Act

Bill 4488, titled Safe Bus Routes to School Act, was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. The measure targets improvements to school bus route safety.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Baby Changing on Board Act

Senate Bill 71, concerning public transport amenities, remains held at the desk. Coverage includes requirements for baby changing stations on board commercial vehicles.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Accessibility at Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Bill 8778 was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on the Judiciary. It directs the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to finalize accessibility standards for electric vehicle charging stations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Cable Security Fleet Expansion

Bill 8808 amends Title 46 U.S. Code to expand the Cable Security Fleet to a minimum of six vessels. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Report Requirement on Countering Hydrocarbon Smuggling

Bill 4544 mandates a report about efforts to counter hydrocarbon product smuggling by transnational criminal organizations. The bill was referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Coast Guard Procurement from American Sources

Bill 4533, amending Title 10 U.S. Code, requires the Coast Guard to purchase specified articles from American sources. The bill was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Transit Apportionments for Medium-Sized Cities

Bill 8785 amends 49 U.S.C. 5336 to provide transit apportionments targeting medium-sized transit intensive cities. Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

DOT Number Solicitation Communications Regulation

Bill 8799 establishes requirements governing private entity communications regarding U.S. Department of Transportation numbers, referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Emergency Fleet Definition in Clean Air Act

Bill 8782 amends the Clean Air Act to clarify emergency vehicle definitions including municipal snow removal equipment and machinery. Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• FAA cuts target for air traffic control staffing: The FAA has reduced its planned air traffic controller staffing targets amid recruitment challenges.
• DOJ Charges Shipping Operator Involved in Deadly Baltimore Bridge Collapse: The Justice Department filed charges against a shipping operator following the Baltimore bridge disaster.
• Is It Time to Abandon Ship on the Jones Act?: The WSJ examines debates around the Jones Act and its implications for U.S. shipping policy.
• U.S. Airlines and Carmakers Need to Go Global: WSJ argues American airlines and automakers must expand internationally to maintain competitiveness.
• Frictionless Security and Supersonic Flights: What Travel Might Look Like in 20 Years: Travel experts predict advances in passenger screening and new flight options, including supersonic jets.
• DHL signs sustainable aviation fuel supply deal with SAF One in Bahrain: DHL has entered into a supply agreement for sustainable aviation fuel with Bahrain-based SAF One.

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