May 17, 2026 to May 23, 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

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

Federal Government News

Postal Service Files Requests to Add Domestic Shipping Services Contracts

The U.S. Postal Service submitted filings with the Postal Regulatory Commission to add several domestic shipping services contracts to the Mail Classification Schedule's Competitive Products List. Included are Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements and Parcel Select Negotiated Service Agreements, with distinct filing dates and docket numbers from May 11 through May 14, 2026. These competitive products offer contract-based rates and conditions for commercial customers. Full documentation is available via www.prc.gov, and stakeholders may contact Sean C. Robinson at 202-268-8405 for further information.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

International Product Change: New Agreements for Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International & First-Class Package International Service

The Postal Service announced filing requests to add Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, and First-Class Package International Service contracts to the list of Negotiated Service Agreements in the Competitive Product List. The filings, dated May 13 and May 14, 2026, reference MC2026-240/K2026-239 and MC2026-244/K2026-242. Documents are accessible at www.prc.gov. Further information can be obtained from Christopher C. Meyerson at (202) 268-7820.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Coast Guard Requests Extension of Information Collection on Waste Management Plans

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a notice seeking public comment on its request to extend approval for OMB Control Number 1625-0072, which concerns waste management plans, refuse discharge logs, and designation letters for certain onboard personnel. The information collection also pertains to compliance with Great Lakes dry cargo residue requirements. Estimated annual burden decreased to 110,541 hours due to fewer respondents. Comments, referencing USCG-2025-0396, will be accepted via regulations.gov until July 20, 2026. For details, contact A.L. Craig at (571) 607-4058.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CBP Renews Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Export Manifest for Vessel Cargo Pilot

U.S. Customs and Border Protection renewed the ACE Export Manifest for Vessel Cargo pilot program for an additional two years, effective May 22, 2026. The voluntary pilot requires participants to submit electronic export manifest data at least 24 hours before cargo loading. Data categories include vessel, cargo, and shipment specifics. Applications and comments will be accepted throughout the test period by email. The initiative, authorized by 19 CFR 101.9(b) and OMB control number 1651-0001, continues efforts toward unified export processing in ACE.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Department Rescinds Administrative Review on Freight Rail Couplers from China

The Department of Commerce rescinded the administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering certain freight rail couplers and parts from China for July 2024–June 2025. No reviewable, suspended entries were found in U.S. Customs and Border Protection data for the companies under review, so, as per 19 CFR 351.213(d)(3), the review is ended. Existing cash deposit rates remain; assessment instructions to CBP will follow within 35 days of notice publication. Parties subject to Administrative Protective Orders are reminded of compliance responsibilities regarding proprietary information.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026

Bill 8748, the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026, focused on transportation and public works, has been ordered to be reported as amended by voice vote. This measure aims to advance research and innovation in surface transportation systems across modes.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act of 2025

Bill 2954, the Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act, was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The proposal seeks to ease workforce entry for veterans into the trucking sector, enhancing labor mobility and addressing skills gaps.

Sources: www.congress.gov

BIO-SCALE Act

Bill 8918, the BIO-SCALE Act, was referred to both the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Financial Services. The measure awaits further assignment for consideration of relevant provisions by each committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To require the Transportation Research Board to evaluate hull designs for waterborne transit

Bill 8998 would require the Transportation Research Board to evaluate innovative hull designs and the use of alternative material technologies. The goal is to enhance fleet performance and payload capacity for waterborne transit systems, with the bill referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Postal Service Firearms Rule Prohibition

Bill 9003, which prohibits the United States Postal Service from implementing or enforcing proposed rules related to the mailing of pistols, revolvers, and other concealable firearms, has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

Blue Origin Invests $600 Million in Rocket Manufacturing Expansion in Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis announced Blue Origin's $600 million expansion at Cape Canaveral, establishing an 830,000-square-foot facility and supporting 500 new aerospace jobs through the Spaceport Improvement Program.

Sources: www.flgov.com

Illinois Launches Final Phase of $1.3 Billion I-80 Corridor Modernization

Governor JB Pritzker announced the start of new I-80 bridges over the Des Plaines River, the final phase of a multi-year modernization project with 13 miles of reconstructed lanes and upgraded interchanges.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

Consolidated Grain and Barge Expands Mount Vernon Port in Indiana

Indiana State Sen. Jim Tomes attended the groundbreaking for an expanded Consolidated Grain and Barge soybean facility at the Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon, tripling grain handling capacity at the largest port in the state.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

Indiana Senator Urges Expansion of State Gas Tax Holiday

State Sen. Ron Alting is calling on Governor Braun to continue the state gas tax holiday beyond May 8 and suspend the 36 cents per gallon excise tax to provide relief for Indiana drivers.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

New York State Steps Up Patrols for Memorial Day Weekend and Suspends Road Construction

Governor Kathy Hochul announced increased patrols statewide to deter impaired and reckless driving and suspended road and bridge construction from May 22 to May 26 to facilitate holiday travel.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Opinion | The U.S. Postal Service Is a Failed Business: WSJ examines systemic financial challenges facing the U.S. Postal Service.
• Canada Has ‘Fallen Way Behind’ on Port Logistics, Carney Says: WSJ reports on shortcomings in Canadian port logistics and infrastructure investment.
• Delivery Vans Clogging the City’s Streets? Amazon Sees Hope in E-Bikes.: NYT covers Amazon's trial of cargo bikes to reduce urban delivery van congestion.
• Congress must not derail the freight rail lifeline for America’s farmers: Fox News discusses threats to the freight rail network supporting American agriculture.
• 'Neither snow nor rain' stops the mail. But USPS has a bigger problem: USA Today details persistent financial issues facing USPS despite service reliability.
• Opinion | Don’t Let Aviation Workers Go Without Pay: WSJ editorial raises concerns about compensation for aviation sector employees.
• We Want to Hear From Delivery Workers in New York City.: NYT solicits feedback from New York City's delivery workforce on working conditions.
• Official warns US could halt immigration, customs processing at 'sanctuary city' airports, sources say: Reuters reports on potential federal suspension of processing at some airports due to sanctuary city policies.

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