May 31, 2026 to June 06, 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

• Senate Hearing: Transportation Innovation and Technological Advances: On June 9, 2026, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety will hold a hearing in Russell 253 to examine how technological advances are driving transportation innovation.

Federal Government News

Executive Order: Strengthening Customs Enforcement Across All Import Channels

On June 3, 2026, the White House issued an executive order revising customs enforcement, focusing on importers of record (IORs) and establishing enhanced asset, bond, and data requirements. Foreign IORs face additional entry restrictions and formal entry mandates, alongside a new vetting process and updated registries. The order prioritizes actions against forced labor, misclassification, and duty evasion, while introducing more stringent penalty mitigation standards. Legislative recommendations and refined definitions for domestic and foreign IORs are included, with implementation directed to align with existing legal frameworks.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Fact Sheet: President Trump Signs Order for Customs Reform and Ends De Minimis Exemption

The White House released a fact sheet detailing reforms from President Trump's executive order to strengthen U.S. customs enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security and CBP are mandated to enforce increased bonding, tangible asset standards, and a 'good standing' requirement for IORs. Penalties for customs violations are set to a minimum of 50 percent. Annual transparency reporting is ordered, with DHS proposing legislative improvements. Notably, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, effective July 1, 2027, repeals de minimis exemptions globally, directly impacting parcel and freight operators.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Presidential Proclamation: Adjusting Metals Tariffs for Security and Supply Chains

President Trump, on June 1, 2026, issued a proclamation modifying tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper imports under section 232. Changes include extending a 15% ad valorem duty to agricultural and HVAC equipment, altering tariff treatment for mobile industrial equipment, and imposing duties on aluminum lithographic plates and steel racks. The domestic content threshold for U.S.-made products is reduced from 95% to 85%. Enforcement and monitoring will be managed by the Secretary of Commerce, with additional tariff schedule modifications authorized.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

National Ocean Month Message: Policy Initiatives for Maritime and Port Industries

The Administration marked National Ocean Month by confirming the reopening of 5,000 square miles for Atlantic commercial fishing, advancing oil and gas development in the Gulf of America, and expanding access to critical minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf. The Maritime Action Plan is set to modernize ports, rebuild commercial fleets, and prioritize American-made merchant vessels. Naval shipbuilding—including the Golden Fleet—will be accelerated, with an explicit focus on industrial revitalization and expanded resource access for the maritime sector.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

CBP Notice: Extension of Cargo Manifest and Importer Security Filing Data Collection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced a 60-day notice for continuing data collection on vessel manifests, stow plans, container status messages, Importer Security Filings, and export manifest pilots. The extension targets improved automation of CBP Form 1302 via the Vessel Entrance and Clearance System. Enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) now includes additional mandatory and optional data elements, with impact on air cargo, ocean, and rail carriers. Respondents cover a broad cross-section of the freight sector, with annual burden estimates detailed for each mode.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Postal Service Route Delivery Identification Bills Advance

Senate Bill 4672 and House Bill 9120 require the U.S. Postal Service to implement Inspector General recommendations for improved identification and notification of undelivered and partially delivered routes. The Senate bill was referred to Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, while the House bill was sent to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Both measures could affect parcel delivery tracking and reporting standards.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

Repeal of Excise Tax on Heavy Trucks and Trailers Proposed

Senate Bill 4657 seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code by repealing the excise tax levied on heavy trucks and trailers. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance, potentially impacting the cost structure for commercial trucking and equipment acquisition.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Interstate Commerce Testing for Noncompliant Motor Vehicle Equipment

Senate Bill 4679 would amend Title 49, U.S. Code, to allow certain noncompliant motor vehicle equipment in interstate commerce for testing purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Alaska Rail Route Feasibility Study Initiative

House Bill 9088 directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study for establishing a rail link between Alaska and the North American continental rail network. The bill was referred to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Exemption of Stinger-Steered Combinations from Warning Flag Requirements

Senate Bill 4669 proposes exempting stinger-steered vehicle combinations from certain warning flag requirements for projecting loads. The bill was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Modernizing the Maritime Industry for Speed, Scale, Resilience: Risk & Compliance details digital transformation strategies for maritime companies aiming for faster, scalable operations.
• To Sell Trucks, Break Out the Cowboys and Wrap Them in Old Glory: The New York Times reviews how truck manufacturers use national imagery and branding to boost pickup sales.
• Opinion | No Road Representation Without Taxation: WSJ Opinion discusses the link between road funding, use, and vehicle taxation policy.
• Oman says Mina al Fahal terminal operations normal after reported oil export halt: Reuters reports oil exports resumed at Oman's Mina al Fahal terminal following a brief disruption.
• The invisible decisions already made about your next airplane journey: CNN outlines how airlines and airports use automated systems to influence passenger experience before flights.
• Airline chiefs grapple with fuel shock, fare test at Rio summit: Reuters covers airline executives facing rising fuel costs and pricing challenges at a global summit.
• High fuel costs to trigger airline failures and consolidation, industry chief says: Reuters quotes industry leaders on expected airline bankruptcies and mergers due to ongoing fuel price pressures.

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