June 07, 2026 to June 13, 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.

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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Executive Order Issues Comprehensive Customs Enforcement Reforms

On June 3, 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order 14411, directing extensive changes to U.S. customs enforcement procedures. The order requires stricter importer of record eligibility rules, enhanced vetting, mandatory asset and bonding thresholds, and expanded disclosure obligations for importers. The Department of Homeland Security must revise regulations within 180 days to prohibit foreign importers from filing informal entries, increase bonds for high-risk shipments, and establish risk-based tiers for importers based on compliance history. The Secretary of Homeland Security must coordinate with CBP officials to implement heightened certification and supply chain requirements for imports, including disclosure of foreign business identifiers and production methods. Enforcement standards will be revised, with a minimum penalty floor of 50 percent and elimination of mitigation for repeat violations. The order mandates regular reporting and legislative recommendations to further strengthen customs enforcement, including seizure and expedited disposal of non-compliant imports.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DOT Rescinds Disparate-Impact Portions of Title VI Regulations

The Department of Transportation issued a final rule codified at 49 CFR Part 21 on June 11, 2026, narrowing its Title VI regulations by eliminating provisions concerning disparate-impact liability and removing select affirmative action requirements. The revision aligns DOT regulations with the statutory text and Supreme Court precedents, now prohibiting only intentional discrimination in federally assisted programs and grants. The rule removes text that previously required recipients to address effects of administrative methods and site selection that might cause discrimination without intent, and clarifies that employment practices are only regulated where funding is directly tied to employment activity. These changes follow Executive Order 14281 and similar amendments by the Department of Justice, and are effective immediately.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Opens Pacific Waters to Commercial Fishing

President Trump signed a proclamation on June 11, 2026, restoring commercial fishing access to nearly 500,000 square miles in the Pacific, including the Papahānaumokuākea, Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll Marine National Monuments. The proclamation modifies earlier restrictions to allow U.S.-flagged vessels to fish commercially in these areas under federal law, while retaining certain monument protections pending statutory review. The Secretary of Commerce is instructed to amend or repeal inconsistent regulations and evaluate enforcement discretion. This move is positioned to boost U.S. seafood production and reduce reliance on foreign imports, with NOAA supporting increased catch limits and deregulation.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Surface Transportation Board Requests Comments on Rail and Water Carrier Data Collections

The Surface Transportation Board on June 12, 2026, issued a 60-day notice seeking input on its intention to extend approval for three collections: agricultural contract summaries, rail and water carrier liens (recordations), and water carrier tariffs. The extension, which maintains existing requirements, aims to facilitate public inspection and regulatory compliance for railroads and water carriers. Operators are required to file data electronically on contracts and liens, with an average of 153 agricultural contract filings and 1,120 lien filings annually. Comments addressing burden, utility, and quality are due by August 11, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Maritime Administration Seeks Feedback on Capital Construction Fund Information Collection

On June 11, 2026, the Maritime Administration requested public comments on renewing its Capital Construction Fund program information collection. The program allows U.S.-flag vessel owners to defer federal income taxes on deposits for vessel construction, reconstruction, or acquisition. Estimated respondent count is 160, with an annual burden of 2,160 hours. The notice details reductions in respondent burden since the last cycle, and sets a 30-day comment period for industry stakeholders to provide input via the federal website.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 9291: Federal Standard for Flood Resilience

Bill 9291 proposes to establish a federal standard to boost national resilience against current and future flood risk. The bill was referred to the Committee on Financial Services and additionally to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4758: Eliminating Dredging Requirements

Senate Bill 4758 seeks to eliminate certain requirements related to dredging and dredged material. The bill was read twice in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4753: Repealing Foreign Dredge Act Provisions

Senate Bill 4753 would repeal Foreign Dredge Act of 1906 requirements concerning domestic dredging operations. The bill was read twice and sent to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4756: Use of NATO and Major Non-NATO Ally Dredge Ships in the U.S.

Senate Bill 4756 authorizes the use of NATO and major non-NATO ally dredge ships in United States waters. The bill advanced to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation after being read twice.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 9229: Protecting Seaports from Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Bill 9229 aims to protect U.S. seaports against unmanned aircraft systems and associated risks. It was referred to both the Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• America’s Four-Year Trucking Slump Is Finally Over: Trucking activity has rebounded after four years of contraction, signaling renewed demand for freight services.
• Iran war anxiety sends global container shipping rates soaring: Geopolitical tensions are pushing global container rates higher, with freight flows facing new volatility.
• Global trade in rude health? Yes, but with a catch: Trade volumes remain robust, but cargo owners face increased uncertainty due to regulatory shifts and market changes.
• As US Customs refines its tariff refund system, who gets in to apply is under dispute: Legal challenges are mounting over eligibility to participate in tariff refund programs as Customs modifies application criteria.
• Plane passengers are risking lives during evacuation procedures, industry body warns: An industry group warns that improper passenger behavior during evacuations is jeopardizing airline safety compliance.

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