June 21, 2026 to June 27, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Final Rule Establishes Tanker Security Program, Expands U.S.-Flagged Tanker Fleet

The Maritime Administration released a final rule implementing the Tanker Security Program, introducing several changes from its interim regulation. The program is authorized to expand the U.S.-flagged tanker fleet up to 20 vessels through fiscal year 2040, with a statutory payment schedule increasing from $8.16 million per ship in fiscal years 2025–26 to $9.83 million by fiscal years 2039–40, contingent on appropriations. Eligibility requirements prioritize military utility, operational history, citizenship, and vessel construction in the U.S., reflecting updates from the 2025 NDAA and Executive Order 14269. Operating agreements are now more flexible, including provisions for pro rata payment adjustments in instances of reduced appropriations and clarified procedures for reporting vessel maintenance that might impact readiness. The rule integrates a Voluntary Tanker Agreement mechanism for emergency activation, adjusts procedures for replacing vessels after marine casualties, and establishes new reporting and appeals procedures. MARAD also modifies definitions related to vessel ownership, chartering, and age limits while addressing public comments on vessel standards and selection priorities.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Renewal of Information Collection for Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW)

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics issued a 30-day notice seeking public comment for renewal of the FLOW information collection, supporting ongoing supply chain intermodal trade data reporting. Respondents include businesses across freight, logistics, ports, marine terminals, carriers, and third-party logistics providers. The renewed collection will maintain an annual burden estimate of 2,940 hours for approximately 140 respondents, with periodic updates to support improved analytics and risk indicators for congestion and throughput. Stakeholder input has suggested developing summary indicators of freight risk, which BTS will consider in their modeling enhancements. Comments on the renewal are requested by July 27, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FAA Proposes Amendments to Modernize Transport Airplane and Propulsion Certification

The FAA published proposed amendments to modernize airworthiness certification for transport category airplanes and propulsion systems. Proposed changes aim to reduce reliance on exemptions and special conditions, harmonizing U.S. regulations with European Union Aviation Safety Agency standards. Among notable revisions are new rules for executive interiors, analytical methods for vibration testing, design and marking standards for emergency exits, performance-based lavatory waste disposal, safety protocols for authorized cargo personnel, updated fuel tank flammability software, and consolidated requirements for aircraft operating without normal electrical power. Industry stakeholders and the public may comment on these proposals until August 25, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver: Norfolk Southern Signal Testing

Norfolk Southern Railway Company has petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration for an extension of its waiver allowing periodic testing of vital microprocessor-based signal and train control systems every four years rather than every two, as normally required by 49 CFR Part 236. The existing waiver supports efficient testing practices while maintaining safety. FRA is accepting comments until August 24, 2026; relevant documentation is available under Docket No. FRA-2010-0011.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USPS Files Request for New Priority Mail and Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements

The U.S. Postal Service submitted a request to the Postal Regulatory Commission to add domestic shipping services contracts, including Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements, to its Competitive Products List. The filings cover agreements processed between June 11 and June 16, 2026, under MC2026-272 to MC2026-279 and K2026-269 to K2026-276. Documents and further details are available on the Commission’s website.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026 Moves Forward

Bill 8770, the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026, focused on transportation and public works, was ordered to be reported by a 26-3 vote. The bill addresses regulatory or operational standards relevant to the transportation industry.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Improving Travel for American Families Act

Bill 8897, the Improving Travel for American Families Act, which relates to transportation and public works, was ordered to be reported unanimously with a 30-0 vote. The bill concerns measures intended to facilitate travel for families.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Zero-Emission Vessel Deployment Program Introduced

Bill 4935 was introduced in the Senate, directing the Secretary of Transportation to establish programs to support research, development, demonstration, and deployment of zero-emission vessels, retrofit projects, and associated charging infrastructure. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2025

Bill 3106 in the House addresses emergency management, including infrastructure resilience and terrorism readiness. The measure was ordered to be reported with a unanimous 30-0 vote.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Improving Travel for Military Members Act Advances

Bill 9328, the Improving Travel for Military Members Act, was ordered to be reported with a unanimous vote of 30-0. The bill is designed to support travel for military personnel, with specific provisions to be determined in further committee review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Iran Attacks Cargo Ship, Testing Trump’s Deal to Reopen Strait: Iranian forces attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, raising questions about the recent reopening agreement.
• FedEx falls on lower margins, concerns over Freight spinoff: FedEx stock declined following reports of compressed margins and investor focus on Freight division spinoff.
• In Strait of Hormuz, Renewed Strikes Threaten to Set Back Shipping Recovery: Recent strikes in the Strait of Hormuz are affecting shipping traffic and global recovery efforts.
• Vessel and cargo valued at $125 billion awaiting Gulf passage, Allianz says: Allianz estimates that vessels and cargo worth $125 billion are waiting for safe entry into the Gulf region.
• Saudi Arabia Restarts Crude Loadings at Major Gulf Terminal After Nearly Four-Month Halt: Saudi Arabia resumed crude loadings at its main Gulf terminal following a four-month suspension.
• Still Sending Checks in the Mail? Stop, Experts Say: Security experts caution against mailing paper checks due to increased fraud risks.
• Opinion | Using a Vital Aviation Safety Tool to Collect Fees Is Wrong: Industry commentary argues collection of fees via an aviation safety system undermines its original purpose.
• Why Aerospace Precision Machining Is Becoming a Strategic Priority Across the Manufacturing Supply Chain: Precision machining in aerospace is increasingly vital for manufacturing supply chain competitiveness.

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