June 28, 2026 to July 04, 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

EPA Directed to Issue Guidance on Affordable Vehicle Repairs and Aftermarket Parts Certification

On June 29, 2026, President Donald J. Trump issued a memorandum instructing the Environmental Protection Agency to address regulatory burdens on vehicle repair costs and aftermarket parts certification under the Clean Air Act. The directive calls for expedited approval of alternative parts, relief from protracted California certification timelines, and deprioritization of enforcement actions against individuals conducting good-faith emissions repairs. EPA is required to deliver guidance within thirty days, outlining permissible repair actions, streamlined certification processes, and compliance standards for aftermarket components. The policy also incorporates intellectual property protections and clarifies its scope under the Clean Air Act.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Temporary Duty-Free Importation of Phosphate Fertilizer from Morocco Authorized

President Trump declared an emergency on June 29, 2026, affecting phosphate fertilizer availability, and authorized temporary duty-free importation from Morocco. The proclamation invokes Section 318 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and delegates implementation to the Secretaries of Treasury and Commerce for up to eight months or until the emergency ends. The action responds to disruptions in global supply and insufficient domestic production, aiming to ensure stable supplies for critical crops.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

DOT Finalizes Revised Rulemaking Procedures for Unfair or Deceptive Practices in Aviation

The Department of Transportation issued a final rule on July 1, 2026, amending hearing procedures for aviation consumer protection rulemakings under 49 U.S.C. 41712. The rule reverts to the 2020 standards for granting hearings, requiring a 'plausible prima facie' case for disputed technical or factual issues, appointment of a neutral officer, and formal findings of fact after hearings. The revised procedures limit participation to factual questions specified in hearing notices and create new appeal rights for denied hearing requests. The 2023 Clarification of Formal Enforcement Procedures is revoked, while guidance documents will be assessed in future proceedings.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Airworthiness Directive Issued for Radio Altimeter Operations in Canadian Airspace Due to 5G Interference

On June 30, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration adopted Airworthiness Directive 2026-13-02 for all transport and commuter category airplanes equipped with radio altimeters. The directive responds to updated 5G Lower C-band protections in Canadian airspace, effective July 1, 2026, requiring flight manual amendments that prohibit certain operations unless aircraft are modified to be radio altimeter tolerant. This includes limitations on instrument landing, autoland, and usage of enhanced vision systems. Operators under 14 CFR Part 121 must upgrade or modify avionics to comply.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CBP Pilots Electronic Informal Mail Entry—Entry Type 13

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced a voluntary test for electronic informal mail entry processing through Entry Type 13 in ACE. Shipments valued at $2,500 or less sent via mail are eligible. The test provides a digital process for entries subject to Partner Government Agency requirements and duties outside HTSUS Chapters 1-97. The pilot allows filers and mail carriers to electronically file required information including tracking numbers, harmonized tariff codes, and shipment details, with estimated annual participation rates and reporting burdens provided.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

To amend the Act of July 5, 1884 to permit the imposition of taxes on vessels operating as tourist accommodations, and for other purposes.

Bill 9543 was introduced and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and Transportation and Infrastructure. It proposes allowing the imposition of taxes on vessels used as tourist accommodations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to implement large-scale, non-intrusive inspection technology at land ports of entry identified as high risk, and for other purposes.

Bill 9565 aims to mandate CBP implement advanced inspection technologies at high-risk land ports. It was referred to homeland security and ways and means committees.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To establish a pilot program for use by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at land ports of entry along the Arizona border to assess the use of artificial intelligence through an anomaly detection algorithm, and for other purposes.

Bill 9566 seeks a CBP pilot program applying artificial intelligence for anomaly detection at Arizona border ports. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To require the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to prohibit certain cell phone voice communications on aircraft in scheduled passenger interstate or intrastate air transportation.

Bill 9530 was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It would require DOT to regulate cell phone use on commercial aircraft.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing at its sources globally.

Bill 9507 was sent to Natural Resources, Judiciary, Foreign Affairs, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees. It targets IUU fishing with wide-ranging provisions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Many California fishermen are nearing retirement. Can the industry save its graying fleet?: Retirement trends threaten continuity in California's commercial fishing operations.
• Caraway Home Leverages Supply Chain Operations to Deliver Premium Consumer Experiences: Caraway Home adapts supply chain strategies for improved customer outcomes in consumer goods.
• Defense startups raid auto and fracking sectors for parts to speed weapons output: U.S. defense startups source components from automotive and fracking industries to accelerate production.
• The 1968 Pact on Shipping Routes in the Strait of Hormuz That Iran Is Rejecting: Iran disputes 1968 international maritime agreement covering vital Hormuz shipping lanes.

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