July 12, 2026 to July 18, 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 Commerce, Science, and Transportation Business Meeting—July 22: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee is scheduled to hold a business meeting on July 22 at 2:30 p.m. in Russell Senate Office Building 253. The agenda includes markup of several transportation bills (S.1759, S.3258, S.3885, S.4429, S.4448, S.4691, S.4802), as well as consideration of nominations for transportation-related executive posts.

Federal Government News

DOT Notice on Airline Ancillary Fee Disclosure—OMB Submission

The U.S. Department of Transportation published notice of its intent to amend and renew OMB Control Number 2105-0588, addressing disclosure requirements for airline baggage fees and other optional service fees under 14 CFR 399.85. Five discrete requirements are described: carriers must promptly post baggage fee changes on website homepages for three months; fare quotation screens must notify consumers of applicable baggage fees; e-ticket confirmations must detail baggage allowances and fees; all optional service fees must be displayed on carrier websites; and differences in codeshare-related fees must be disclosed. Respondents include up to 275 carriers and 7,567 ticket agents, with total annual implementation costs estimated at $22.8 million. The legal backdrop includes reinstatement of prior disclosure standards after the Fifth Circuit vacated a 2024 transparency rule. Comments are invited through September 14, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Seeks Renewal of Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance Information Collection

FMCSA announced its plan to renew an information collection concerning records of commercial motor vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance (OMB Control Number 2126-0003). The agency estimates 715,289 motor carriers and nearly 5.8 million drivers are subject to these requirements, resulting in approximately 13.2 million annual burden hours. Record-keeping encompasses inspection reports, maintenance logs, roadside inspection documentation, and periodic inspector qualification evidence. Electronic record-keeping is permitted, provided full data replication. Comments are open until September 14, 2026, and the collection supports regulatory oversight of equipment safety, with periodic inspection equivalency identified across multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Announces GOLD EAGLE Cybersecurity Initiative

The White House released the launch of the 'GOLD EAGLE' cybersecurity clearinghouse, authorized under Executive Order 14409 and intended to coordinate vulnerability detection and response across critical infrastructure sectors. The initiative leverages generative AI for exploit detection and aims to enhance information sharing among federal agencies—Treasury, DHS, CISA, and Department of War—as well as private partners. Key objectives include reducing redundant scanning and providing actionable threat intelligence to both government and industry defenders. Officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, described the project as central to advancing U.S. cybersecurity capabilities.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Certification of Dispatchers and Signal Employees; FRA Extends Comment Periods

The Federal Railroad Administration announced 30-day extensions for comments on two proposed rulemakings: rescinding the certification of dispatchers (FRA-2022-0019) and signal employees (FRA-2022-0020). The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen requested more time to evaluate impacts and prepare comprehensive comments. The new deadline for both NPRMs is August 13, 2026. Interested parties may submit views via regulations.gov or alternate methods described in the Federal Register notices.

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

US Customs Accredits Camin Cargo Control as Commercial Gauger and Laboratory in Multiple Locations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued accreditation notices for Camin Cargo Control, Inc. as a commercial gauger and laboratory at sites in East Providence (RI), Garden City (GA), Corpus Christi (TX), and Thorofare (NJ). The company is authorized to gauge petroleum and conduct laboratory analyses using procedures outlined by the American Petroleum Institute and ASTM standards. Accreditation periods are three years, with triennial inspections scheduled and a full listing of approved facilities available via CBP. Entities seeking petroleum gauging or laboratory services should confirm valid accreditation for specific tests.

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

USPS Files Requests for Priority Mail and Ground Advantage Agreements

The USPS filed requests with the Postal Regulatory Commission for additions to the Competitive Products List, covering domestic shipping contracts for Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements, and Priority Mail Express. The filings were submitted under sections 3642 and 3632(b)(3), referencing several agreement numbers between July 7 and July 10. Relevant documents are available on www.prc.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FRA Petitions and Waivers: Extended Haul Train, Hours-of-Service, PTC System Amendments

Three petitions were announced by the Federal Railroad Administration: CSX Transportation requested a waiver to operate extended haul trains up to 1,785 miles with Class 1 brake tests and routes equipped with wayside detectors (comments by September 14); ASLRRA submitted a petition to add eight railroads to its hours-of-service waiver under Docket FRA-2009-0078 (same comment deadline); and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority requested a temporary outage of its positive train control system (Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System II) to support reconfiguration work at Control Point CP-44 on the Worcester Main Line (comment deadline August 5). Full petitions and procedural details are available in the relevant dockets online.

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

FMCSA Invites Comment on Hours of Service Exemption Request by Huntsman Transport

The FMCSA posted a reconsideration request from Colorado Huntsman Transport, Inc., seeking exemptions from commercial motor vehicle (CMV) marking and federal hours-of-service limits. Huntsman, a third-party prisoner transport service, proposes operating unmarked vehicles with 10-day on/10-day off schedules and a 7-hour maximum daily driving limit, citing security concerns and safety systems including registration documents, electronic logging devices, and GPS tracking. Initial requests were denied in February on safety grounds; FMCSA requests public comment by August 17, 2026 via regulations.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FAA Requests Renewal of Flight Plan Information Collection

The Federal Aviation Administration published notice seeking OMB approval to renew information collections for domestic and international flight plans under FAA Forms 7233-1 and 7233-4, supporting air traffic services, search and rescue, law enforcement, and homeland security. Almost all flight plans are filed electronically; estimated annual burden is 292,724 hours. Public comments are due by September 11, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Good Jobs for Good Airports Act

Bill 9678, 'Good Jobs for Good Airports Act,' was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and additionally to the Committee on Education and Workforce. The referral allows each committee to review provisions within its jurisdiction. No further actions have been reported.

Sources: www.congress.gov

ITS Codification Act

Bill 4950, 'ITS Codification Act,' was read twice and sent to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The measure awaits further consideration regarding intelligent transportation systems.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Vessel Identification Protection Act of 2026

Bill 9650, 'Vessel Identification Protection Act of 2026,' addressing crime and law enforcement policy, was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Further deliberation will determine measures related to vessel identification protections.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Original Resolution Honoring Transportation Security Officers During Federal Shutdowns

Bill 1425, an original resolution honoring transportation security officers for their dedication during federal government shutdowns, was referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security. The resolution aims to recognize workforce efforts during disruption periods.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Expanding the Fast Track Act of 2026

Bill 8003, 'Expanding the Fast Track Act of 2026,' focused on Transportation and Public Works, was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. The bill expands expedited project approvals under certain circumstances.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Strengthening Review of Foreign Adversary Investments in General Aviation

Bill 9707 was referred to several House committees—Financial Services, Foreign Affairs, Energy and Commerce, Transportation and Infrastructure, Oversight and Government Reform, and Small Business. The bill’s purpose is to establish greater oversight of foreign investments in the general aviation sector for national security concerns.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Low-Altitude Airspace Safety Bill

Bill 4990 directs the FAA Administrator to review and update federal regulations and guidance related to low-altitude airspace safety. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation received the bill for further review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Boeing nears approval of 737 MAX anti-ice fix, paving way for deliveries: Federal authorities move toward certification of Boeing's 737 MAX anti-ice modification, allowing pending deliveries.
• Busiest US container port sets cargo record in June: The leading US container port reached an all-time cargo record for June.
• Auto & Transport Roundup: Market Talk: Brief market snapshots track developments in the auto and transport sectors.
• Trump says Strait of Hormuz open to commercial traffic: The US President announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels.
• UN shipping agency opposes fees for any strait, after Trump plans Hormuz charge: The UN shipping agency objects to proposed transit fees for maritime straits following US policy shifts.
• How About an E.V. Charge With That Fried Chicken?: Nationwide fast-food chains are adding EV charging stations to attract travelers.
• Trump: Iran blockade reinstated, US to charge 20% on Strait of Hormuz cargo: US policy moves to reinstate an Iran blockade and impose a tariff on maritime cargo through the Hormuz strait.
• For Whom the Strait Tolls: Analysis traces the logistics and policy impact of shipping tolls in strategic waterways.
• India seeks to quash Adani airport's nicotine pouch court challenge citing illegality, health risk: Indian regulators contest legal challenges involving nicotine pouch sales at Adani airport, citing public health concerns.

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