August 30, 2026 to September 05, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

DOT Issues Final Rule Revising NEPA Regulations for Surface Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation released a final rule effective September 1, amending NEPA implementing regulations for highway, transit, and rail projects in response to statutory updates and historic court decisions. The new regulations remove cross-references to prior CEQ rules, update monetary thresholds for categorical exclusions, clarify procedures for environmental assessments and impact statements, and adjust certification requirements. The rule also addresses technical feedback from stakeholders, notes rescissions of environmental justice and climate-related executive orders, and affirms the continued requirement for agencies to analyze alternatives and reasonably foreseeable impacts. Agencies may seek further deregulatory changes in future rulemaking; this action is classified as a deregulatory action under Executive Order 14192.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FRA Finalizes Rule Retiring Forms FRA F 6180.107 and FRA F 6180.150

The Federal Railroad Administration issued a rule, effective September 30, retiring Forms FRA F 6180.107 and F 6180.150 and shortening record retention periods for accident reports to three years. Industry groups such as the Association of American Railroads and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association supported the move, citing reduced administrative burdens. Labor organizations raised concerns about data accuracy, but FRA maintained that alternate forms remain available and audit value was minimal. The action aligns with federal deregulatory objectives and results in a net reduction of an estimated 877 annual paperwork hours. The changes do not impact railroad accountability or safety auditing.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Repealing Outdated Railroad Workplace Safety Requirements and Making Other Improvements

FRA finalized a rule that repeals outdated safety regulations in 49 CFR Part 214 effective September 30. The rule introduces a special approval procedure for alternative bridge worker safety approaches, clarifies training for roadway maintenance machine operators, and retains provisions for requesting overhead covers. Recordkeeping rules are simplified, and several technical corrections are made. The rule responds to industry and labor feedback, providing flexibility and qualitative cost savings. Compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act is affirmed, with an incremental annual burden increase of 10 hours. This action is not economically significant and is classified as deregulatory.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commercial Driver's License Standards: Landair Transport LLC d/b/a Covenant Logistics Application for Exemption

FMCSA renewed the exemption for Landair Transport LLC (Covenant Logistics) permitting commercial learner's permit holders who have passed the CDL skills test to operate a commercial vehicle without a CDL holder in the front seat, for up to 30 days post-test. Public comments largely opposed the exemption, citing safety concerns; however, FMCSA cited evidence of comparable safety records and similar exemptions granted to other companies. The exemption is effective July 30, 2026, to July 30, 2031, and is subject to reporting and compliance conditions. The exemption preempts conflicting state law for interstate operations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Congressional Bill H.R. 6500 Signed: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027

On September 2, the President signed H.R. 6500 into law, enacting the 'Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027.' The legislation provides short-term funding for federal agencies through December 11 and extends authority for surface transportation programs, among others. The action ensures ongoing operations and program continuity across multiple sectors.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Jordan's Aqaba port sees transit cargo boost amid Hormuz disruption: Cargo volumes at Aqaba port increased as regional disruptions affected Hormuz shipping lanes.
• Portugal receives assessment of binding bids for flag carrier TAP privatisation: Portugal reviewed binding bids as part of the process to privatize airline TAP.
• COMMENTARY: Why oil importers are learning to live with longer trade routes: Oil importers are adapting to longer global trade routes amid geopolitical shifts.
• Whistleblower says USPS mail-in voting restrictions could discard thousands of legal ballots: USPS mail-in ballot rules could lead to rejection of legitimate votes in upcoming elections.

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