September 13, 2026 to September 19, 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

FRA Proposes Revisions to Railroad Operating Rules Information Collection

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued a notice soliciting public comment regarding its Information Collection Request (ICR) on Railroad Operating Rules and Practices under 49 CFR parts 217 and 218. Adjustments in the 2026 submission, which includes the implementation of locomotive image and audio recording devices, have led to an increase in annual responses to over 9.2 million and a total burden of 766,620 hours. Changes reflect expansion to Class II, Class III, and passenger railroads, as well as increased employee training record requirements, raising the estimated number of employees from 85,600 to 101,000. The total annual cost is calculated at $69.15 million, and affected parties are encouraged to submit comments on the proposal by November 16, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FRA Seeks Comment on Railroad Communications Burden Reduction

On September 16, the FRA released a notice requesting public input on its Information Collection activities related to railroad communications rules (49 CFR part 220). The notice details a reduction in annual burden hours from 95,902 to 76,237, with cost estimates totaling $6 million. Changes stem from reallocation of certain record requirements and updated employee counts for training documentation. Stakeholders are invited to comment on the collection, which affects 773 U.S. railroads, with responses due November 16, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FHWA Solicits Feedback for BIT3 Highway Bridge Grants Data Collection

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is accepting public comments for a new information collection supporting the Type 3 Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation (BIT3) Competitive Grant Program. Authorized in the 2026 appropriations act, the BIT3 program targets county-owned bridges over Bureau of Reclamation water conveyance structures. FHWA will make up to $25 million available for FY2026 projects, with all federal share and no local match. The agency projects about 50 applications per year, with an estimated total annual burden of 240 hours. Comments are requested by October 19, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMC Requests Additional Information on Terminal Emissions Sustainability Agreement

The Federal Maritime Commission has formally requested supplemental information from parties to the Terminal Emissions Sustainability Agreement (Agreement No. 201476), temporarily suspending its scheduled implementation. The parties include major West Coast terminal operators such as Everport Terminal Services and SSA Marine. Interested stakeholders have 15 days from publication on September 18, 2026, to file comments regarding the agreement.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

PHMSA Announces Applications for Special Permits in Hazardous Materials Transport

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has opened a public comment period until October 16, 2026, for new special permit applications related to hazardous materials transportation. Applicants include International Decal Management for tank car decals, HSAGP Energy for lithium-ion cell shipment by road and rail, Louisiana Energy Services for uranium hexafluoride transport, and manufacturers such as Porsche Logistik for heavy battery shipments by air. Details on application contents and regulations are available through the PHMSA Record Center.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Union Pacific says high diesel prices shifting freight from trucks to rail: Union Pacific reports that high diesel prices are moving more freight to rail from trucking operators.
• Ocean container shipping rates could test record highs as Iran war fuel spike drives rise, analysts say: Analysts observe global shipping rates may approach previous records due to rising fuel prices from the ongoing conflict in Iran.
• Hormuz traffic below 10-day average, LNG vessels reappear outside strait: Vessel tracking shows shipping traffic via the Strait of Hormuz trending below the recent average, though LNG carriers are reappearing outside the strait.
• How diesel prices and pending truck rules could hike your grocery bill: An overview of how current and forthcoming diesel prices and truck regulations may add to consumer costs.
• COMMENTARY: Panama Canal stress shows the real shipping squeeze may still be ahead: Challenges at the Panama Canal are raising concerns that shipping disruptions could intensify in the coming months.
• What to know about airBaltic as Latvia's flag carrier files for Chapter 11: Latvia's national airline, airBaltic, enters Chapter 11 proceedings amid financial difficulties.
• French unions strike across multiple sectors as budget proposal looms: Widespread labor strikes in France affect various sectors, including energy and logistics capacities.

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