September 20, 2026 to September 26, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

US Postal Service Revises National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures

The United States Postal Service has issued an interim final rule revising its NEPA implementing procedures, effective September 25, 2026. The revision restricts codified regulations to definitions, administrative/routine actions excepted from NEPA review, categorical exclusions, and emergency provisions. Significant changes include updated categorical exclusions for vehicle procurements and processing network actions, streamlined environmental review requirements, and page limits/deadlines for environmental assessments and impact statements pursuant to 2023 and 2025 statutory amendments. The rule incorporates recent Supreme Court guidance from Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado, clarifying NEPA as a procedural statute. Stakeholders can submit comments until October 26, 2026, and further updates may follow pending review. The USPS will now maintain most NEPA procedures in a standalone handbook, enabling more rapid adaptation to future legal developments.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Coast Guard Final Rule: Training Requirements for Personnel on U.S.-Flagged Passenger Ships

The Department of Homeland Security, via the Coast Guard, published a final rule amending training requirements for personnel serving on U.S.-flagged passenger ships carrying more than twelve passengers on international voyages. The rule aligns merchant mariner training with the STCW Convention and its Code, expanding crowd management training to ratings qualified under relevant STCW chapters and requiring comprehensive emergency familiarization. Operating companies must document completion of training and maintain records for verification. The rule affects 41 companies and over 1,200 personnel across 51 vessels, with compliance costs including training and documentation. The rule enters into effect on October 26, 2026, and ensures U.S. obligations are met under international maritime safety standards.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CBP Announces Voluntary Electronic Export Manifest Pilot for Truck Cargo

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced a two-year voluntary pilot program, commencing October 23, 2026, for the Electronic Export Manifest (EEM) for Truck Cargo in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). Nine carriers will participate, submitting manifest data 24 hours prior to departure and completing filings two hours before arriving at the port of export. The test is designed to evaluate operational feasibility, compliance with export laws, and risk assessment, supporting broader trade process modernization under the International Trade Data System. Participants will be expected to adhere to security protocols, respond to CBP inquiries, and bear associated costs. Confidentiality is guaranteed under the Trade Secrets Act, with CBP planning future mandatory implementation based on pilot results.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

US, Denmark, Greenland Sign Updated Defense Agreement for Arctic Operations

The United States, Denmark, and Greenland have signed an amendment to the 1951 Defense Agreement, enhancing defense cooperation and military activities in Greenland under NATO obligations. Key terms include expanded U.S. military access to Greenlandic territory and waters, establishment of new defense areas, and use of unmanned installations. Greenlandic sovereignty and local contractor priority are explicitly recognized. The agreement prohibits non-NATO countries from establishing military installations or obtaining significant influence in Greenland, and sets security provisions for defense areas. Denmark has committed to reinforce Arctic security, with the pact becoming permanent and contingent on Greenland's NATO membership upon independence, pending parliamentary approval.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Revision of Capital Construction Fund Regulations by Maritime Administration

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has proposed changes to Capital Construction Fund (CCF) regulations under 46 CFR Part 390, aligning definitions and eligibility with the National Defense Authorization Act FY23. The revisions expand eligibility to all U.S.-built vessels operating in domestic or foreign commerce, eliminate geographic trade limitations, allow CCF use for vessel acquisition under new conditions, and establish procedures to terminate inactive accounts. There are currently 129 CCF agreements holding $2.56 billion. MARAD stresses increased administrative efficiency, reduced regulatory burdens, and enhanced program accessibility. Public comments will be accepted through November 23, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• DP World Reroutes Cargo as Costs Mount From Hormuz Disruption: Gulf transit disruptions prompt rerouting and rising costs for DP World shipments.
• Senate approves mental health legislation for US pilots, air traffic controllers: Senate passes new mental health legislation for pilots and air traffic controllers.
• Exclusive | Behind the Oil-and-Gas Industry’s Blitz to Try to Defeat a Diesel Export Ban: Oil-and-gas industry mounts lobbying campaign against a proposed diesel export ban.
• This Screw Is Needed for Missiles and Planes. Buying One Can Take Years.: Critical aerospace components face supply bottlenecks that delay procurement for missiles and aircraft.
• White House Considers Ban on Diesel Exports as Prices Keep Rising: Administration weighs options including export restrictions to address surging diesel prices.
• Opinion | The Diesel Export Ban Folly: Column examines the risks and economic effects of restricting U.S. diesel exports.
• The Morning Risk Report: Squeezed at Sea, Iran Faces New Restrictions on Its Flights: Iran confronts new flight restrictions amid maritime pressures and compliance enforcement.
• The quiet engine of smart mobility powers more than just vehicles: Smart mobility technologies extend beyond autos, supporting infrastructure-wide digital transformation.

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