September 27, 2026 to October 03, 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

FMCSA Provisional Exemption Renewal for Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provisionally renewed and consolidated two exemptions for Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC, covering hours-of-service and parts/accessories requirements. The renewal permits Cliffs’ CDL drivers moving steel coils or scrap metal between East Chicago plant sites to work up to 16 consecutive hours and return after at least 8 hours off duty. Specialized coil carrier vehicles are provided relief from specific cargo securement and trailer definitions, while scrap trucks must comply with part 393 requirements. The exemption applies at Riley Road and Dickey Road/129th Street crossings, effective September 23, 2026 through March 23, 2027. FMCSA is soliciting public comment before finalizing beyond the six-month provisional period.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Releases Compendium of Key Second-Term Policy Actions

President Donald Trump’s administration reported multiple policy moves spanning spending reductions, immigration changes, and regulatory actions. Notable measures include $1 billion in spending reductions, 250,000 visa revocations, infrastructure investments, launch of America.gov, and implementation of Trump Accounts. Department actions over this period encompassed recission of Title IX revisions, $2 billion in Department of Energy grid upgrades, and Commerce’s $1.6 billion Texas investment. Transportation finalized new vehicle efficiency standards. The Coast Guard announced seizure of 260,000 pounds of cocaine and Defense raised hazard pay rates alongside new contracts. Treasury allowed greater tax flexibility and Medicare ended certain unauthorized enrollments.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

NHTSA Proposes Consolidated Updates to Motor Vehicle Safety Labeling Requirements

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration submitted an updated information collection request regarding labeling requirements under nine Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, now including three previously-excluded labeling rules and two new standards. Labeling spans brake fluids, glazing, airbags, seat belt assemblies, CNG/hydrogen fuels, and containers. Annual burden is estimated at 35,126 hours and $23.6 million in compliance costs, reflecting increased model counts and recent regulatory additions. NHTSA’s public comment period runs through October 30, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CBP Introduces Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal (CR-TAP)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will launch the CR-TAP, a portal enabling trade participants to report and track technical issues affecting Automated Broker Interface and Automated Commercial Environment systems. The portal provides central documentation, improved communications, and streamlined issue notification. Access will be online via ACE or a dedicated link, with an estimated 18,000 respondents and a total annual burden of 4,500 hours. Public input is open until November 2, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Announces Antidumping/Countervailing Duty Annual Review Opportunities

The Department of Commerce published a notice for requests to conduct administrative reviews for multiple antidumping and countervailing duty orders with anniversary dates in October. Interested parties have until October 31, 2026, to submit requests electronically via ACCESS. New annual inquiry service lists will be created or updated, and parties are required to amend their entries as necessary. The notice sets protocols for respondent selection and procedure throughout upcoming reviews.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Soaring Transport Costs Spread Through U.S. Economy: Logistics providers report increases in truck and shipping rates affecting supply chain costs.
• Cargo stacks up as Pakistan seizes containers to block capital routes: Pakistani authorities seize shipping containers, causing congestion at freight hubs and border crossings.
• What’s Behind the Diesel-Market Crunch: Diesel shortages and pricing constraints disrupt U.S. freight and transport sector operations.
• US sanctions target Iran's auto, rail sectors as blockade chokes ship lanes: U.S. sanctions impact Iranian freight and passenger rail operations amid ongoing maritime blockades.
• Airbus flies A350F freighter in challenge to Boeing: Airbus completed the inaugural flight for its A350F cargo aircraft, targeting global logistics competition.
• Why U.S. Diesel Is So Important to Major Trading Partners: U.S. diesel supply shifts affect trading partners including Mexico, Europe, and Brazil amid recent policy changes.

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