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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Dates: 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-08

📋 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 Committee: Business Meeting on Coast Guard and Transportation Legislation: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will meet on February 11 at 7:00 p.m. ET in Capitol 216 to consider several bills: S.71 (Amtrak baby changing tables), S.3266 (Merchant Marine Academy athletic support), S.3700 (FAA safety review panel), and routine Coast Guard lists.
• House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee: Hearing on U.S. Surface Transportation Research: On February 11 at 7:00 p.m. ET, the House Subcommittee on Research and Technology will convene in Rayburn 2318 for a hearing focused on accelerating progress in U.S. surface transportation research.

Federal Government News

UNITED STATES-INDIA JOINT STATEMENT: Interim Trade Agreement Framework Announced

The United States and India released a joint statement on February 6, outlining the framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal trade. Under the new terms, India will reduce tariffs on U.S. industrial goods, food, and agricultural products, while the U.S. will impose reciprocal tariffs on selected Indian goods, with gradual removal planned for items such as pharmaceuticals and aircraft parts. The agreement targets non-tariff barrier remediation, including Indian restrictions on U.S. medical devices and ICT products. India committed to purchasing $500 billion in U.S. energy products, aircraft, technology, and metals over five years. Additional aims include establishing rules of origin, addressing digital trade barriers, and finalizing standards for technical regulations. Discussions on supply chain resilience and expanded technology trade are planned, with both nations seeking prompt implementation and completion of the broader Bilateral Trade Agreement.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Duties on Indian Imports Lifted After Energy Commitments

President Trump issued an executive order on February 6, removing the 25% ad valorem duty imposed on imports from India due to indirect importation of Russian oil, following India's commitment to end Russian oil purchases and expand U.S. energy imports. The decision is in response to previous actions under Executive Orders 14066 and 14329, intended to address threats from the Russian Federation. Effective February 7, the duty is eliminated, with provisions for monitoring India's compliance and potential reimposition if violations occur. Implementation measures focus on aligning trade with U.S. national security and economic interests.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Commercial Fishing Access Restored in Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument

President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation on February 6 revoking restrictions placed on commercial fishing in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument off New England. The regulatory rollback reinstates the terms of Proclamation 10049, permitting regulated fishing in approximately 4,913 square miles of Atlantic waters. The announcement asserts that existing laws, such as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Endangered Species Act, provide adequate protections for the monument’s resources, making additional fishing prohibitions unnecessary. The move is expected to benefit commercial fleets operating longline and lobster fisheries in affected regions.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Procedures for Preferential Tariff Treatment of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Under USMCA

The International Trade Administration published new procedures enabling importers of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) qualifying for USMCA tariff preferences to submit documentation identifying U.S. content per model. Importers can apply to have the additional tariff imposed only on the value of non-U.S. content, with eligibility determined through certified documentation reviewed by Commerce and Customs and Border Protection. Criteria include origin certifications, production details, and compliance with North American steel, aluminum, and labor requirements. The process covers imports retroactively from November 1, 2025, and stipulates submission deadlines for subsequent years. Annual burden estimates for applicants average 20 hours per response across 20 respondents.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Requests Comments: Qualification of Drivers and Exemption Proposal

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is seeking comments on the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's request, treated as an application for exemption, to allow motor carriers and drivers to use paper copies of the medical examiner’s certificate as proof of medical certification until the National Registry Integration Initiative (NRII) is fully implemented in all states. Challenges in uneven NRII rollout have led to administrative burdens for carriers, with existing waivers granting up to 60 days for paper certification use. FMCSA is considering a one-year exemption but notes that regulation modifications are required. Public comments are accepted until March 9, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

PHMSA Requests Feedback on Hazmat Transportation Risks: Heavy-Duty Electric vs. Internal Combustion Vehicles

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a request for information regarding safety risks, operational challenges, and regulatory considerations for transporting hazardous materials using heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs) versus internal combustion engine motor carriers. The notice seeks industry input on factors such as battery hazards, charging station vulnerabilities, weight distribution, cargo stability, and emergency response adaptations. Stakeholders are invited to comment on regulatory gaps, infrastructure risks, fire suppression strategies, and economic feasibility. Feedback will inform future research initiatives involving hazmat transport in evolving vehicle platforms, including packaging and containment risks.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Postal Regulatory Commission Issues Notice on New Postal Products and Agreements

The Postal Regulatory Commission published a notice on recent U.S. Postal Service filings for negotiated service agreements, including amendments to Priority Mail contracts, additions to the Competitive Product List for international shipping services, and Priority Mail Contract 952. Proceedings are open for public comment until February 9, with materials filed under seal and designated public representatives assigned for each docket. The Commission invites analysis of compliance with statutory requirements under Title 39.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act

Bill 6866, the Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act, was referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. The bill proposes measures aimed at enhancing port infrastructure and operational standards.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Atlantic Coast Shipping Safety Act

Bill 6410, the Atlantic Coast Shipping Safety Act, was referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. This bill addresses safety protocols for shipping along the Atlantic Coast.

Sources: www.congress.gov

BRIDGE Act

Bill 6889, the BRIDGE Act, was referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. The Act introduces strategies related to bridge safety and infrastructure oversight for freight rail and pipeline facilities.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To restrict air transportation of certain live animals

Bill 7371, a measure restricting air transportation of specific live animals for safety, biosecurity, and aviation efficiency, has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Railroad Safety and Accountability Act

Bill 7338, the Railroad Safety and Accountability Act, saw introductory remarks from its sponsor. The bill pertains to enhancements to safety management and reporting requirements for U.S. railroads.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Exclusive | Maritime Giants Target Major New York-Area Port Terminal: Leading maritime operators are pursuing infrastructure investments at a key port terminal near New York, potentially altering container flow dynamics.
• Supply chain chaos becomes aviation's 'new norm' as demand hits records: Disruptions in aircraft supply chains continue as global demand for aircraft and aviation parts reaches historic highs.
• US watchdog to review high failure rate in FAA air traffic control training: The U.S. government will assess federal air traffic control training after record failures by new controllers.
• Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd to resume some Red Sea transits with naval escorts: Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are restarting select Red Sea shipping routes, supported by military escorts amid regional security concerns.
• What to know about the partial government shutdown: The partial government shutdown affects federal agencies, including those overseeing transportation, customs, and logistics operations.

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