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.

Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

PHMSA Issues NPRM to Harmonize Hazardous Materials Regulations with International Standards

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a proposed rule to revise the Hazardous Materials Regulations to incorporate recent changes in international standards, including the ICAO Technical Instructions, IMDG Code, and Transport Canada's Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations. Amendments cover shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, and stowage requirements. Key elements include new regulations for sodium ion batteries, fire suppressant dispersing devices, organic peroxides, and changes to labeling, marking, and paperwork for multimodal hazardous shipments. Comments are due by April 13, 2026; the rule details transition periods and establishes cost savings and net regulatory impacts for the regulated community.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CBP Proposes Rule for Mandatory Advance Electronic Export Vessel Manifests

U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a proposed rule requiring advance submission of electronic export manifest (EEM) data for vessel cargo departing the United States. Under the rule, carriers and eligible parties would transmit specified cargo data via ACE at least 24 hours prior to loading, with final data due two hours before vessel departure. The program aims to improve export security, supply chain visibility, and enforce U.S. trade laws and export controls. The rule replaces paper manifest filings and expands CBP’s ability to identify high-risk cargo before departure. The deadline for comments is April 13, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Maritime Administration Opens Centers of Excellence Application Cycle

The Maritime Administration announced the opening of the 2026 application cycle for the Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE) program. Eligible postsecondary and nonprofit maritime institutions operating in qualifying states may seek five-year CoE designations. The notice outlines updated program policies in line with recent executive orders and clarifies eligibility, application content, and review requirements. Applications are due by April 13, 2026; additional guidance webinars will be available on MARAD’s website.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Announces Massive Deregulatory Action Targeting Climate Rules

The White House publicized President Trump’s revocation of the Obama-era Endangerment Finding, which previously formed the regulatory basis for climate-related requirements on transportation and manufacturing, including electric vehicle mandates. The announcement calls the move "the largest deregulatory action in U.S. history," citing estimated regulatory relief for manufacturers and fleets, projected vehicle cost reductions, and expanded consumer choice. Industry groups and lawmakers supporting the change framed it as a win for energy affordability and economic competitiveness.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FMCSA Seeks Comment on ELD Exemption Request for Trucking Group

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is soliciting public input on the Federation of Professional Truckers’ application for exemption from the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate. The group seeks permission for its members and qualified drivers to use paper logbooks to record hours-of-service, instead of ELDs, citing enforcement familiarity with paper RODS, technology limitations, and costs to small operators. The application outlines auditing protocols and exclusion for drivers found in violation. Comments are due by March 11, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025

Bill 261, the Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025, was received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This bill addresses public lands and natural resources, with recent action transferring review from the House to the Senate for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• White House Pitches New Fees, Incentives to Fund Maritime Revival: The White House outlines a plan to use new fees and incentives to boost U.S. maritime industry investment.
• Trump administration releases Maritime Action Plan aimed at resurrecting US shipbuilding: The administration published a comprehensive maritime manufacturing and fleet revival plan targeting U.S. shipbuilding.
• Crab Heist Puts Spotlight on Surge of Cargo Thefts - The New York Times: Reports an increase in cargo theft incidents, with a notable case involving stolen snow crabs in Massachusetts.
• Trump’s Actions Test the Fragile World of Air Travel - The New York Times: Examines the impact of recent Trump administration actions on air travel systems and disruptions.
• Another Government Shutdown? Here’s What Travelers Should Know.: Outlines potential implications of a government shutdown on U.S. transportation services and travel.
• AI Panic Hits Trucking, Transport Stocks: Stock prices for major trucking and logistics firms fell sharply amid concerns over artificial intelligence disruption.
• Feb 9: Who’s the real MVP of the Super Bowl? It’s Freight.: Freight transport took center stage during Super Bowl deliveries, driving headlines in the logistics sector.
• BNSF's $3.2 Billion Arizona Bet That Will Reshape How America Moves Freight: BNSF announced a multi-billion dollar investment in Arizona expected to impact national freight movement patterns.
• Private Equity: Private equity activity in the logistics and transportation sector remains active, with multiple deals reported.
• FedEx, Advent-led consortium to buy parcel locker firm InPost in $9.2 billion deal: Consortium led by FedEx and Advent agreed to acquire parcel locker company InPost for $9.2 billion.

.