October 18, 2026 to October 24, 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

Presidential Proclamation Modifies Tariffs on Canadian Products, Refinement of Section 338 Duties

On October 23, 2026, President Trump signed a proclamation further modifying the scope of additional duties imposed on certain Canadian products under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The new directive refines the covered lists by removing items such as plywood sheets, paper products, and some machinery, while adding others including valves and carpets. The modifications are set to take effect on October 30, 2026, affecting all relevant goods regardless of USMCA status. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other agencies have been instructed to update the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and administer the tariff changes. These adjustments follow the U.S. response to Canada’s withdrawal from a near-final trade deal and its imposition of $20 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

CBP Extends Compliance for Suspension of De Minimis Exemption on Mail Shipments

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced an extension of the compliance date for mandatory formal entry requirements on merchandise arriving via the international postal network. The suspension of the de minimis administrative exemption under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) remains in effect, but industry stakeholders now have until January 20, 2027, to comply with new regulatory provisions under 19 CFR 145.12(a)(2)(v) and (vi). The additional time is provided for importers, brokers, and logistics providers to adjust internal systems and processes to the requirements, and does not place new obligations on those already in compliance. The extension aims to avoid undue disruption in international mail flow as the industry adapts to the new process.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FRA and FTA Post Proposed MOU Assigning Environmental Review Responsibilities to Utah for Rail and Transit

The Federal Railroad Administration and Federal Transit Administration announced receipt and review of Utah’s application to assume federal responsibilities under the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program. A draft Memorandum of Understanding has been published, outlining how Utah’s Department of Transportation would implement National Environmental Policy Act reviews for certain railroad and public transit projects within the state. The proposed MOU details responsibilities assumed by UDOT, with exclusions for projects crossing state or international boundaries or requiring specific federal approvals. Comments are invited through November 19, 2026, as the agencies consider public feedback on the scope and processes of environmental review assignments.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Issues Determination Under Defense Production Act for Domestic Petroleum Logistics

On October 22, 2026, President Trump issued a memorandum to the Secretary of War under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act, addressing domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics. Citing ongoing supply constraints and their impact on national defense, the President authorized federal intervention to expand capacity, including purchase authority, financial support, and waiver of certain requirements. The directive follows a previous Executive Order declaring a National Energy Emergency and is aimed at mitigating vulnerabilities in the U.S. industrial base related to the security of petroleum logistics.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FMCSA Opens Comments on Information Collection for Driver Training Certification

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking public comment on the renewal of the information collection for entry-level commercial motor vehicle operator training certification. The collection supports FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry, registration of training providers, and transmission of training outcomes to State Driver Licensing Agencies. The renewal proposal provides updated estimates of compliance burden based on operational data since February 2022, when the rule took effect. Comments are requested by December 21, 2026, regarding necessity, accuracy of estimates, or ways to reduce respondent burden.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Railroads Gain as Cargo Shifts to Rail From Highways: U.S. railroads are seeing increased cargo volumes as shippers divert freight from highways to rail corridors.
• FAA certifies Boeing's 737 MAX 10, clearing way for deliveries: Boeing's 737 MAX 10 program received FAA certification, enabling the aircraft's first deliveries to airlines.
• RTX lifts 2026 forecasts as aerospace, defense demand drives record backlog: Raytheon Technologies increased 2026 projections, citing strong aerospace and defense demand and a record order backlog.
• Russia hits cargo vessels, logistics hubs in Ukraine, Russian defence ministry says: Russia reported strikes on cargo vessels and logistics hubs in Ukraine, impacting regional maritime operations.
• Self-Driving Big Rigs Rack Up Miles, Just Don’t Tell Them to Back Up…Yet: Autonomous truck technology continues to advance, with long-haul miles increasing despite operational challenges with vehicle backing.
• Malaysia Airlines parent company may consider a green tax as sustainable fuel strains airlines: The holding company for Malaysia Airlines is weighing a green tax as sustainable aviation fuel challenges increase airline costs.

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