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: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Business Meeting: NASA, NOAA Weather Research, Coast Guard Promotions: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will hold a business meeting on March 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. to consider S.933 (NASA programs for FY2025), S.3923 (NOAA weather research and commercial opportunities through weather data), and review certain Coast Guard promotions.

Federal Government News

DOT Guidance on Multimodal State Freight Plans and State Freight Advisory Committees

The U.S. Department of Transportation released updated guidance for State Freight Plans and State Freight Advisory Committees, superseding its January 2023 guidance. States receiving National Highway Freight Program funding must develop freight plans covering short- and long-term goals, now on a four-year update cycle as mandated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Plans must address 17 elements, including strategies for multimodal freight corridors, evaluating trends and policies, identifying performance measures, and listing NHFP-funded priority projects. States are encouraged to consult Freight Advisory Committees, use data-driven approaches, and reference resources on freight flows and infrastructure. Updated plans should be submitted to FHWA Division Offices for review and approval.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Surface Transportation Board Seeks Comment for Complaints Information Collection Renewal

The Surface Transportation Board issued a 60-day notice regarding its intent to extend approval for its complaints information collection under 49 CFR 1111. The collection allows shippers, railroads, and communities to file complaints on statutory claims like unreasonable rates or service issues. On average, two complaints were filed annually between 2023 and 2025, each requiring an estimated 250 hours to prepare, resulting in a total annual burden of 500 hours. Comments are requested by April 27, 2026, and further information is available from Michael Higgins, Deputy Director, Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

MARAD Requests Comments on Ocean Shipments Moving Under Export-Import Bank Financing

The Maritime Administration seeks public comments on renewing information collection OMB 2133-0013, related to ocean shipments financed by the Export-Import Bank. The collection supports compliance with cargo preference laws, annual shipment data reporting, and resolution of issues related to shipping EXIM Bank-financed cargoes on U.S.-flag, recipient flag, and third-flag vessels. Thirty respondents submit about 390 responses annually, with a total burden of 195 hours. The data are used for MARAD and EXIM Bank reviews. Comments should be submitted within 30 days of the notice via www.reginfo.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

MARAD Requests Comments on EUSC/Parent Company Vessel Ownership

The Maritime Administration posted a notice seeking public comments for the renewal of its collection ‘Effective U.S. Control (EUSC)/Parent Company’ (OMB 2133-0511). This collection identifies U.S.-citizen-owned vessels registered in foreign countries, information used for logistical planning during foreign deployments and emergencies. It involves 60 respondents annually, with a one-hour per response average. The request is an extension without changes. Comments are due within 30 days via www.reginfo.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

MARAD Requests Comments on Regulations for Donating Surplus Federal Property to Maritime Training Facilities

MARAD seeks comments on renewing its information collection (OMB 2133-0504) regarding regulations for providing excess or surplus federal property to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, State Maritime Academies, and non-profit maritime training facilities. The revision introduces form MA-1073C for donations serving historical purposes. Maritime training institutions must provide justification before acquisition. Expected annual burden is 360 hours for 40 respondents and 360 responses. Comments should be submitted within 30 days via www.reginfo.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

MARAD Requests Comments on Requirements for Establishing U.S. Citizenship

MARAD issued a Federal Register notice seeking comment on its information collection pertaining to requirements for establishing U.S. citizenship (OMB 2133-0012). Shipowners, charterers, equity owners, and ship managers submit affidavits annually to verify eligibility for MARAD programs and fishery endorsements. The collection serves program administration under Merchant Marine Act statutes and the American Fisheries Act. Estimated annual burden totals 2,750 hours for 550 respondents. Comments are due within 30 days via www.reginfo.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Federal Transit Administration Requests Comment on Ferry Grant Programs Data Collection

The Federal Transit Administration requests public comments for extension of the data collection associated with Passenger Ferry Grant Program, Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Program, and Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program (OMB 2132-0583). The information is gathered from 30 applicants annually for project evaluation, prioritization, and compliance verification. The estimated annual burden totals 420 hours. Comments to OMB are due within 30 days of publication.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Requests Comment on Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Material

The NRC has submitted a renewal request to OMB for the information collection titled “Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Material,” governed by 10 CFR part 71. The collection covers requirements for packaging and transportation of licensed radioactive materials, including approval and quality assurance procedures. Estimated annual burden is 30,739 hours from 225 respondents and 612 responses. Public comments are requested by March 27, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FAA Notice: Petition for Exemption – Morningside University

The FAA published a summary of a petition by Morningside University seeking an exemption from 14 CFR 61.169(b) for students who completed requirements in its Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight program before the university’s Letter of Authorization dated September 19, 2025. The exemption request aims to address students who took courses between August 2024 and September 2025. Comments are due by March 16, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FAA Solicits Comments for Experimental Aircraft LODA Information Collection

The FAA requests public comment on its intention to renew the information collection for Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA) relating to flight instruction aboard experimental-category aircraft under 14 CFR 91.319. The collection requires applicants to submit detailed requests for deviation authority at least 60 days before intended operations. There are approximately 177 active LODA holders and 170 new applications annually; each response averages 15 hours, totaling an annual burden of 2,250 hours. Comments are due by April 24, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DOT Requests Renewal of Aircraft Accident Liability Insurance Collection

The DOT posted a notice for renewal of the collection involving air carriers’ policies of insurance and filings under 14 CFR part 205. The collection confirms compliance with minimum accident liability insurance requirements. Both U.S. and foreign air carriers must submit a two-page form evidencing coverage. DOT estimates 1,713 respondents, with an annual burden of 599 hours. Written comments are requested by April 27, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Postal Regulatory Commission Notice: New Postal Products

The Postal Regulatory Commission published notice of a Postal Service filing concerning a negotiated service agreement under Docket No. CP2024-145, involving amendments to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select Contract 3. Comments are due February 27, 2026. The public document is accessible via the Commission website, and the appointed Public Representative for the proceeding is Christopher Mohr.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Shipping Industry Sends Strong Consumer Demand Signal For The Year: Logistical data point to strong consumer demand continuing throughout 2026 in the global shipping industry.
• The Greenlandic Bricklayer Behind Trump’s Plan to Send a Hospital Ship: A unique story links hospital ship plans with Greenlandic workforce and cross-border maritime collaboration.
• An Aviation Carbon-Offset Deadline Looms, But Credits Are in Short Supply: Airlines face an impending carbon offset deadline with a shortfall in available credits for compliance.
• How Mideast Conflict Could Upend Your Flight: Regional conflict in the Middle East alters commercial flight routes and operational risk calculations.
• EU to Implement Long-Awaited Mercosur Trade Deal: European Union begins implementing the Mercosur trade deal, opening new opportunities for cross-border logistics.

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