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: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• "Pier Pressure: Regulation and Competition in Maritime Shipping": The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust will hold a hearing titled "Pier Pressure: Regulation and Competition in Maritime Shipping" at Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2141, on March 17, 2026, at 2 p.m.
• Posture and Readiness of the Mobility Enterprise: House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces will examine the posture and readiness of the Mobility Enterprise at Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2118, on March 18, 2026, at 7 p.m.
• Oversight of the U.S. Postal Service: The Financial Future Under Postmaster General Steiner: House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations will conduct a hearing on Postal Service finances, featuring Postmaster General David Steiner and GAO’s David Marroni, at Capitol HVC-210, March 17, 2026, at 6 p.m.
• House Oversight and Government Reform Postal Service Legislative Markup: House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will mark up postal-related bills and naming measures at Capitol HVC-210, March 18, 2026, at 2 p.m.

Federal Government News

Postal Service Negotiated Service Agreements: Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and Ground Advantage

The U.S. Postal Service filed requests with the Postal Regulatory Commission to add domestic shipping services contracts to the Mail Classification Schedule's Competitive Products List for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage. Two contracts were filed in early March 2026 under dockets MC2026-167, K2026-167, and MC2026-168, K2026-168. Documentation is available via www.prc.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Surface Transportation Board Tentatively Approves Greyhound and Flixbus Control of Pacific Northwest Bus LLC

Flixbus SE, Flix North America Inc., and Greyhound Lines, Inc. have received tentative approval from the Surface Transportation Board to continue in control of Pacific Northwest Bus LLC upon its entry as a federally regulated passenger motor carrier. The new entity will operate scheduled intercity services targeting unserved or underserved corridors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The transaction is expected to increase passenger transport options and create jobs for drivers and support personnel. If no opposing comments are filed by April 27, 2026, the approval becomes effective on April 28, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Petition for Exemption: Airborne Custom Spraying Inc.

The Federal Aviation Administration published a summary of a petition submitted by Airborne Custom Spraying Inc. seeking exemption from 14 CFR 137.51(b)(4)(i). The request is to enable the application of EPA-registered mosquito and vector control products over congested areas supporting public health or forestry authorities. Comments on the petition are due by April 1, 2026, via regulations.gov or by mail and fax; the FAA's Office of Rulemaking is handling inquiries.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Announces 2026 Hazardous Materials Forum

PHMSA will host a public Research, Development, and Technology Forum in the Washington, DC metropolitan area from March 31 to April 2, 2026. The agenda includes presentations on PHMSA-funded research, hazardous materials transport safety standards, emergency response risk reduction, energy storage, and packaging innovations. Stakeholder input is solicited for future research directions. Details and registration are available through PHMSA; comments can be submitted online or by mail and fax.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Department Rescinds CVD Review of Freight Rail Couplers from China

The Department of Commerce has rescinded its administrative review of the countervailing duty order on certain freight rail couplers and components from China for calendar year 2024. After examining U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, Commerce determined no suspended entries existed for the companies under review during the period. As a result, assessment instructions to CBP will follow, with duties assessed at the cash deposit rates in effect at entry.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Data Security Requirements for Accessing Confidential Transportation Data: Comment Request

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) has issued a notice to seek public comment on renewing data security requirements for access to confidential data. The Standard Application Process (SAP) portal allows individuals and organizations to apply for access to restricted transportation datasets, with additional confidentiality and security protocols on approval. The estimated public burden for security agreements averages 90 minutes per application, and BTS anticipates five applications per year. The comment period remains open until May 11, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Homeland Security Shutdown Impacts TSA Operations and Travel

White House publications note that the Department of Homeland Security shutdown has left TSA agents unpaid for 26 days, leading to nationwide airport wait times reportedly reaching four hours. Despite working without pay, TSA agents are continuing critical security functions, including confiscating firearms and addressing bomb threats. Over 300 TSA staff have resigned in three weeks. Nationwide travel disruptions are reported as a result.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Postal Regulatory Commission Announces New Competitive Product Agreements

The Postal Regulatory Commission is reviewing recent filings from the Postal Service concerning amendments and additions to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and international package contracts. Dockets CP2024-573, K2025-1229, MC2026-169, and K2026-169 are open for public comment until March 16, 2026. The Public Representative for each proceeding is listed, and further information is provided online at prc.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Air freight rates soar as Middle East conflict blocks trade routes: Middle East conflict is driving up air freight prices due to blocked trade routes.
• War with Iran spreading economic damage far beyond oil and gas markets: Iran conflict is causing economic impacts across air freight logistics beyond energy sectors.
• Delivery Hero investor Aspex calls on CEO to step up turnaround or face ouster: Aspex urges Delivery Hero’s CEO to accelerate operational turnaround or risk replacement.
• Explainer: Why is it so easy for Iran to shut the Strait of Hormuz?: Analysis of infrastructure and regulatory factors affecting shipping security at Strait of Hormuz.
• Opinion | Keeping Up With the Jones Act: Opinion on regulatory complexity surrounding Jones Act and maritime transport.
• Top global legal and policy issues for automotive and transportation companies in 2026: Policy and legal landscape analysis for transportation and automotive firms.
• Mar 9: The Latest Jobs Report Is In — And the Freight Market Has Taken Another Hit: Industry newsletter reviews freight sector jobs report and market trends.
• Mar 11: How Charleston is Rewriting the Southeast Supply Chain: Freightflow Advisor covers Charleston’s changing role in supply chain logistics.
• FreightFA Industry Podcast: Omar Shakoor: Podcast episode features industry insights from Omar Shakoor.

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