KEY AGENCIES
Feb 6, 2026 Updates
There was no reportable FHWA activity last week.
The Federal Maritime Commission is seeking public comment by March 27 on allegations that ocean carriers are restricting chassis choice—citing its February 2024 IMCC v. OCEMA decision—and requests input on chassis availability, carrier-designated providers, and related practices under the Shipping Act.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking comments by February 27 on American Trucking Associations’s request for a 5-year exemption to continue training under-21 drivers under the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
USDOT’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology issued an RFI to inform its FY26–30 transportation R&D strategic plan, seeking input on research priorities, emerging trends/gaps, coordination, standards/interoperability, and deployment—comments due February 12.
STB determines UP and NS merger application is incomplete without prejudice to refiling. Click here for more details.
STB proposes eliminating reciprocal switching agreement and through rate regulations and to instead consider petitions on a case-by-case basis. Comments due 03/10/26. Reply comments due 04/24/26. Click here for more details.
NS submits responds to comments on the completeness of their merger application. Click here for more details.
UP submits responds to comments on the completeness of their merger application. Click here for more details.
Other Offices & Agencies
- The Federal Railroad Administration announced it will reestablish the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC) for a two-year term to advise USDOT on railroad safety, after the committee was disbanded in August 2025.
- Internal Revenue Service
- Maritime Administration
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- National Labor Relations Board
- Office of the United States Trade Representative
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- Transportation Security Administration
- U.S. Coast Guard
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- U.S. Department of Commerce
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. Department of Labor
- International Maritime Organization
