Transportation

HB 862 requires railroad companies operating freight trains on tracks shared with passenger or commuter trains in Maryland to maintain a minimum crew of two people. This applies to most freight movement but excludes hostler service and yard operations for utility employees. Violations carry civil penalties up to $25,000 per incident, with railroad companies held solely responsible for employee violations. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, contingent on similar legislation passing in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

SB 149 establishes new rules for permits allowing heavy trucks to transport international cargo in sealed containers through Baltimore's Seagirt Marine Terminal corridor. It requires vehicles to weigh no more than 100,000 pounds, follow specific designated routes between the terminal and authorized destinations, travel only during permitted hours, and adhere to speed limits set by the Maryland Transportation Secretary. The bill directly affects trucking companies moving international freight by creating a formal "heavy weight port corridor" system with standardized weight, route, and timing requirements. The Secretary of Transportation will set permit fees, axle weight limits, and approved destinations through regulations, with the law taking effect June 1, 2026.