ATA urges Congress to combat cargo theft

Chris Spear, American Trucking Associations president and CEO, recently urged a House Judiciary Subcommittee to take decisive action to combat the rapid rise in cargo theft that is costing the U.S. supply chain—and American consumers—billions of dollars annually, as well as putting truck drivers and national security at risk.

“Brazen thieves are robbing our industry to the tune of $18 million every single day,” Spear told lawmakers. “Plainly, there is a direct connection to rampant cargo theft and what Americans are paying at the grocery store.

“This is money that belongs in consumers’ wallets—not criminals’ pockets.”

Cargo theft is becoming increasingly prevalent and high-tech, and it often originates overseas, ATA maintained. Strategic theft, a category of crime that uses cyber fraud and identity manipulation to divert freight, has surged by 1,500% since 2021. Ninety percent of motor carriers are small businesses operating 10 trucks or fewer, and they are under enormous strain to counter their technologically advanced adversaries.

The transnational aspect of cargo theft also poses a national security threat. The proceeds from stolen goods finance other criminal activities, including drug trafficking, organized crime, and even potentially terrorism, ATA added. In his testimony, Spear provided an example of how appliances stolen from an ATA member were later discovered by federal agents to be part of a cartel-linked money laundering operation.

“Trucking is interstate by nature, which means the thieves targeting the cargo we haul are interstate as well,” Spear said. “State and local law enforcement often lack the resources and the jurisdiction to adequately investigate cross-border crimes. Only the U.S. government is equipped with the capability and the constitutional authority to pursue criminals across state and international lines.”

To address the crisis, Spear urged Congress to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. Introduced by a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers earlier this year, CORCA would help law enforcement connect the dots by enhancing legal frameworks; improving enforcement capabilities; and fostering coordination among federal, state, and local agencies. The Department of Homeland Security would be tasked with leading a cohesive national response to cargo theft.

“The theft of cargo is a nationwide problem, and it requires a national solution,” Spear said.  “By bringing the fight to organized theft groups, CORCA would help safeguard Americans who work in our supply chain and protect our national security.”