The American Trucking Associations (ATA) have supported the recent introduction of a bipartisan and bicameral bill of law to combat the proliferation of billion-dollar cargo theft in the US.
The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which seeks to establish a unified, federal response to state-wide and international cargo theft, was introduced by lawmakers, from both political sides, in the US Senate and House of Representatives.
The ATA highlighted that thieves targeting freight shipments are costing the supply chain up to $35 billion USD (€ 30.8 billion) annually and fuelling price inflation for consumers.
It also noted that strategic theft has risen 1,500 per cent since the first quarter of 2021, with the average value per theft being over $200,000 USD (€176,000).
Cargo theft has evolved into sophisticated enterprises, coming in different forms, including imitation of legitimate companies, theft of goods over a period, break-ins of parked tractor-trailers, double-brokering fraud, cyber frauds, or holding freight hostage.
ATA President & CEO, Chris Spear, said cargo theft was putting a dent in America’s trucking industry’s pride and reputation in delivering freight safely and on time.
“The billions of tons of goods transported by trucks from coast to coast have increasingly become a prime target for organised crime rings, including transnational organisations, putting truck drivers at risk and raising costs for consumers,” said Spear.
“ATA commends this bipartisan group of leaders for addressing this alarming trend and safeguarding our supply chain.
“By empowering federal agencies to improve cooperation across jurisdictions and ramp up enforcement actions, this bill would strike an effective blow against organised crime.”
The Associations believe the complex nature of cargo theft means that only the federal government has the authority, resources and technical abilities to effectively combat the illegal activities.
It says the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would enhance legal frameworks, improve enforcement capabilities and foster coordination among federal, state, and local agencies.
In 2024, the ATA added security, including cargo theft and cyber threats, to its list of strategic priorities.
Last month, Trump ordered the EPA to reconsider emissions standards.
