The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has praised the House Appropriations Committee for incorporating language in the fiscal year 2025 Department of Homeland Security funding bill that directs Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to create a Supply Chain Fraud and Theft Task Force. This initiative, championed by Congressman David Valadao (R-CA), will receive $2 million in funding to address the escalating issue of cargo theft and broader supply chain fraud, aligning with one of ATA’s strategic priorities.
“The trucking industry takes great pride in delivering America’s freight safely and on time. The billions of tons of goods transported by trucks to every American community have increasingly become a prime target for organized crime, putting truck drivers at risk and raising costs for consumers,” said Henry Hanscom, ATA’s Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs. He commended the Committee and Congressman Valadao for leveraging HSI’s unique cross-border authorities to tackle this alarming trend. This provision aims to strengthen partnerships between the government, law enforcement, motor carriers, and supply chain partners to combat organized theft groups effectively.
Mark Savage, Chairman of the ATA’s Law Enforcement Advisory Board and Director of Connected Truck Solutions at Drivewyze, highlighted the increasing sophistication and prevalence of cargo theft compared to his earlier years in the Colorado State Patrol. He emphasized the importance of this provision in bolstering law enforcement’s capacity to protect drivers and motor carriers from these crimes.
The report language allocates $2 million to HSI, part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to collaborate with state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies and relevant private sector stakeholders. The Task Force will adopt a coordinated, multi-agency, intelligence-based, and prosecutor-led approach to dismantle organizations responsible for theft and related violence within the American supply chain.
According to CargoNet, cargo theft surged by 57% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with thefts increasing another 10% in the first quarter of 2024. The first quarter of 2024 alone saw 925 documented incidents, with an average loss of $281,757 per stolen shipment. California, Texas, and Illinois were the top states for these incidents, accounting for 61% of all cases. The actual number of cases is likely higher, as motor carriers are not mandated to report these thefts.
Cargo theft not only disrupts the supply chain but also endangers truck drivers and law enforcement personnel. Given the escalating threat, ATA added security, including cargo theft and cyber threats, to its strategic priorities earlier this year.
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