The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is ramping up its efforts to address the escalating crisis of cargo theft, pushing for stronger federal enforcement to protect the U.S. supply chain and reduce costs for consumers. ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello recently testified before a House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee roundtable, emphasizing the damaging effects of cargo theft on the trucking industry, businesses, and everyday Americans.
Costello highlighted that virtually every trucking company is affected by cargo theft—either through direct loss or the significant expenses required to guard against it. “ATA looks forward to working with committee members to safeguard the entire supply chain, including trucking, to protect businesses and their employees as well as lower costs for consumers,” Costello told lawmakers.
Cargo theft has surged dramatically, with strategic theft incidents rising by 1,500% since the first quarter of 2021. Today, the average value of a single theft exceeds $200,000. These crimes are becoming more sophisticated and now include tactics such as cyber-enabled fraud, impersonation of legitimate companies, pilfering shipments over time, and double-brokering scams. In some cases, stolen identities are used to hijack freight operations, leaving carriers and brokers liable.
One such incident was shared by ATA member Adam Blanchard, who testified earlier this year before the Senate Commerce Subcommittee. His company’s identity was stolen, and despite contacting his insurance provider, local and federal authorities including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, no agency took responsibility or action. Blanchard’s experience reflects a broader issue—jurisdictional fragmentation and a lack of centralized federal oversight in tackling organized cargo theft rings.
Cargo theft is not just a trucking issue—it disrupts the entire logistics chain and contributes to price inflation for consumers. Losses from these crimes are estimated to reach as high as $35 billion annually, making it one of the most pressing threats to the transportation sector.
To combat the issue, ATA is supporting the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which aims to establish a comprehensive federal strategy. The legislation would create a unified response to cargo theft and enable federal agencies to coordinate across state lines and international borders—essential in dismantling the sophisticated networks behind these crimes.
ATA has also elevated cargo theft and cybersecurity to the top of its strategic priorities for the year. The organization is advocating for enhanced collaboration between the government and private sector, along with stronger enforcement mechanisms, to mitigate this rising threat and ensure the continued safety and reliability of the nation’s freight system.
Source:
https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/ata-continues-push-cargo-theft-crackdown-capitol-hill
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