The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA). The bill now moves to the Senate for further review. If approved there, it could eventually reach the president’s desk.
The legislation aims to strengthen the federal response to cargo theft and organized freight crime. In recent years, cargo theft has become a growing problem across the trucking industry. As a result, lawmakers and industry groups are pushing for stronger enforcement and better coordination between agencies.
CORCA would improve communication between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. In addition, the bill would give the U.S. Department of Homeland Security a larger role in leading a national response to cargo theft and organized retail crime.
Cargo Theft Continues to Impact Trucking
Cargo theft remains a major challenge for carriers, brokers, and shippers. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), cargo theft costs the trucking industry nearly $18 million every day.
At the same time, CargoNet reports that strategic cargo theft has increased by 1,500% since 2021. Because of this sharp increase, many companies are becoming more concerned about freight security.
Criminal groups are also using more advanced tactics than ever before. For example, thieves now use carrier impersonation, phishing scams, identity theft, and fake load pickups to steal freight. In many cases, these crimes involve organized networks operating across multiple states.
As theft tactics become more sophisticated, law enforcement agencies are finding it harder to track criminal activity. Therefore, supporters of CORCA believe stronger federal coordination is necessary.
The bill is designed to help investigators connect cargo theft patterns more quickly. It would also improve information sharing between agencies, which could help law enforcement respond faster to organized theft operations.
Trucking Industry Supports CORCA
Many trucking organizations strongly support the bill. They believe the legislation could help improve freight security and reduce supply chain disruptions.
Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), called CORCA an important step for the trucking industry. According to Spear, organized cargo theft groups are becoming more advanced and more dangerous.
He added that the bill would provide better tools for both the trucking industry and law enforcement agencies to fight back against organized freight crime.
Meanwhile, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) also praised the bill’s passage in the House.
TCA President Jim Mullen said stronger cooperation between government and the trucking industry is critical. He explained that cargo theft affects carriers, businesses, and consumers nationwide. Because of this, industry leaders want long-term solutions that improve freight protection.
Federal Coordination Could Improve Freight Security
Supporters say CORCA could help create a more unified response to cargo theft nationwide. In addition, the legislation may help agencies identify criminal networks faster and improve investigations involving stolen freight.
As cargo theft continues evolving, many fleets and brokers are already investing in stronger fraud prevention systems and cargo security technology. At the same time, lawmakers are placing greater focus on protecting supply chains from organized crime.
The House approval of CORCA highlights the growing concern surrounding cargo theft and freight crime across the transportation industry.
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