WASHINGTON —The American Trucking Associations and Truckload Carriers Association are applauding the U.S. House of Representatives for voting to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA).
CORCA is bipartisan legislation that would establish a unified, federal response to the growing threat of cargo theft perpetrated by criminals who often operate across state and international borders. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration before being sent to the President to be signed into law.
“The House’s passage of CORCA represents a pivotal moment in ATA’s fight to protect drivers, freight, and the integrity of our supply chain,” said Chris Spear, ATA president, CEO. “Cargo thieves are stealing $18 million every day from the trucking industry, and motor carriers and consumers pay the price. CORCA will give our industry and law enforcement the tools we need to fight back against highly organized, technologically advanced cargo theft rings, which are often orchestrated by transnational criminal groups. Reps. David Joyce and Susie Lee deserve enormous credit for their bipartisan leadership of this critical legislation, and we thank their colleagues for voting in support.”
An Increasing High-Tech Threat
Cargo theft is becoming increasingly prevalent and high-tech, and it often originates overseas. The American Transportation Research Institute calculated that cargo theft is costing the trucking industry over $18 million per day. Strategic theft, a category of crime that uses deception, identity theft, and fraudulent documentation to divert freight, has surged by 1,500% since 2021 according to CargoNet. Ninety percent of motor carriers are small businesses operating 10 trucks or fewer, and they are under enormous strain to counter these 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.
Approaching the Finish Line
“This major development is the result of months of advocacy led by ATA, including multiple congressional hearings where members of the Federation served as key witnesses,” ATA said. “Most recently, [Spear] testified before a House Judiciary Subcommittee to urge lawmakers to support CORCA. Shortly after that hearing, the House Judiciary Committee passed the bill unanimously. Additionally, Spear met directly with the sponsors of CORCA and leadership in both the House and Senate to convey ATA’s support for the bill and develop a strategy to get it across the finish line.
According to ATA, introduced by a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers last year and now cosponsored by approximately half of both the House and Senate, 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.
Truckload Carriers Association
“TCA is pleased that the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) has passed the House of Representatives and commends lawmakers for addressing the urgent threats of cargo theft and organized retail crime,” said Jim Mullen, TCA president. “CORCA represents an important step in bringing together industry stakeholders, law enforcement, and the federal government to develop effective solutions against increasingly sophisticated criminal networks. While this is an initial step, we are encouraged by CORCA’s momentum and look forward to building stronger partnerships, enhancing coordination, and creating long-term solutions to better protect supply chains, businesses, and consumers nationwide.”
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
