Cargo Theft in America: A Growing Threat
Cargo theft isn’t just a minor issue; it’s becoming a significant threat to both national and economic security in the United States.
Having spent nearly two decades in the US Department of Homeland Security, I’ve worked closely with various domestic and international agencies to enhance border and trade security. Right now, though, our supply chain is under substantial stress due to sophisticated criminal organizations.
When you shop at your local grocery store, browse online retailers, or order from a well-known chain, you might not think about the extensive journey products take to reach you. Much like blood circulating through the body, America’s interconnected supply chain ensures that goods produced in one part of the country are readily available elsewhere. This system is vital for our economy, and it really needs to be safeguarded.
The Covid-19 pandemic made this painfully clear for all of us. Basic items like chicken, toilet paper, and even washing machines were either hard to find or outrageously priced. The disruption in the supply chain due to the pandemic led the federal government to classify supply chain workers as “essential,” akin to healthcare professionals.
Nowadays, cargo theft presents a different kind of challenge. Although less severe than a global health crisis, this issue is still significant. It’s not merely about stolen electronics or auto parts—these thieves jeopardize the very structure of our supply chain, which is foundational to how we support American families in everything from clothing to food.
Earlier this year, for example, around 300,000 eggs set for Florida were intercepted in Maryland and rerouted to New York thanks to an elaborate fraud scheme. Last summer, outside Cincinnati, criminals used stolen truck identification data to misappropriate $130,000 worth of rubber cables meant for a copper plant.
Such criminal activity is costing the U.S. economy billions. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, losses exceeded $1 billion in 2023 alone, with cargo crimes rising by 27% in 2024—a record high. The average theft now results in losses of over $202,000.
This pattern shows that America’s transport networks are increasingly becoming targets for organized crime, affecting everyone who is involved in buying or selling goods.
With such significant stakes, we really need federal initiatives to address cargo theft swiftly. Local law enforcement and private security may not always have the resources or expertise to tackle complex international criminal networks effectively. That’s where robust federal coordination comes in. Agencies like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the FBI can collaborate with businesses to create an integrated response to this pressing issue.
Fortunately, bipartisan support is emerging for initiatives that could enhance resources to combat cargo theft. The Fighting the Organized Retail Crime Law, introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley and Katherine Cortez Masto, aims to bolster public and private partnerships against this economic and security threat. The bill has garnered substantial backing from law enforcement and supply chain leaders, making it a critical priority for Congress this fall.
During my time at the Department of Homeland Security, I witnessed how effective cooperation among federal, state, and local entities can be when partnering with the private sector to safeguard the economy. The strategies that have worked elsewhere, in areas like enforcing intellectual property laws and streamlining customs processes, could be harnessed to protect our supply chain from the growing threats associated with organized cargo theft.
Criminals aren’t waiting for legislative action, and we can’t afford to delay. We must come together to pass the Organized Retail Crime Act to protect our economy, homeland, and supply chains.
