Washington — The ϾƷ today delivered a coalition letter to the U.S. Senate, urging swift action to advance the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA). Signed by 191 businesses and associations representing a wide range of industries—including the Association of American Railroads and the Retail Industry Leaders Association—the letter underscores the urgent need for federal leadership in addressing the escalating threat of cargo theft.
Last month, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed CORCA with strong bipartisan support, sending a clear message about the importance of protecting frontline transportation workers, retailers, consumers, and communities. Now, industry leaders are calling on the Senate to build on this momentum and advance the legislation to the President’s desk.
“[O]rganized retail and supply chain crime requires a federal response, as it is being driven by coordinated, multi-state criminal networks. These are not isolated incidents, and current enforcement tools are not keeping pace with the scale and sophistication of these operations,” the coalition wrote. “The House’s overwhelming bipartisan vote, following unanimous approval in the House Judiciary Committee, demonstrates that Congress can come together to address this growing threat to public safety, workers, and commerce. We respectfully urge Senate leadership to build on this momentum by advancing CORCA for timely consideration and passage in the Senate.”
Cargo theft is becoming increasingly prevalent and high-tech, and it often originates overseas. The 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 . 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.
Introduced by a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers last year and 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.
Click here to read the coalition letter.