ATA Joins Coalition Pressing DOJ to Crack Down on Cargo Theft

Washington - The American Trucking Associations joined a broad coalition of freight, retail, and manufacturing stakeholders to pressure the U.S. Department of Justice to implement congressionally mandated measures to counter a sharp rise in cargo theft and organized retail crime.

Cargo theft is becoming increasingly prevalent and high-tech, costing the trucking industry over $18 million per day. In response, Congress passed an appropriations bill in January with a provision championed by ATA that directed DOJ to begin the process of establishing a unified, federal response to cargo theft; however, the Department has already missed the first deadline set by the new law.

As incidents of cargo theft accelerate, industry groups are calling for accountability and adherence to statutory language. In a letter sent to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, two dozen organizations, including ATA, urged DOJ to swiftly deploy new resources to close enforcement gaps, improve coordination, and deter criminal enterprises from exploiting the U.S. supply chain.

"Cargo theft and [organized retail crime] have escalated dramatically in recent years, affecting freight rail, trucking, retailers, and the broader U.S. economy. These crimes are not isolated or opportunistic, but are increasingly conducted by organized, sophisticated criminal networks operating across state and national borders," the stakeholders wrote. "Through the resale of stolen goods and related monetization schemes, these criminal rings often engage in broader illicit activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism."

"We strongly urge the Department to move swiftly to implement the FY2026 funding and to establish this critical enforcement capacity without delay," the stakeholders continued. "The continued rise in cargo theft, [organized retail crime], and gift card fraud presents a growing threat to workers, consumers, the movement of essential goods, and the broader American economy."

Congress' directive to DOJ was included in the FY2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act, which was enacted 96 days ago. The law specified that DOJ must:

• Submit a report within 90 days that identifies U.S. Attorneys' Offices with the highest rates of crime involving cargo theft and directs those offices to assign at least one additional attorney to these cases.
• Provide a briefing within 120 days on plans to establish regional task forces to investigate and refer cargo theft cases for prosecution.

The coalition's letter underscores DOJ's failure to meet the initial reporting deadline and urges the Department to comply with Congress' timeline by delivering the required report and briefing without further delay.

Click here to read the letter.

ATA is a leading champion of efforts to put a stop to proliferating cargo theft. The Federation endorsed the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would help law enforcement target organized crime rings by enhancing legal frameworks; improving enforcement capabilities; and fostering coordination among federal, state, and local agencies. The legislation passed the House Judiciary Committee unanimously and is expected to be considered by the full House next month.

ATA members have also served as key witnesses at multiple congressional hearings on this topic. Most recently, ATA President & CEO Chris Spear testified before a House Judiciary Subcommittee.