A major trucking organization is one of numerous organizations calling on the federal government to act on directives to combat the growing problem of cargo theft.
The American Trucking Associations joined a coalition of freight, retail, and manufacturing stakeholders to urge the U.S. Department of Justice to implement congressionally mandated measures to counter a sharp rise in cargo theft and organized retail crime.
RELATED NEWS: Organized crime using more complex techniques to steal cargo
Congress passed an appropriations bill in January with a provision that directed the 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.
In a letter sent to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, two dozen organizations urged the DOJ to swiftly deploy new resources to close enforcement gaps, improve coordination, and deter criminal enterprises from exploiting the U.S. supply chain.
In part the letter said:
“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.
“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 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.
Click here to read the letter.
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 ATA said 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.
Credit: Source link
