Cargo thieves are on the hunt. States are finally hitting back

The load you haul puts food on your table. But thieves in organized cargo theft see it as an easy payday.

States are finally hitting back. Tougher laws, bigger penalties and new task forces are intended to protect truckers, freight and the businesses that keep America moving.

Arkansas and North Carolina were among the first states to crack down, and more are following.

The push comes as the U.S. House also works to break up organized retail theft rings that fuel cargo crime.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association says these tougher laws are long overdue and will help protect the truckers and small businesses that keep America’s supply chain moving.

Arizona

Arizona is taking the fight straight to organized cargo thieves.

Gov. Katie Hobbs signed SB1452 to create a statewide cargo theft task force. The new law brings together federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

The task force will investigate cargo theft across Arizona’s supply chain. They will work with industry leaders to stop theft before it happens.

The law casts a wide net. It targets fraud, identity scams, load diversions and other schemes used to steal freight.

It covers crimes involving commercial trucks, trailers, railcars, intermodal containers, warehouses, freight hubs and distribution centers. Other parts of the supply chain are also covered.

Sen. Kevin Payne, R-Peoria, said organized cargo theft is growing more sophisticated. As a result, costs are driven up for businesses and families while threatening the flow of critical goods.

“Cargo theft is not a victimless crime,” Payne said. “When organized criminals steal truckloads of merchandise, food, medical supplies or other goods moving through our supply chains, the cost doesn’t simply disappear.”

The Attorney General must also submit yearly reports to the governor and lawmakers on the task force’s work.

🚨FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Senator Payne Delivers New Laws to Back First Responders, Fight Organized Crime, Protect Arizona Communities

Full Press Release: https://t.co/NVgAPZ1MST@KevinPayne4AZ pic.twitter.com/TetL3YUq3r

— AZSenateRepublicans (@AZSenateGOP) June 25, 2026

Tennessee

Tennessee was the first state this year to crack down on cargo theft.

The new law creates a legal definition for fraudulent freight theft. It includes schemes to reroute loads, fake identities used to steal freight and unauthorized cargo transfers.

The law also makes breaking into cargo containers a specific crime. The change gives prosecutors stronger tools to go after organized theft rings.

Another key change treats linked freight thefts as a single ongoing criminal operation rather than separate crimes.

The law also requires police agencies to document, track and investigate every cargo theft report as a criminal case.

Law enforcement agencies can no longer refuse to take a report simply because the theft occurred outside their jurisdiction.

Sen. Pat Marsh, R-Shelbyville, said the law targets one of the fast-growing threats facing the trucking industry.

California

California lawmakers are also stepping up the fight against cargo theft.

SB1019 would create a statewide cargo theft task force. The group would focus on freight diversion, cargo theft, embezzlement and other organized cargo crimes.

CargoNet continues to rank California as the nation’s cargo theft hotspot. Thefts in the state climbed during the first quarter of the year.

The task force would bring together law enforcement and industry leaders. They would share intelligence, investigate theft rings, recommend prosecutions and develop new prevention strategies.

Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, said organized crime is attacking California’s freight network. She said it hurts farms, factories, retailers and energy producers.

She said thieves are targeting routes tied to California ports, forcing some shippers to avoid the state altogether.

The bill has cleared two Senate committees. It awaits more action.

Michigan

Michigan House lawmakers also want cargo thieves to pay a much higher price.

The House approved two bills that would strengthen penalties against organized cargo theft.

Rep. Mike Harris, R-Waterford, said international crime rings are increasingly targeting Michigan. The Wayne County and Detroit areas were highlighted.

HB5125 would allow prison sentences of up to 10 years for stealing freight. Those penalties would be added to sentences for other crimes tied to the same case.

Harris said law enforcement needs tougher tools to fight criminal networks targeting Michigan businesses and consumers.

HB5126 would make cargo theft a Class D property felony. Violators would face up to 10 years behind bars.

Harris said stealing from railcars and shipping containers is organized crime, not ordinary theft.

“Treating these crimes the same as ordinary theft fails to recognize their scale and complexity,” he said.

Both bills await action in the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. LL