Cargo theft News Updates

The FBI has issued a public alert about “surging” cargo theft cases involving cybercriminals impersonating a broad range of legitimate freight companies.

President Donald Trump signed legislation funding much of DHS, but not its immigration enforcement operations, ending the longest agency shutdown in history.

Overall supply chain crime activity declined 5.3% to 767 total events. That marked a 12.2% decrease from the fourth quarter.

Connected trailer technology is transforming cargo-theft prevention from passive tracking to active access control, said Jeff Irish, general manager of Road Ready.

In total, produce and transportation costs resulted in losses of more than $600,000 to the victim companies, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Theft is becoming more sophisticated and members of Congress are trying to help carriers, but fleets can protect themselves and their customers.

One emerging method involves an organized crew getting one of its members hired as a driver at a legitimate carrier to circumvent industry vetting processes.

Rep. Brad Knott (R‑N.C.), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, unveiled the SAFER Transport Act as a means to combat cargo theft.

Supporters of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act say the legislation is poised to clear Congress, with backing from much of the House, Senate and Trump.

Two companion bills intended to deter cargo theft by imposing higher criminal penalties are moving through the Michigan Legislature.