Cargo security bill would curb theft, lawmakers say

U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) last week introduced the Cargo Security Innovation Act, which if passed would help address theft of cargo from the U.S. supply chain. 

The bill calls for the Transportation Security Administration to create a pilot program that would deploy advanced law enforcement or cargo security technologies at intermodal hubs throughout the country. Congress would be required to report on the technologies' effectiveness, according to a press release issued by Blackburn's office.

The legislation has been endorsed by the Association of American Railroads, American Trucking Associations, Intermodal Association of North America, IMC Logistics and the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce.

According to the senators, cargo theft committed by sophisticated theft rings tied to organized crime is exploding across the United States, targeting the busiest intermodal hubs. In 2023, cargo theft jumped 57% from the previous year, with reported losses topping $400 million.

Typically, the thefts involve essential goods, from food to electronics to pharmaceuticals. The crimes are committed via coordinated missions using fake IDs, GPS blockers, encrypted communications and surveillance teams. 

"When criminals break into shipments, businesses are forced to return containers and dispose of compromised products,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation would equip law enforcement with the resources to combat these crimes."