Coalition calls on DOJ to tap funds for cargo theft, retail crime prevention

A coalition of freight, retail and manufacturing groups recently sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) urging the use of federal funding to combat a sharp rise in cargo theft and organized retail crime (ORC). 

The letter is signed by 24 organizations, including the Association of American Railroads, American Trucking Associations, Intermodal Association of North America, National Retail Federation, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Supply Chain Federation and UPS. 

The coalition called on the DOJ to fully implement the funding provided by Congress in the fiscal-year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to establish dedicated special prosecutors focused on combating supply chain fraud, cargo theft, ORC and related financial fraud schemes, including gift card fraud. 

“Cargo theft and ORC have escalated dramatically in recent years, affecting freight rail, trucking, retailers and the broader U.S. economy,” coalition members wrote. “These crimes are not isolated or opportunistic, but are increasingly conducted by organized, sophisticated criminal networks operating across state and national borders.” 

The resale of stolen goods and related schemes often lead to broader illicit activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering and terrorism, they added.

“As organized retail crime and supply chain theft grow in scope and complexity, their impacts extend well beyond financial loss, harming retailers, consumers, employees and communities," the letter states. "These crimes increasingly involve violence, threats and intimidation that endanger frontline workers and create unsafe conditions in stores, warehouses, transportation hubs and communities across the country.” 

Coalition members believe the DOJ should use the funding to develop specialized expertise in complex cargo theft, ORC and financial fraud cases; strengthen coordination with federal partners, state and local law enforcement and prosecutors; establish a prosecutorial model that can be replicated nationwide; and deter increasingly sophisticated criminal enterprises.