What's Happening?
The U.S. House Judiciary Committee has approved the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 (CORCA), a legislative measure aimed at addressing the growing issue of organized cargo theft. Introduced by Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley and
Rep. David Joyce, the bill seeks to modernize federal enforcement tools to better tackle the sophisticated criminal networks behind large-scale retail and cargo theft. These networks exploit both physical and online marketplaces to resell stolen goods. CORCA proposes expanding federal authority under Title 18 of the U.S. Code, allowing prosecutors to aggregate theft cases that are currently treated as smaller, disconnected crimes. Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of a Department of Homeland Security-led Crime Coordination Center to enhance intelligence sharing and joint enforcement across retail and multimodal supply chains. The legislation also aims to increase penalties for organized cargo theft, particularly those involving interstate or international movement of stolen goods, and to strengthen public-private collaboration among federal agencies, law enforcement, retailers, and transportation providers.
Why It's Important?
Cargo theft is a significant threat to the U.S. supply chain, costing the economy up to $35 billion annually. The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) reports a dramatic increase in 'strategic theft' incidents, highlighting the urgency of the issue. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) notes that cargo theft costs the trucking industry over $18 million per day, with trucking being a prime target for organized crime. The advancement of CORCA represents a pivotal moment for the industry, as it addresses the fragmented enforcement that has allowed theft rings to flourish. By modernizing enforcement tools and increasing penalties, the bill aims to protect the supply chain, reduce consumer costs, and enhance public safety. The support from various industry stakeholders, including the ATA and the National Retail Federation, underscores the widespread impact of cargo theft and the need for legislative action.
What's Next?
As CORCA moves to the House floor and potentially the Senate, the focus will be on whether Congress can act swiftly to pass the bill. The urgency is underscored by the constant pressure on the supply chain and the significant economic impact of cargo theft. Industry stakeholders will likely continue to advocate for the bill, emphasizing the need for comprehensive enforcement strategies and collaboration between public and private sectors. The creation of a Crime Coordination Center could lead to improved intelligence sharing and more effective enforcement, potentially reducing the incidence of cargo theft. However, the success of these measures will depend on the timely passage of the bill and the implementation of its provisions.
