Indy Standard

U.S. Senator Todd Young, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, led a hearing titled “Grand Theft Cargo: Examining a Costly Threat to Consumers to the U.S. Supply Chain.” The session addressed the increasing issue of cargo theft within the supply chain, including brokering scams and fraudulent trucking companies.

The hearing explored possible solutions such as enhanced coordination and enforcement by federal agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. These measures aim to combat criminal enterprises involved in cargo theft.

In his opening remarks, Senator Young cited an example involving PFL, a logistics company in Evansville, Indiana. The company suffered a $60,000 loss when its shipment was stolen by a previously trusted carrier. "Obviously, that is a devastating loss to a small company," said Young. He emphasized that PFL is among many companies urging Congress to collaborate with their industry against this threat.

Cargo theft has escalated since the COVID pandemic began and is reportedly at its highest level in ten years. This crime now involves sophisticated groups from regions including China, Eastern Europe, and Mexico. According to Homeland Security Investigations estimates, annual losses from cargo theft range between $15 billion and $35 billion.

Senator Young noted that detecting and preventing cargo theft is challenging due to its varied forms.