Enforcement must catch up to high-tech cargo theft rings

Published July 16, 2025 6:00am ET



As the U.S. Senate continues to examine the alarming rise in cargo theft, lawmakers must recognize this for what it is: a direct threat to our economy, national security, and the livelihoods of millions of Americans.

Reported cargo theft has surged more than 1,500% since 2021 and is estimated to cost the supply chain up to $35 billion annually. No commodity is safe, from electronics and pharmaceuticals to food and infrastructure components. And the consequences are real: delayed deliveries, rising costs, empty shelves, and increased risk for the men and women behind the wheel. This is not just a trucking problem. It’s an American problem.

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