Senate Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Combat Cargo Theft

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley and co-sponsored by a bipartisan group, aims to tackle the surge in cargo theft that threatens the U.S. supply chain. With incidents of cargo theft costing the industry over $100 billion last year, the legislation seeks to establish a coordinated federal response by creating an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center to enhance cooperation among law enforcement. The bill is supported by various industry leaders who emphasize that organized crime has evolved to become more sophisticated, targeting freight shipments and creating operational hazards. Reports indicate that strategic thefts have surged by 1,500% since early 2021, prompting calls for a unified approach to combat these criminal networks. Stakeholders from the rail and trucking industries, including the Association of American Railroads and the American Trucking Associations, have lauded the bill as a necessary step to safeguard supply chains and reduce costs for consumers. This bipartisan initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to address organized crime's impact on the economy and public safety.