TAPA Americas Advocates for Legislation to Combat Cargo Theft in Supply Chains

In a significant move aimed at curbing rampant cargo theft, the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA Americas) has expressed its support for two pivotal pieces of legislation, H.R. 2853/S. 1404, known as the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), and H.R. 880/S. 337, the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act. These bipartisan bills endeavor to bolster the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and law enforcement's ability to tackle fraudulent carriers and organized theft operations.

TAPA Americas has communicated directly with U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley and Debbie Fischer, highlighting that supply chain theft and fraud have surged to unprecedented levels. According to reports from the data analytics provider, CargoNet, the scale of cargo theft has skyrocketed, with a staggering 90% increase and more alarming, a 1475% rise in strategic theft incidents—cases where freight is illicitly redirected since 2022. Everyday items such as household goods, food, beverages, electronics, and appliances comprise nearly half of the reported thefts. This increase in theft not only causes significant economic losses, measured in billions annually, but also drives up prices and diminishes the availability of essential products across the country.

Despite the growing investments in security measures by businesses and supply chain vendors, these efforts are falling short against the rising tide of fraud. A key factor contributing to this situation is the insufficient allocation of dedicated law enforcement and prosecutorial resources, resulting in numerous thefts remaining unreported or unresolved. Moreover, even when criminals are apprehended, the penalties often lack the severity to deter future offenses.

Founded in 1997 to address the multi-billion-dollar issue of cargo theft, TAPA Americas is a coalition comprising manufacturers, shippers, carriers, insurers, service providers, law enforcement, and government agencies. This nonprofit association aims to minimize cargo losses within the transportation supply chain by establishing and implementing global security standards, recognized industry best practices, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. Currently, TAPA maintains the only acknowledged industry standards in supply chain security, which include Transportation Security Requirements, Facilities Security Requirements, Freight Broker Security Requirements, and Supply Chain Cyber Security Standards.

The members of TAPA take great pride in their investment in training, education, and sharing intelligence related to supply chain security. However, to effectively combat cargo theft, the association underscores the necessity for government support to facilitate the swift identification of offenders and ensure they face appropriate consequences for their actions. The fight against cargo theft is not merely a business concern, as it inherently impacts consumer safety and the economy at large.

As such, TAPA Americas calls upon lawmakers to prioritize the passage of these critical bills and strengthen the legal framework necessary to combat organized crime within the supply chains. By doing so, it aims to secure a safer and more reliable environment for all participants in the supply chain, ensuring that the flow of goods from manufacturers to consumers is not disrupted by criminal activities.

In the coming months, TAPA Americas will continue to advocate for these legislative measures, stressing the importance of robust law enforcement resources and stricter penalties for offenders as fundamental elements of an effective strategy against cargo theft. Through these efforts, TAPA hopes to not only protect the integrity of the supply chain but also support local economies and communities affected by this pressing issue.