Fighting Back Against Cargo Theft and Strategic Fraud  

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) in collaboration with a diverse coalition of business, consumer, and agricultural groups, is backing the introduction of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA). This legislation is part of a multi-pronged effort by TIA to help fight the increasing prevalence of cargo theft and strategic fraud. 

Reintroduced in the Senate by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and in the House by Representatives David Joyce (R-OH) and Susie Lee (D-NV), CORCA provides essential tools to enhance law enforcement’s ability to combat organized theft. It establishes a national coordination center within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to oversee efforts targeting retail crimes and supply chain disruptions. 

CORCA works in conjunction with the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 880/S. 337), which TIA also supports. This bill aims to extend law enforcement’s capacity to counter fraud and theft within the supply chain. 

Key Provisions of CORCA: 

• Stronger Enforcement: The bill amends Title 18 of the U.S. Code, granting law enforcement expanded authority to prosecute organized theft activities. 
• National Coordination Center: A DHS-led center will be established to enhance data sharing and strengthen coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. 
• Increased Penalties: The legislation introduces harsher penalties for cargo theft and the fraudulent movement of goods. 

Key Provisions of the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act: 

• Restoration of Authority: The bill restores the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) power to impose civil penalties for unauthorized brokerage activities. 
• Regulatory Compliance: The bill enforces regulations requiring a valid principal place of business, preventing the use of P.O. Boxes or non-physical addresses for business operations. 
• Examination of Commonalities: FMCSA will be directed to investigate common characteristics of companies registering for authority to better target enforcement efforts. 

Why This Matters to TIA Members: 

• Expands the tools available for federal and state law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cargo theft and strategic fraud 
• Increases penalties  
• Facilitates data sharing to correlate law enforcement resources across multiple jurisdictions 

TIA is proud to be a leading voice in Congress and with the administration in the fight against cargo theft and strategic fraud. These legislative initiatives are vital not only to protect our members and industry, but also to safeguard the broader supply chain.