Where Freight Fraud Advocacy Meets Action 

The transportation and logistics industry is at a critical crossroads. Freight fraud is surging, bipartisan consumer protection legislation is advancing, and the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization is approaching. The time to act is now. 

What was once seen as isolated, opportunistic cargo theft has evolved into a sophisticated, coordinated, and aggressive criminal enterprise. In Q1 of 2025, Highway reported 561 carrier users from 42 countries attempting to log in from outside North America – a clear sign that freight fraud is now a global threat. Today’s schemes go far beyond physical theft from trucks or warehouses. Criminals now manipulate logistics systems, impersonate legitimate carriers, reroute payments, and exploit regulatory loopholes to commit large-scale fraud that often goes undetected until it’s too late. 

But there’s good news: Congress is paying attention. 

Legislative Action: A Critical Step Forward 

The bipartisan Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 880 / S. 337) is one of the most meaningful federal efforts in years to combat freight fraud and protect consumers. According to CargoNet’s 2025 supply chain risk trends, the most targeted commodities include food and beverage, household goods, and electronics, making the need for stronger enforcement even more urgent. Specifically, the bills would: 

• Restore FMCSA’s authority to assess civil penalties for unauthorized brokerage activities. 

• Require freight companies to maintain a real, physical principal place of business (eliminating P.O. boxes and fake domiciles). 

• Direct FMCSA to proactively analyze trends and patterns in operating authority registrations to detect fraudulent networks. 

Where the Bills Stand: 

• S. 337: Passed the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously in May 2025. 

• H.R. 880: Passed the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee in 2024, positioning it for possible inclusion in the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization package. 

The Freight Fraud Crisis: Today’s Top Threats 

• Cargo Theft: Estimated losses total $35 billion annually, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, with a 1,500% spike in incidents since 2021. 

• Carrier Identity Theft: Criminals pose as legitimate carriers to fraudulently book and steal loads. 

• Illegitimate Re-brokering: According to the 2025 TIA State of Fraud in the Industry Report, 34% of respondents identified unauthorized load transfers to unvetted carriers as the most common fraud scheme—often resulting in cargo loss and payment disputes. 

• MC Number Takeovers: Fraudsters hijack dormant carrier operating numbers to gain fraudulent access to the market. 

• Financial Theft & Invoice Fraud: Criminals manipulate payment systems, submit false invoices, and reroute payments to steal directly from brokers and shippers. 

Why This Matters 

These fraudulent practices are more than just financial crimes. They destabilize supply chains, erode trust in the marketplace, inflate operating costs, and disproportionately harm small businesses. If left unchecked, freight fraud will continue to undermine the integrity of the transportation sector and the security of the goods that fuel the U.S. economy. 

But the industry is fighting back.  

Companies are adopting multi-layered prevention strategies, enhancing vetting protocols, and investing in fraud detection technology. With stronger enforcement, smarter policy, and industry-led advocacy that encourages information-sharing and best practices, we can protect shippers, carriers, brokers, and consumers from the growing threat of supply chain fraud. 

Your Voice Matters: Help CONGRESS fight back 

• Tell Congress to PASS the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act: CLICK HERE

• Register for the TIA 2025 Policy Forum: CLICK HERE  

When logistics professionals show up, lawmakers listen. Join us in Washington, D.C. to push for the change our industry needs.