Cargo Theft Crisis: DOT Wants Your Input

Cargo theft isn’t just rising – it’s skyrocketing. Since 2021, incidents have surged by more than 1,500%, draining up to $35 billion a year from the U.S. economy, according to TIA’s Fraud in the Industry Report. Now, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is sounding the alarm. On Sept. 19, DOT published a Federal Register notice issuing a Request for Information (RFI), calling on carriers, shippers, warehouse operators, law enforcement, insurers, and other freight stakeholders to weigh in. Comments are due Oct. 20 [Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-1326].

U.S. DOT highlights two primary types of theft: opportunistic “straight thefts” at truck stops, ports, and distribution hubs, and sophisticated organized crime operations involving fraudulent carriers, insider collusion, staged diversions, and cyber-enabled tactics. Both forms wreak havoc on supply chains, increase costs, and erode trust across freight markets and international trade.

U.S. DOT notes it is uniquely positioned to improve coordination across modes, strengthen data collection, and expand partnerships with law enforcement and industry.

Share your experiences, ideas, and data to strengthen our collective response to this growing threat.

This is your opportunity to make your voice heard! TIA has created a digital advocacy campaign that enables you to send comments in less than 5 minutes.

👉 [CLICK HERE to Submit Comments via TIA’s Digital Advocacy Campaign]

If you or your company want to craft something unique and submit through regulations.gov the link is below.

👉 [CLICK HERE to File Comments Directly]

Questions? Please reach out to advocacy@tianet.org