TIA Meets With DOT Officials to Discuss Cargo Theft

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) is leading the fight against the epidemic of cargo theft that is growing in scale and impact. From nearly half a million dollars in lobster meat stolen over the Christmas holiday, to Guy Fieri seeing a whole truckload of his popular tequila brand vanish without a trace, these high profile and heavily reported actions by cargo thieves are only the tip of the iceberg.

In response to this, TIA leadership, including Board Chairman Rob Kemp and Vice Chair Lynn Gravley, met with senior officials at the Department of Transportation including FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs to discuss what can be done, and how this vital issue that impacts so many can be solved.

The productive meeting focused on the pending Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill, as well as helping the DOT to understand in real terms the scope of cargo theft and how it impacts everyone. The TIA is committed to ending this epidemic with the support of our federal partners and our members, working together for a safer, more secure industry.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, cargo theft is now costing the industry up to $35 billion annually. According to the TIA’s 2025 Fraud Report, 22 percent of brokerages experienced losses from theft in excess of $200,000 and more than half of respondents report losses over $10,000. Many brokers list their losses in the millions, and the true scale is hard to quantify as not all victims report publicly. Overall, losses from cargo theft and strategic fraud have grown 1,500 percent since 2021.

In the first few weeks of launching our Cargo Theft hotline, TIA members have reported more than $6.5 million in stolen freight ranging from food and beverage, electronics, copper, etc. Again, this is the only the tip of the iceberg, and the cost to the supply chain and consumers is likely closer to $100 billion annually.