Rising cargo theft is putting pressure on the entire U.S. supply chain and a nationwide trucking leader has called on Congress to act fast.
At a recent U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Donna Lemm, Chief Strategy Officer of IMC Logistics, testified on behalf of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), urging lawmakers to support the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. This legislation aims to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to respond to a surge in cargo theft incidents; crimes that now cost the economy an estimated $35 billion annually.
Why Cargo Theft Is Escalating into a Supply Chain Emergency
While cargo theft isn’t new, its evolution has reached crisis levels. One of the most alarming forms is strategic cargo theft; a highly sophisticated method involving cybercrime, identity fraud, and advanced deception tactics. Since Q1 of 2021, strategic theft has skyrocketed by 1,500%, with the average value per theft exceeding $200,000.
For trucking companies and logistics providers, these crimes aren’t just about lost goods—they impact driver safety, insurance premiums, delivery timelines, and the overall reliability of the freight ecosystem.
Weak Law Enforcement Coordination Leaves Gaps
In her testimony, Lemm shared how fragmented law enforcement responses have created significant blind spots. Local police often classify cargo theft as simple vandalism or a private insurance matter, failing to detect broader criminal networks that span multiple states or even international borders.
A striking example involved two stolen containers of refrigerators. Initially dismissed by local police, the case later unraveled into a massive cross-border money laundering operation, revealed only after a federal raid months later.
Industry Pushes for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act
The proposed Combating Organized Retail Crime Act; led by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), would give the Department of Homeland Security the authority to lead a coordinated, multi-agency response. This includes:
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Enhancing the legal framework for cargo theft prosecution
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Improving data sharing between jurisdictions
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Equipping law enforcement with advanced tools and training
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Supporting motor carriers through national enforcement alignment
Lemm emphasized that without federal intervention, the trucking industry; especially small and mid-size carriers, will continue to face these threats largely alone.
Implications for Pallet Providers and Supply Chain Partners
The surge in cargo theft has ripple effects for every link in the logistics chain, including pallet manufacturers and suppliers. Secure, traceable, and compliant pallet solutions play a key role in minimizing losses and improving visibility throughout freight transport.
Newnan Pallet Company recognizes the growing challenges its customers face and remains committed to supporting the freight and logistics industries with reliable pallet supply, custom builds, and secure packaging solutions. As threats to cargo security rise, so does the need for durable, dependable materials that safeguard goods from origin to destination.
Standing with the Industry for Safer Supply Chains
As leaders like the ATA push for stronger federal coordination, Newnan Pallet Company stands in solidarity with those calling for smarter, safer logistics systems. The company continues to monitor industry legislation, trends, and best practices; ensuring that its pallet solutions align with evolving security and compliance standards.