Overview
Many experts in the commercial transportation industry are bracing themselves for continued increase in cargo theft in 2026. 
A recent federal case highlights the increasing sophistication of cargo thieves and high stakes.
On January 16, 2026, the Department of Justice of the Southern District of Indiana announced the arrest and sentencing of six individuals connected with an organized theft ring and responsible for a multi-million dollar cargo heist. The group responsible carried out at least 14 separate cargo thefts stealing millions of dollars of merchandise from brands like Meta, Microsoft, and Bath & Body Works.
The impact on shippers and motor carriers is significant. New research from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) illustrates the high cost of cargo theft, estimating that in 2025 it accounted for approximately $6.6 billion in annualized theft, averaging about $18 million per day. Strategic theft, which uses a combination of cyber fraud and identity fraud to divert entire shipments, was up 1,500 percent since 2021.
Although Congress is pushing a bipartisan bill forward in response, shippers, carriers, and brokers face immediate exposure and should take proactive steps to strengthen safeguards.
Congressional and Industry Response: What CORCA Means for the Transportation Industry
Members of the House Judiciary Committee recently voted to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), a bipartisan bill seeking to unify the federal government and agencies’ response to organized crime, where often fraudsters operate across state and international borders.
CORCA is intended to create what some would call a center-of-command under Homeland Security Investigations. This center would allow federal, state, and local law enforcement, with assistance of the private commercial retail and transportation sector, to collaborate and combat this ever growing and evolving organized crime.
The bill has also received support from the American Trucking Association (ATA), with its president, Chris Spears, testifying in December 2025 to lawmakers in order to gain momentum.
Considerations for Shippers, Carriers, and Brokers: Steps to Reduce Cargo Theft Exposure
As CORCA makes its way through the congressional process, trucking companies and logistics providers must take proactive steps to protect their operations and cargo and minimize risk. Consider these five techniques:
- Strategically plan for your surroundings. “Straight theft” occurs when cargo is physically stolen from a location where it sits. Thus, if your shipment is to be stopped in a high cargo theft area, do not leave the shipment unattended and utilize high security door locks and air cuffs.
- Coordinate and communicate. “Strategic cargo theft” occurs through deceptive practices using identity and cyber security fraud. To combat potential scammers, work closely with the shipper, broker, or carrier assigned to transport the load to confirm identification of drivers, pick-up points, and verify tractor and trailer identifications.
- Bolster cyber security measures. The majority of businesses are aware of cyber attacks, often aimed at stealing sensitive data or compromising systems. Now cargo thieves attempt to access internal software to obtain shipping information of unsuspecting shippers, brokers, and carriers.
- Report unusual activity to law enforcement and investigators. In the event of any suspected fictitious pickup attempts or incidents, contact law enforcement immediately as time is of the essence. Provide law enforcement and investigators working with the transportation supplier or insurance company with all the relevant information.
- Seek trusted legal guidance. Consult with legal counsel on cargo safeguarding, reporting compliance, and potential exposure to liability as well as strategies to mitigate damage caused by cargo theft.
The trucking industry is all about adapting and change. While the federal government seeks to address retail and cargo theft on a national level, shippers, carriers, and brokers must continue to work together in ensure criminal theft rings are not able to exploit lapses in communication or cargo safety. Strategic planning, consistent safeguarding procedures, and legal guidance will ensure that 2026 takes its toll on organized cargo theft.
