/PRNewswire/ -- The American Trucking Associations today commended the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA).

This bipartisan measure aims to create a coordinated federal strategy against rising cargo theft by criminals who frequently cross state lines and international boundaries. The legislation now moves to the Senate for review before potential presidential approval.

The achievement stems from extensive efforts by ATA, featuring several congressional hearings with Federation representatives as vital witnesses. Recently, ATA President & CEO Chris Spear appeared before a House Judiciary Subcommittee to advocate for CORCA. Following that session, the House Judiciary Committee approved the bill without opposition. Spear also engaged directly with the bill's sponsors and leaders from both chambers to build support and secure its progress.

"House approval of CORCA marks a crucial step in ATA's campaign to safeguard drivers, shipments, and supply chain reliability," said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear. "Cargo theft drains $18 million daily from trucking operations, burdening carriers and consumers alike. CORCA equips our sector and authorities with essential resources to combat sophisticated, tech-savvy theft networks often run by cross-border crime syndicates. Representatives David Joyce and Susie Lee merit strong recognition for their bipartisan efforts, and we appreciate the supportive votes from their peers."

Cargo theft has grown more common and sophisticated, with many schemes tracing back to foreign origins. Data from the American Transportation Research Institute shows losses exceeding $18 million daily for the trucking sector. Strategic theft - involving tricks like identity fraud and fake papers to reroute loads - has jumped 1,500% since 2021, per CargoNet reports. Most trucking firms are small operations with 10 or fewer trucks, struggling against these high-tech foes. The international scope of these crimes raises national security concerns, as stolen goods fund drug trade, organized crime, and possibly terrorism.

Unveiled last year by a cross-party, multi-chamber team and now backed by nearly half of House and Senate members, CORCA strengthens investigative tools, boosts enforcement, and promotes collaboration across federal, state, and local levels. The Department of Homeland Security would spearhead a unified national effort against cargo theft.

SOURCE American Trucking Associations