U.S. House approves cargo theft prevention bill (CORCA)

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), a bipartisan measure designed to create a unified federal response to the rising threat of cargo theft. The legislation, championed by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and its president Chris Spear, aims to enhance legal frameworks, improve enforcement capabilities, and coordinate efforts among federal, state, and local agencies.

Cargo theft is reported to cost the trucking industry about $18 million each day, with strategic theft incidents surging 1,500 % since 2021. The bill designates the Department of Homeland Security to lead a cohesive national response, addressing transnational criminal groups that finance other illicit activities. After passage in the House, CORCA now moves to the Senate before reaching the President's desk.