Combating Organized Retail Crime Act to Potentially Reduce Cargo Theft
Congress is debating a new Bill in its halls, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA). The Bill, should it become law, would broaden federal criminal offenses for transporting, selling, or receiving stolen retail goods when done as part of an organized group.
Details
One of the biggest provisions in CORCA would be the establishment of the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center at the Department of Homeland Security. Though the scope of CORCA goes far beyond the trucking industry, trucking still plays a major part due to the effects of cargo theft on the broader economy.
Chris Spear, President and CEO of American Trucking Associations, spoke on Capitol Hill to voice his support of the Bill.
“State and local governments do not have that capability to attack transnational organizations,” Spear told the House Crime and Federal Government Surveillance Subcommittee. “That’s a federal responsibility. It’s the missing piece of the puzzle.” Spear added that effectively addressing the problem will require “multiple states being part of a federal fabric to be able to understand where that threat is coming from and how to prevent it.”
Cargo theft is no joke: the American Transportation Research Institute estimates costs to the trucking industry of anywhere from $1.83 billion to $6.56 billion every year, with 74% of stolen goods never recovered.
Chris Spear continued in his deposition to Congress that modern problems require modern solutions. “A lot of it is being shipped out of the country,” he said. “This goes way beyond hit-and-run type of theft…that we’ve seen in over 100 years with trucks. This is a very complex, digitally driven renaissance.”
Conclusion
This Bill will go through the same motions as all Bills do: discussion and debate followed by a vote in both chambers, whereupon approval will go across the president’s desk for a signature or veto. Given Trump’s tough-on-crime mantra, it is a safe assumption that he will sign it should the House and Senate come to an agreement. With the holidays just inches away, it is likely that COCRA will not see any substantial progress until 2026.
Other Trucking Articles You May Like
- Marijuana’s Schedule Change and its Effect on Trucking
- Derek Barrs Tightens the Screws on Regulations
- National Defense Authorization Act Would Give Truckers a Boost
- Minnesota the Newest State Target in the FMCSA Crackdown
- FMCSA Removes 3,000 CDL Training Providers from Registry
- DRIVE Safe Act Participation Puts Trucker Shortage into Question
- New York State Bans Empty Trucks
- DOT Threatens Pennsylvania Over CDLs
ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING
TopMark Funding is a top-rated semi-truck financing and trailer financing company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your trucking business and fleet.
We’re not here for the short term; we’re on the long haul with you!
We have financing options for trailers, semi-trucks, commercial trucks, and small businesses. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments regardless of credit history.
Learn more about Trailer Financing.
Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our truck financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.
