U.S. Senator Todd Young called for increased efforts to combat cargo theft in an op-ed published by the Washington Times on May 19. Young said recent incidents in Indiana, including a $60,000 shipment stolen from PFL Logistics and the hijacking of a semi-trailer with bitcoin machines valued at $700,000, are part of a larger trend affecting businesses across the United States.
Young said cargo theft is not only costly but also poses risks to national and economic security. He wrote that criminal groups are using increasingly sophisticated tactics such as fictitious pickups and double brokering scams to steal shipments without detection. “Cargo theft is driven by both domestic and international groups, and these criminals are using increasingly sophisticated, fraudulent tactics such as fictitious pickups, double brokering scams and hostage loads to steal shipments without detection. When a shipment is stolen, supply chains critical to our economy are disrupted. Simultaneously, criminals use cargo theft to fund other illegal activities like drug smuggling and human trafficking,” Young said.
According to Young, inconsistent standards among states contribute to enforcement gaps and underreporting of crimes related to cargo theft. He highlighted findings from a Department of Transportation audit that revealed compliance failures in several states regarding Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), which he argued creates additional vulnerabilities.
Young announced his introduction of the SAFER Transport Act aimed at strengthening federal efforts against cargo theft through enhanced interagency collaboration, stricter CDL requirements, elimination of duplicate carrier certifications that allow fraud, closing loopholes exploited by foreign dispatch agencies, and increasing penalties for fraudulent certifications. “These are important steps to take to strengthen our transportation infrastructure, combat these crimes that are hurting consumers and businesses, and ensure our roads are safe for all Americans,” he said.
He concluded by stating his intention to work with colleagues on the Senate Commerce Committee: “Congress should work together to stop the ongoing rise in cargo theft and protect American citizens and businesses.” Young has served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Marine Corps; he graduated with honors from the United States Naval Academy; holds advanced degrees; operates offices throughout Indiana; supports constituents through community ties; promotes conservative solutions for economic growth; lives with his wife Jenny and four children—all according to the official website.
