U.S. DOT Seeks Input on Cargo Theft Reduction: Opportunities for Shippers and Carriers

At Gain Consulting, we understand that cargo theft is a growing challenge that impacts businesses, supply chains, and consumer trust. On September 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to address the unprecedented surge in cargo theft, as reported by CCJ Staff and updated on September 22, 2025.

The DOT is calling on carriers, shippers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to provide insights to develop strategies and programs that reduce cargo theft, strengthen supply chain security, and ensure a safe operating environment. With the comment period open until October 20, 2025, this is a critical opportunity for the logistics industry to shape the future of cargo security. Here’s what you need to know and how Gain Consulting can help you stay proactive.

The Cargo Theft Crisis: A Growing Concern

Cargo theft has reached record highs, costing businesses millions annually and disrupting supply chains. The DOT’s RFI highlights two primary types of theft:

• Straight Thefts: Opportunistic crimes involving stolen trailers, containers, or loads at truck stops, distribution hubs, and multimodal exchange points like ports and rail facilities.

• Strategic Theft Networks: Highly coordinated operations by organized criminal groups, including fraudulent carriers, staged diversions, cyber-enabled thefts, and insider collusion.

The DOT notes that fragmented and inconsistent reporting limits national visibility into cargo theft incidents, making it difficult to address the issue comprehensively. Data from sources like CargoNet shows a 93% increase in cargo theft from 2022 to 2024, with strategic thefts surging by 1475%. These trends, combined with economic pressures like declining shipment volumes (per the August 2025 Cass Freight Index) and rising carrier costs (e.g., UPS surcharges in Q4 2025), underscore the urgency of finding effective solutions.

The DOT’s RFI seeks stakeholder input on key questions, such as the most significant cargo theft risks, how they vary across transportation modes (truck, rail, air, maritime), and strategies to improve prevention and enforcement. Responses will guide initiatives to:

• Close loopholes allowing removed carriers to re-enter operations under new names.

• Enhance cargo security risk assessments using shared data from federal, state, and industry partnerships.

• Strengthen interagency coordination with DOT, DHS, FBI, CBP, and state/local partners.

• Design future programs in collaboration with industry and law enforcement.

Implications for Shippers and Carriers

The DOT’s call for input signals a proactive approach to tackling cargo theft, but it also highlights immediate challenges and opportunities for businesses:

• Increased Costs and Risks: Cargo theft, especially strategic schemes like double brokering or identity theft, leads to significant financial losses and supply chain disruptions, impacting profitability.

• Need for Better Data: Fragmented reporting hinders effective prevention. Improved data sharing and visibility could help businesses identify risks and respond faster.

• Regulatory Changes: Potential new regulations or enforcement measures could affect carrier operations, requiring shippers to stay compliant and adapt to evolving standards.

• Collaboration Opportunities: By contributing to the RFI, businesses can influence policies that enhance security and create a safer, more resilient supply chain.

How Gain Consulting Can Help

Gain Consulting is committed to helping shippers and carriers address cargo theft and strengthen their logistics operations. Here’s how we can support you in this critical moment:

• Proactive Risk Management: We work with clients to assess cargo theft risks across truckload, LTL, and parcel shipments, developing tailored strategies to secure high-value loads and prevent losses.

• Data-Driven Insights: Our analytics team leverages advanced tools to monitor shipment patterns, identify vulnerabilities, and implement safeguards against theft, aligning with the DOT’s push for better data sharing.

• Carrier Vetting and Compliance: We help verify carrier legitimacy and ensure compliance with regulations, reducing the risk of fraudulent carriers or insider collusion.

• Strategic Planning for Q4: With holiday season pressures like UPS surcharges and FedEx rate hikes looming, we optimize your shipping strategy to balance cost, security, and efficiency.

• Stakeholder Engagement: We can guide you in submitting impactful comments to the DOT’s RFI (due October 20, 2025, at regulations.gov), ensuring your voice shapes future cargo security policies.

Seizing the Opportunity to Combat Cargo Theft

The DOT’s RFI is a pivotal moment for the logistics industry to address the escalating cargo theft crisis. By collaborating with stakeholders, the DOT aims to create a more secure and resilient supply chain—an effort that aligns with Gain Consulting’s mission to empower businesses with innovative solutions. As the industry faces additional challenges like declining freight volumes and rising costs, proactive measures to combat theft are essential for maintaining profitability and trust.

We encourage shippers and carriers to participate in the DOT’s RFI and share their insights on cargo theft risks and solutions. At Gain Consulting, we’re here to help you navigate these challenges, protect your assets, and optimize your logistics operations.

Contact us today to learn how we can strengthen your cargo security and prepare for a successful Q4. Visit our website or reach out to our sales team for customized solutions that keep you ahead of the curve.

Source: CCJ, “DOT calls for trucking industry’s input on cargo theft reduction strategies,” CCJ Staff, September 19, 2025, updated September 22, 2025.Link: DOT Request for InformationWeb Source: regulations.justia.com