Cargo theft is a growing concern for the U.S. transportation system, costing the economy billions annually. These crimes involve opportunistic “straight thefts” of trailers, containers, and loads at truck stops or multimodal distribution hubs and highly coordinated operations conducted by organized criminal networks. Both categories create significant economic losses, disrupt supply chains, and in some cases fund broader illicit activities such as narcotics trafficking, counterfeiting, and human smuggling. DOT seeks information from State, metropolitan, and local agencies; law enforcement; industry; stakeholders ( e.g., carriers, shippers, drivers, warehouse operators (including at airports), insurers); and the public to aid in the development of strategies and potential programs to reduce cargo theft, strengthen supply chain security, and create a safe operating environment for freight stakeholders and the traveling public.

Some questions in the notice include:

What industry best practices or technologies ( e.g., GPS tracking, electronic seals, AI-driven monitoring, secure parking, etc.) have proven most effective in reducing both opportunistic thefts and organized thefts?

How should DOT measure success in reducing cargo theft, and what performance metrics would be most valuable to track?

To what agency or jurisdiction does industry currently report cargo theft? What barriers prevent industry from reporting theft incidents to Federal agencies? How can DOT reduce these barriers?

Which commodities face the highest risks and do those risks vary contingent on whether the commodity is domestic, imported, or exported?

Comments must be received on or before October 20, 2025. DOT will consider comments filed after this date to the extent practicable.

CLICK HERE to read the notice.