U.S. Senators Propose Cargo Security Act to Combat Supply Chain Theft

U.S. Senators introduce the Cargo Security Innovation Act, targeting escalating cargo theft across the railway and supply chain sectors. New measures aim to protect freight.

U.S. Senators Propose Cargo Security Act to Combat Supply Chain Theft
December 10, 2025 7:01 pm
A+
A-

U.S. Senators Introduce Cargo Security Innovation Act to Combat Escalating Supply Chain Theft
Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) have introduced the bipartisan Cargo Security Innovation Act, a legislative proposal aimed at deploying advanced security technologies at critical intermodal hubs to combat a significant surge in cargo theft across the U.S. supply chain. The bill mandates a pilot program under the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and requires congressional reporting on the effectiveness of these new technologies.

Key EntityCritical Detail
LegislationCargo Security Innovation Act
Key ProponentsU.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) & Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)
Agency InvolvedTransportation Security Administration (TSA)
Core ActionPilot program for advanced law enforcement/cargo security technologies at intermodal hubs
Reported Cargo Theft Increase (2023)57% from the previous year
Reported Cargo Theft Losses (2023)Topping $400 million
Endorsing OrganizationsAssociation of American Railroads, American Trucking Associations, Intermodal Association of North America, IMC Logistics, Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce

Strategic Impact

The proposed Cargo Security Innovation Act arrives at a critical juncture for the U.S. logistics sector, which has seen a dramatic rise in cargo theft. Senators Blackburn and Klobuchar highlighted that sophisticated theft rings, often linked to organized crime, are increasingly targeting the nation’s busiest intermodal hubs. This escalating problem not only results in substantial financial losses, with reported cargo theft jumping 57% in 2023 to over $400 million, but also disrupts the flow of goods and erodes confidence in supply chain integrity.

Operational Details of the Proposed Act

If enacted, the Cargo Security Innovation Act will direct the TSA to establish and implement a pilot program. This program is designed to test and deploy cutting-edge law enforcement and cargo security technologies. The focus will be on intermodal hubs, which serve as crucial points for transferring freight between different modes of transportation, making them prime targets. A key provision of the bill mandates that Congress receive comprehensive reports detailing the effectiveness and operational viability of these deployed technologies.

Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s cutting-edge Aranjuez maintenance hub. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Industry Context

The endorsement of this legislation by major industry stakeholders, including the Association of American Railroads, American Trucking Associations, and the Intermodal Association of North America, underscores the widespread concern and the urgent need for enhanced security measures. For industry CEOs, this act signifies a potential shift towards proactive, technology-driven solutions for cargo protection. The successful implementation of such programs could lead to reduced operational risks, minimized financial exposure from theft, and improved overall supply chain resilience, directly impacting profitability and competitive advantage.