TIA calls for action on freight fraud

As the nation prepares to recognize National Logistics Day on June 28, the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) is sounding the alarm on a growing national crisis: the sharp rise in supply chain fraud that is threatening everyday goods, driving up costs and putting critical logistics infrastructure at risk.

According to TIA’s latest State of Fraud in the Industry report, freight fraud has skyrocketed by 1,500% since 2021, costing the economy $35 billion annually. Third-party logistics (3PL) brokers—who serve as the connective tissue of the modern supply chain—are bearing the brunt of this crisis, often without adequate federal support.

“Strategic fraud and cargo theft in our industry has reached a boiling point,” said Chris Burroughs, President & CEO of TIA. “It’s not just a logistics problem—it’s a consumer problem. Fraud drives up the price of everyday items and disrupts the movement of goods that American families rely on.”

National Logistics Day celebrates the vital role of logistics professionals, especially brokers, who are responsible for coordinating, securing and tracking the transportation of goods across the country. With more than 27,000 companies registered as 3PLs, this workforce serves as the frontline defense against supply chain disruptions—yet is now under siege by organized cybercriminals exploiting gaps in outdated systems.

Among the report’s findings:

• Fraud isn’t isolated – 83% of logistics companies experienced multiple types of fraud in just six months.
• Nearly half of all thefts targeted consumer goods like electronics and household products. These losses drive up prices and disrupt the availability of essential products across the country.
• Some companies lost over $200,000 in a single fraud incident—devastating for the many small businesses that make up TIA’s membership.

TIA is calling on Congress to take urgent action by passing H.R. 880 / S. 337, the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act, and H.R. 2853 / S. 1404, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA). These bipartisan bills would empower the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and law enforcement with the tools needed to crack down on fraudulent carriers and organized theft rings.

“Our members are doing their part—investing in tools, training and due diligence. But they can’t fight this alone,” said Burroughs. “We need federal authorities to step up, clean up fraudulent registrations, and hold bad actors accountable.”

As Congress prepares to consider the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization in 2026, TIA urges lawmakers to prioritize these bipartisan solutions now and recognize the crucial role logistics professionals play—not just in moving freight, but in defending the security and resilience of the U.S. economy.