NICB CEO Calls on Congress to Help Combat Organized Cargo Theft

The Impact of Cargo Theft

The average value of individual cargo thefts is more than $200,000 with total cargo losses at roughly $35 billion annually. These are not small operations seeking a quick payout. Rather, cargo thefts are often orchestrated by transnational criminal organizations. Once secured, stolen goods— everything from sports drinks to sports cars— are routinely exported into black markets to finance other illicit activities, including drug and weapons trafficking and even terrorism. 

While NICB is best known for fighting vehicle theft, we are at the forefront of a variety of types of insurance-related crime and fraud, including cargo theft. Since 2022, NICB has opened an average of 150 commercial cargo crime cases per year. In the last 18 months alone, we’ve assisted in more than 240 cargo crime investigations, with over 70 recoveries valued at nearly $40 million. Our agents coordinate with local and federal law enforcement, providing NICB’s direct operational support in combating cargo theft and recovering stolen goods.
 

 

 

 

 

Using the Platform to Facilitate Change

Mr. Glawe demonstrated NICB’s unique expertise and vantage point that we bring to the policymaking table, and detailed the longstanding, trusted relationship that NICB has held for decades with law enforcement at every level. Highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships, he called upon the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance reforms that would strengthen the collaboration between the public and private sectors in protecting American consumers against organized cargo theft.  

In addition to promoting ongoing training, Mr. Glawe urged entities engaged in the supply chain to screen every employee, train employees on the signs of cargo theft, check transportation partners before hiring, implement in-transit security measures, keep a vigilant eye, take advantage of security technologies, and conduct audits.  

He also expressed NICB’s strong support of S. 1404, or the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), which would strengthen federal criminal statues to confront interstate and transnational organized theft. This measure would also establish the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations, which would improve collaboration, data-collection, and information-sharing between the private industry and federal, state, and local law enforcement.  

The committee, which is led by Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin, also heard testimony from leaders in the retail and logistics industries, as well as law enforcement, including Donna Lemm, Chief Strategy Officer at IMC Logistics; Scott McBride, Chief Global Asset Protection Officer at American Eagle Outfitters; and Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney and President of the National District Attorneys Association. Despite their varying backgrounds, each witness testified to the same conclusion: the only way to stop organized cargo theft is through the stronger collaboration of all impacted industries, levels of law enforcement, policymakers, and the public.  

Also related to this important legislation, NICB Strategy, Policy, and Government Affairs (SPGA) Vice President Kyle McCollum wrote letters to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives outlining our support.

Serving as a Voice for the Industry

This was the second time in three years that NICB was invited to represent the industry before this committee. Previously, in 2022, we addressed the carjacking trend sweeping the nation and saw a number of our policy recommendations adopted.  

Through NICB’s recent testimony and our ongoing advocacy efforts, we are helping to build momentum behind key reforms that will protect the interests of our members by combating the rising threat of organized cargo theft. In the meantime, NICB stands ready— as we have for nearly 115 years— to support our partners in industry and law enforcement with our expertise, intelligence, and resources. 

Watch the Testimony

Learn about NICB’s Role in Fighting Cargo Theft   

From Contractor Fraud to Vehicle Theft

Each year, natural disasters result in billions of dollars of damage, and some bad actors take advantage of these situations. Contractor Fraud Awareness Week (CFAW) was developed by NICB in 2021 as a cross-departmental initiative to build public knowledge of this type of fraud, offer member training to identify contractor and post-disaster fraud, and help put a stop to these scammers.  

Whether you shared a supporter graphic on your social media or attended one of our training sessions, you helped advance the goal. This year, NICB saw 165 organizations share their support, 20 states and four cities issue proclamations or resolutions, and 1,563 individuals register for our virtual training sessions.

Each participant had a direct impact on the fight against contractor fraud. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to working with you on all types of fraud prevention, including CFAW 2026.
 

Reducing Vehicle Theft Through Education

The fight against fraud never stops, and NICB is proud to stand as a voice against all forms of insurance crime. For the month of July, we've partnered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for Vehicle Theft Prevention Month to address this pressing issue.

In 2024, 850,708 vehicles were reported stolen in the United States. While rates have dropped 17% from the previous year, this pervasive crime impacts hundreds of thousands of individuals, and NICB is committed to curbing that number even further.

For Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, our Learning & Development team has created a range of FraudSmart courses designed to drive education on a variety of vehicle theft related topics. We encourage you to take advantage of this learning opportunity and to share our layered approach to preventing vehicle theft, which you can learn more about on our Prevent Vehicle Theft page. 

In May, NICB helped coordinate an insurance industry lobby day in New York, where we advocated for anti-fraud measures in the state legislature. One of NICB’s key priorities for the lobby day, auto glass repair and assignment of benefit (AOB) reforms, has now crossed the finish line. On June 13, a bill banning AOB and requiring glass repair shops to get a customer’s claim number before service passed the New York Senate and Assembly and is expected to become law. This legislation is modeled after the National Council of Insurance Legislators’ (NCOIL) auto glass model bill, which NICB assisted in drafting. NICB strongly advocated for the passage of this bill in New York.

NICB has recently weighed in on key legislation at the federal level that will help combat insurance crime and fraud, including staged accidents targeting commercial vehicles. On May 30, NICB led a joint letter to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee supporting H.R. 2662, the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act of 2025 and encouraging its advancement by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee. This bill would make commercial staged accidents a federal crime.

On June 17, NICB submitted letters to the U.S. House and U.S. Senate Judiciary Committees in support of S. 1404 and H.R. 2853, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025, and urged the Committees to advance the measure. The bill would increase deterrence against interstate and transnational organized retail and cargo theft by providing for criminal forfeitures, strengthening federal money laundering statutes, and permitting the aggregation of thefts in federal prosecutions. The bill would also establish the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to improve collaboration and information-sharing between federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as between government and the private sector.

On June 11th, NICB testified before the South Carolina House Insurance Rate Review Ad Hoc Committee to present on the top insurance fraud trends impacting South Carolina. In addition, NICB helped correct the record in South Carolina that insurance fraud is a contributing factor to rising insurance costs and how legal system abuse issues, such as the exploitation of assignment of benefit contracts, are weaponized by bad actors seeking to defraud consumers and insurers alike.   

Members can login to ClaimSearch and select the GA tile to access further information on our advocacy efforts. To stay in the know, subscribe to our Legislative Alert.

All upcoming courses are approved CE credits in DE, FL, NC, and TX. Watch for all impending FraudSmarts and other training events.

Sport Compact Vehicle Fraud | July 22

Join this discussion on the growing popularity of sport compact street races. Attendees will learn about elements of potential fraud, how it relates to vehicle theft fraud, and indicators of illegal street racing. This course is suitable for people who work on vehicle theft claims, vehicle appraisers, those who take first reports, or work for an insurance agency.

NICB Foreign Ops, Vehicle Repatriation, & Mexico Investigations | July 22

In this live discussion, NICB Special Agent Sara Hermosillo answers attendees' pressing questions about the NICB Foreign Operations Team and the crucial role they play in organization's vehicle repatriation program as well as Mexico investigations. 

Boat Theft & Fraud | July 24

Vehicle theft extends to all motorized vehicles, including boats. In this course, attendees will learn how to identify the various types of boats, their terminology, and the components of a Hull Identification Number (HIN). Develop a solid understanding of boat theft, fraud indicators, and the proper action steps to take in these cases.

Motorcycle Theft & Fraud | July 29

This course focuses on the specific problems related to motorcycle theft. Attendees will gain insights on the various motorcycle classifications, their major components, and indicators of fraud, so the next time this kind of case crosses their desk, they'll be prepared.

Managing LIST/MIST Claims | July 31

Perfect for those who work in claims and other insurance company personnel, this course offers a thorough overview of both LIST and MIST claims, as well as the fraud indicators that may be associated with these claims.

Staged Vehicle Accidents | August 5

Staged accidents come in different shapes and sizes. In this course, speakers will describe the three common staged accident schemes, their indicators, and the action steps investigators can take during these cases. Those who work casualty and no-fault claims, take first reports, or work for an insurance agency will benefit most from this course.

Vehicle Theft & Fraud | August 7

Vehicle theft has massive impacts on the industry as well as the consumer. In this instructor-led course, attendees will gain insights into why vehicle theft and fraud is committed. They will also learn about the characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and indicators of this crime.

Additional Living Expenses (ALE) & Fraud | August 12

Additional Living Expenses (ALE) fraud is a scheme in which an individual misrepresents their expenses to collect more than they are entitled to from their insurance company. In this course, participants will learn what type of ALE expenses are covered by most insurance policies about the most common type of ALE fraud.

Preparing a Case for Prosecution | August 14

This course defines the requirements for a successful presentation and prosecution, such as the important documents to be included and how to present a case to a prosecutor. SIUs and insurance company personnel who help prepare cases for prosecution will benefit most from this learning opportunity.

Hit While Parked | August 19

In this course, instructors provide an overview of the key differences between legitimate and fraudulent Hit While Parked claims. As always, attendees will identify the list of fraud indicators and proper action steps to resolve these cases.

NEW NICTA Course | Introduction to Insurance

Ideal for those new to insurance or seeking a refresher on the basics, this foundational course introduces key principles, terminology, and structures of the insurance industry. Attendees will also learn more about the standard claims process and bad fait practices. 

Coming Soon to NICTA | Life Insurance