Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Dec. 8, 2025:
Bipartisan legislation takes aim at cargo theft
U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) on Dec. 4 introduced the “Cargo Security Innovation Act,” which would take a new approach to the fight against cargo theft.
The bipartisan legislation, the senators said, would ensure that those on the front lines of the fight against cargo theft have state-of-the-art technology to protect their operations.
“Cargo theft significantly impacts the supply chain, harming American businesses and consumers, especially food shippers,” Klobuchar said. “When criminals break into shipments, businesses are forced to return containers and dispose of compromised products. Our bipartisan legislation would equip law enforcement with the resources to combat these crimes – creating a pilot program that invests in technology to curb cargo theft.”
The Cargo Security Innovation Act would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish a pilot project to evaluate the “effectiveness of advanced law enforcement and cargo security technologies at combating cargo theft in transit and at and around intermodal transportation hubs and rail yards with eleated levels of cargo theft.” Specific technologies to be used are not identified in the language of the bill.
It also requires a report to Congress on the results of the pilot project within two years of its deployment.
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
As reported extensively in recent years, cargo theft activity has skyrocketed in recent times, including a 57% increase in 2023 with reported losses exceeding $400 million.
[Related: How much cargo theft really costs trucking]
Human trafficking, prostitution sting near Washington state truck stop nets arrests
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) recently arrested nearly a dozen individuals during an overnight operation, dubbed “Operation Human Freight,” targeting human trafficking and prostitution near truck stops.
The law enforcement effort used undercover detectives to identify and assist individuals involved in human trafficking and prostitution. The operation was initiated by WSP’s Commercial Vehicle Division (CVD) based on observed activity near truck stops in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties.
“This operation demonstrates our determination to hold traffickers accountable and safeguard vulnerable members of our community,” said Chief John Batiste of the Washington State Patrol. “We will continue to work closely with our local, state, and federal partners to disrupt these criminal networks.”
On the evening of Nov. 25, detectives established a base at a truck stop in northern Pierce County near the I-5 corridor. Officers were focused on identifying individuals involved in promoting prostitution, as well as potential victims of human trafficking.
Within eight hours, officers contacted 11 women who were determined to be victims of prostitution and/or human trafficking.
A 41-year-old Tacoma man with 19 prior felony convictions was arrested and booked into the Pierce County Jail for human trafficking and promoting prostitution.
The goal of the operation was to identify victims and provide them with access to available resources. Advocates from Kitsap County and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were on scene to provide services and contact information to those affected.
During the operation, detectives arrested individuals for the following crimes:
- Trafficking 2nd degree
- Promoting prostitution 1st degree
- Promoting prostitution 2nd degree
- Driving under the influence
Voting opens for Highway Angel of the Year award
The Truckload Carriers Association has chosen five drivers who were recognized as Highway Angels in 2025 as finalists for its 2025 Highway Angel of the Year award.
With the field narrowed to five, TCA is asking for public input on the story that resonates the most. Those interested can read the five stories and cast their vote online here.
The 3 drivers with the most votes will be celebrated at TCA’s 2026 Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, taking place Feb. 28-March 3.
The five finalists for the 2025 Highway Angel of the Year award are:
- Kevin Olsen, Truline
- Terry Walde, Searcy Trucking LTD
- Deshown Moye, Melton Truck Lines
- Amity Cataldo, Boyle Transportation
- Heather Barkey, Nussbaum Transportation
