US Freight Industry Briefing: $240B Transportation Bill, Shifting Cargo Theft Tactics, and New Broker Rules

## US Freight Industry Briefing: Infrastructure Spending, Cargo Fraud, and Regulatory Reform Three significant developments are commanding attention across the US freight and logistics sector this week, with implications for carriers, brokers, shippers, and port-dependent supply chains alike. ### $240 Billion Surface Transportation Bill Unveiled The House has released a major surface transportation reauthorization bill that would set federal spending at $240 billion across multiple infrastructure modes, according to FreightWaves. The legislation represents one of the most significant federal infrastructure commitments in recent years, with funding earmarked for roads, bridges, rail, and related freight corridors. For the maritime industry, surface transportation investment is a critical downstream concern. Port competitiveness depends heavily on landside connectivity — including highway and rail links that move cargo to and from terminals. Industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see how port access infrastructure and intermodal freight facilities are prioritized within the bill's final allocations. ### Cargo Theft Falls, But Fraud-Based Schemes Climb Sharply Physical cargo theft declined in the first quarter of 2025, but the overall threat picture has grown more complex, according to a new report from supply chain risk firm Overhaul cited by FreightWaves. Fraudulent pickup scams — in which criminals impersonate legitimate carriers or brokers to divert shipments — climbed sharply during the period. The shift signals a broader evolution in cargo crime tactics, moving away from traditional break-ins and hijackings toward identity and documentation fraud that is harder to detect and prosecute. For maritime shippers and freight forwarders managing intermodal cargo, the findings underscore the need for enhanced vetting of trucking partners and tighter documentation controls at the point of cargo release. ### BUILD America 250 Act Could Tighten Carrier Capacity A separate legislative proposal — the BUILD America 250 Act — is drawing scrutiny for provisions that could affect freight capacity and broker operations, FreightWaves reports. The bill would revise broker qualification requirements, overhaul the DataQs violation dispute process used by motor carriers, and establish a federal timeline for hair follicle drug testing of commercial drivers. Industry analysts warn the combined effect of stricter broker standards and new driver testing requirements could create a capacity squeeze, particularly for smaller carriers and owner-operators. Insurance renewal cycles may also be affected as underwriters reassess risk profiles under the new regulatory framework. --- *Sources: FreightWaves. This briefing covers freight and logistics developments with direct relevance to maritime supply chain operations.*