Mixed Signals: FMCSA Data Outage Raises Eyebrows as DOT Pushes Cargo Theft Crackdown

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FMCSA restored key data sets on Tuesday after an outage sparked questions across the trucking industry. The disruption came as the U.S. Department of Transportation simultaneously announced a sweeping initiative to combat cargo theft and fraud.

FMCSA Blames Technical Glitch for Missing Data

On Sept. 17, multiple FMCSA datasets, including crash files, inspection records, and company census data, became inaccessible, displaying “404 errors.” The missing files triggered speculation online, as grassroots safety advocates rely on the information for carrier vetting and accountability.

By Wednesday morning, FMCSA confirmed the outage was caused by a technical error during routine updates. “A fix has since been applied,” the agency told FreightWaves, restoring access to the data.

DOT Touts New Push Against Cargo Theft

Even as FMCSA worked to resolve its data outage, the DOT released a formal request for information to strengthen national efforts against cargo theft and fraud.

The department described two categories of risk: “straight thefts,” such as stolen trailers or loads from truck stops and terminals, and “strategic theft networks,” involving fraudulent carriers, staged diversions, cyber-enabled thefts, and insider collusion.

“Both categories create significant economic losses, disrupt supply chains, and in some cases fund broader illicit activities,” DOT stated. The agency added it may move to close loopholes that allow carriers removed from service to re-enter operations under new identities.

Cargo Theft on the Rise

The urgency is fueled by a sharp increase in incidents. According to Travelers Institute, cargo theft spiked more than 90% between 2021 and 2024, with average losses exceeding $200,000 per stolen load.

At a July 15 congressional hearing, industry testimony underscored the scale of the problem. “We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars stolen in incidents across the United States with no resolution,” said Donna Lemm, chief strategy officer of an intermodal logistics company, on behalf of the American Trucking Associations. Her firm reported thefts rising from just five in 2021 to 876 in 2024.

Data Stability vs. Data Dependence

The timing of FMCSA’s outage raises questions about the reliability of public safety data precisely as DOT calls for expanded reporting and intelligence-sharing to fight theft. For brokers, shippers, and carriers, accurate and timely access to federal data is critical both for compliance and for addressing fraud.

The simultaneous glitch and crackdown reveal some form of tension: DOT is seeking more information and tighter oversight, but the infrastructure supporting that transparency remains vulnerable to disruptions.

Source: FreightWaves 1 | 2