Retail supply chains are shaped by evolving legislation, trade policy, transportation regulations, and security efforts in logistics. This page highlights key policy developments RILA is monitoring that could impact how retailers move goods through the global supply chain.
Retailers rely on resilient, efficient supply chains to meet consumer demand and support economic growth. RILA monitors federal and state legislation that could affect how goods move through the retail supply chain — from port infrastructure and trucking regulations to cargo theft and environmental oversight. Below is a selection of key policy developments and legislative proposals we are tracking.
Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA)
Establishes a federal coordination center within the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen investigations, improve information sharing, and support recovery of stolen goods.
RILA and a coalition of 191 businesses and associations are urging the U.S. Senate to advance the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA). The legislation would strengthen federal efforts to combat organized retail crime, protect retailers, and improve community safety.
RILA applauds the U.S. House for passing the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act, advancing bipartisan efforts to protect retail employees, communities, and public safety through stronger law enforcement collaboration.
The House passage of CORCA marks a major step in combating organized retail crime. Attention now shifts to the Senate, where timing, legislative vehicles, and growing concern over cargo theft will shape the path forward.
A recent federal crackdown exposed the staggering scale and sophistication of cargo theft in America’s supply chain.
This May, the U.S. House is expected to vote on the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), bipartisan legislation will ensure federal law enforcement has the tools needed to effectively combat organized retail crime.
Congress has begun to recognize the scale of the challenge and the need for a federal response.
Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act
Strengthens the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s authority to combat freight fraud and protect consumers from deceptive shipping practices.
Authorizes federal surface transportation (highway, public transportation, and rail) programs and activities through FY2031. The bill also establishes or modifies Department of Transportation (DOT) programs and policies that are a part of the federal-aid highway, transit, highway safety, motor carrier, research, hazardous materials, and rail programs.
The Securing American Freight, Enforcement, and Reliability (SAFER) in Transport Act
Closes loopholes exploited by bad actors in the nation’s freight and transportation systems. The bill enhances federal coordination, modernizes fraud detection, and fortifies licensing and enforcement practices to keep America’s supply chains secure.
SHIPS for America Act
Seeks to strengthen U.S. maritime capacity through sustained funding, shipbuilding investment, and coordinated national oversight.
American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative (ASCSI)
Creates a national supply chain visibility portal, with role-based access for different supply chain players. The initiative would connect major ports directly to ocean carriers, CBP, trucking companies, railroads, and retailers.
Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (Jones Act)
Regulates maritime commerce in U.S. waters and between U.S. ports. It mandates that shipping between U.S. ports must be conducted by vessels that are American-built, American-owned, and American-crewed.
Faced with trade policy uncertainty, retailers are recalibrating their supply chains to minimize disruption for U.S. consumers and ensure that shoppers can get the things they need, especially for upcoming seasons like back to school and the holidays.
The Supreme Court’s Montgomery v. Caribe Transport decision is reshaping transportation risk management across the retail industry. Learn what retailers, freight brokers, and 3PLs should review now around carrier vetting, FMCSA safety metrics, compliance, and liability exposure.
Prohibits the enforcement of laws relating to the installation, certification, and maintenance of emissions control devices under the Clean Air Act, and for other purposes.
Expanding Emissions Oversight (California)
New regulations would expand oversight of high-emission logistics facilities such as warehouses and ports, even when emissions occur indirectly through transportation activity.
