New Jersey Cargo Theft Bill Signed into Law
On May 9, New Jersey Gov. Christie signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande and Assembly Republican Conference Leader Dave Rible that cracks down on cargo theft in New Jersey. The measure is named the "Lt. Scott Jenkins Law" in memory of a founding member of the State Police Cargo Theft Unit, and is sponsored by 17 other Assembly Republicans.
On May 9, New Jersey Gov. Christie signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande and Assembly Republican Conference Leader Dave Rible that cracks down on cargo theft in New Jersey.
The measure is named the "Lt. Scott Jenkins Law" in memory of a founding member of the State Police Cargo Theft Unit, and is sponsored by 17 other Assembly Republicans.
"Cracking down on cargo theft will make our roads safer for truckers and help our economy because these crimes drive up the prices for just about every good sold in our state from televisions to tomatoes," said Casagrande, R-Monmouth, a member of the Appropriations Committee. "Gangs have made cargo theft a billion dollar problem, particularly in New Jersey which is a vital commerce and transportation hub. Giving law enforcement stronger laws and more resources will help them fight back against these sophisticated thieves."
The legislation, S-2092/A-3003, is named after Lt. Scott Jenkins, who died of cancer in 2003. He was a founding member of the State Police Cargo Theft Unit.
Cargo theft increased 147% in New Jersey from 2009 to 2010, making it a state to watch according to a survey by FreightWatch International, a Texas-based logistics security provider. Hudson and Middlesex counties rank among the top ten risk zones in the country for cargo theft.
Law enforcement estimate thieves steal between $700 million and $1 billion worth of cargo every year in New Jersey, particularly in North Jersey by Port Elizabeth and Port Newark.
The law will create specific criminal provisions for cargo theft:
Fines against leading or organizing a cargo theft networks of $250,000 for a second-degree crime, $500,000 for a first-degree offense or five times the value of property seized - whichever is greater.
New criminal offense for operating a facility to sell or store stolen cargo.
Additional fines against those convicted of cargo theft to fund law enforcement against cargo theft.
Want to learn more about cargo theft and cargo security? Read HDT's award-winning 2011 cover story, "9 Ways to Keep Cargo Safe & Secure."
More Safety & Compliance
FDA Eases Path for Oral-Fluid Testing
Federal actions could advance oral-fluid drug testing for truck drivers, but lab certification delays and marijuana rescheduling questions remain.
Read More →
Kodiak Lines Up Fleets for Driverless Trucking
An agreement for 75 trucks, a new Texas freight lane, and progress on safety validation move Kodiak closer to its planned driverless highway launch.
Read More →
More Trailer Data Through the Same Seven-Way [Video]
Can trucking’s standard seven-way connector handle more cameras and trailer data? Grote’s Adam Slade shows HDT how the company is using new technology with its 4See trailer system, not only to add a new backup camera but also to expand other capabilities — without adding another connection.
Read More →
PrePass Intelligence Mines Fleet Bypass, Toll and Safety Data
PrePass Intelligence helps fleets measure bypass savings, flag potential toll overcharges, and spot suspicious transactions by combining data from separate systems.
Read More →
Fatal Crash Exposes Toll Plaza Risks
An NTSB investigation found that last-minute lane changes and large speed differences at an Ohio toll plaza created a hazard the truck driver couldn't avoid in time.
Read More →
When Language Stops the Truck: The Return of ELP Out-of-Service Orders
English language proficiency rules for commercial drivers aren’t new, but renewed out-of-service enforcement has raised the stakes. Here’s what carriers need to know before a driver reaches a roadside inspection.
Read More →
A Camera Isn't a Safety Program. Here's What Brokers Are Screening for Now
Footage alone may not be enough to pass broker vetting processes. Here's what counts as a defensible safety program now.
Read More →
Marijuana and Trucking’s Drug-Testing Dilemma
Marijuana is getting stronger, laws are changing, and drug tests still can’t reliably establish impairment. What does that mean for truck drivers and the fleets that employ them?
Read More →
PrePass, Kodiak Connect Driverless Trucks to Roadside Enforcement
The system will allow enforcement agencies to verify Enhanced Inspection information and decide whether Kodiak’s autonomous trucks can bypass roadside screening sites.
Read More →
From One Generation to the Next: How Mentorship Builds Safer Truck Drivers
After three decades in trucking, Harold Perry shares what he's learned about driver safety, mentorship, and helping the next generation build confidence behind the wheel.
Read More →