In 2023, the United States did not introduce any new national policies or regulations regarding the use of GPS to combat freight theft, but through adjustments and practices in the following areas, it further strengthened the application and legal protection of GPS technology:
1. Technical support and law enforcement coordination at the federal level
Indirect support for supply chain security budgets
In the federal budget submitted by the Biden administration in 2023, $142 billion was allocated for supply chain infrastructure development, with part of the funding indirectly supporting the deployment of freight GPS technology. For example, funds were allocated to improve port, rail, and highway freight networks, while also requiring transportation companies to adopt more advanced tracking technologies to enhance cargo security. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) emphasized “system safety” in its 2023 National Road Safety Strategy Report, encouraging logistics companies to optimize transportation routes using GPS data to reduce theft risks.
FCC Strengthens Enforcement Against GPS Jammers
Although no new regulations were issued, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) intensified its crackdown on GPS jammers in 2023. For example, in response to the frequent use of jammers in the Mexico border region, the FCC collaborated with the Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) to investigate illegal sales and use of jammers through technical monitoring and legal measures. Under Section 333 of the Federal Communications Act, unauthorized use of jammers may result in fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment.
II. The Complementary Role of State Legislation and Industry Self-Regulation
California’s Balance Between Privacy and Security
California continued to enforce Section 637.7 of the Penal Code in 2023, requiring employers to obtain written consent from drivers before using GPS tracking on company vehicles. However, in high-theft areas for freight (such as the Port of Los Angeles), law enforcement collaborates with logistics companies to establish “geofencing” alert systems, allowing businesses to automatically trigger alarms when vehicles deviate from predefined routes, while ensuring data is used solely for security purposes to avoid privacy disputes.
Texas’ equipment compliance requirements
Texas updated its Transportation Code in 2023, requiring all commercial freight vehicles’ GPS devices to comply with FCC anti-interference standards (such as the Suntech ST4410G model) and obtain state certification. Non-compliant vehicles may face fines of up to $5,000.
Industry Association Standards
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) recommended in its 2023 “Freight Safety Best Practices Guide” that member companies adopt GPS trackers with “stealth mode” (covert operation) and share data with law enforcement agencies. For example, devices like the LandAirSea 54 can continue to send location information after a trailer is stolen, aiding police in rapid response.
III. Extended Impact of Legal Practices and Precedents
Balancing Privacy and Security in the Courts
In 2023, federal courts further clarified the admissibility of GPS data in freight theft cases based on the United States v. Jones precedent. For example, a transportation company was sued for failing to disclose the real-time monitoring functionality of in-vehicle GPS to drivers, but the court ultimately ruled that as long as the data is used solely for cargo security and does not infringe on personal privacy, the company has the right to use it.
Legal Regulations on Data Storage and Sharing
Under the Motor Vehicle Privacy Protection Act (MVPPA), logistics companies must delete unnecessary GPS data within five minutes, but in theft cases, law enforcement agencies may obtain historical trajectories through subpoenas. In 2023, a court ruled in favor of police accessing a trailer company’s GPS data from the past 30 days, successfully dismantling an interstate theft network.
IV. Advancement of Technical Standards and International Collaboration
Industry Standards for Anti-Interference Technology
In 2023, the FCC approved anti-interference GPS device certifications for companies like Suntech, requiring devices to automatically record the last known location and trigger an alarm when signals are blocked. Such devices are widely used in states with high theft rates, such as Texas and Florida.
Coordination of International Spectrum Management
At the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), the United States pushed for the adoption of Resolution 676, which requires countries to strengthen protection of the GPS frequency bands (1164-1215 MHz and 1559-1610 MHz) to prevent illegal interference. This resolution provides international legal support for U.S. companies using GPS in cross-border transportation.
Summary
In 2023, the United States’ policy adjustments in the field of GPS-based cargo theft prevention focused on technological upgrades, law enforcement coordination, and industry self-regulation. At the federal and state levels, measures such as budget support, equipment certification, and data-sharing agreements were implemented to enhance the application of GPS technology. Although no new national legislation was enacted, the role of GPS in cargo security was further consolidated through the refinement of existing laws (such as privacy protection and jammer prohibitions) and the promotion of industry standards. In the future, as anti-jamming technology and covert devices become more widespread, the integration of GPS with artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things will become a core strategy for addressing new forms of theft.