Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Feb. 16, 2026:
- Retail merch, electronics, copper wire among cargo theft ring’s alleged $7.8 million in stolen goods.
- Parts distributor expands in Canada.
Florida cargo theft ring faces up to 300 years in prison
The state of Florida has filed charges against a group of cargo thieves for their alleged involvement in at least 32 cargo theft incidents and a vessel theft in the state.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office announced charges against Alayn Espinosa Lopez, Yerrison Perez, Yasser Mederos Garcia, Alexis Suarez Hernandez, Alejandro Valdes, and Arley Osmany Hernandez Relova for Grand Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft. The group is responsible for thefts resulting in an estimated loss of nearly $7.8 million.
“This organized criminal operation targeted Florida’s supply chain and caused nearly $7.8 million in losses across our state,” said Uthmeier. “Thanks to the coordination between the Florida Highway Patrol, the Orlando Police Department, and our Office of Statewide Prosecution, this group was identified and dismantled. Now, they’ll answer for their crimes in court.”
[Related: Congress moves closer to federal cargo theft enforcement mandate]
The investigation began in May 2023 after a series of thefts involving unattended commercial semi-trailers loaded with high-value cargo were reported throughout the Orlando area and beyond. The thefts included shipments of retail merchandise, consumer electronics, copper wire, HVAC equipment, cooking oil and food products, energy drinks, wine and spirits, and other alcoholic beverages, all of which had entered the stream of interstate or intrastate commerce.
Investigators determined the defendants were part of a major theft organization (MTO) that targeted parked semi-trailers in commercial areas, parking lots, and distribution corridors. After stealing the vehicles and cargo, members of the MTO would search for and disable GPS tracking devices to evade law enforcement, then transport the stolen property to South Florida, where it was sold to co-conspirators involved in the resale of stolen goods.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol Cargo Theft Unit, between May 2023 and March 2025, the MTO is responsible for the theft of approximately 51 commercial motor vehicles and 28 cargo shipments.
The defendants face a combined maximum penalty of 300 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.
[Related: FBI details double-brokering cargo theft scheme in felony charges for driver]
Paccar Parts opens new distribution center in Canada
Paccar Parts recently announced the opening of a new Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in Calgary, Alberta.
As the company’s third Canadian distribution center, the Calgary PDC is strategically located to optimize delivery speed and parts availability for dealers, customers and TRP stores across Western Canada, the company said.
Spanning 180,000 square feet, the Calgary facility can stock up to 40,000 part numbers.
As the 21st location in Paccar Parts’ global distribution network, the facility expands the company’s total warehouse space to more than 4 million square feet.
“Our new Calgary PDC demonstrates our dedication to providing dealers and customers with the highest level of parts availability and delivery performance,” said Bryan Sitko, PACCAR vice president and general manager of PACCAR Parts. “Its strategic location strengthens our network and ensures we continue to deliver unmatched value and exceptional support across Canada.”
