Sen. Cotton Calls for DOJ Review of China-Linked Parcel Carriers
Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas has asked the Department of Justice to examine the operations of parcel delivery companies in the United States that are controlled by Chinese interests.
In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Cotton raised concerns that these carriers receive substantial government subsidies from China. He stated that the support allows the companies to offer rates below those of domestic competitors.
The senator also noted that the firms may be collecting detailed information on U.S. shipping patterns and customer data. He expressed concern that this information could be shared with Chinese authorities.
Cotton did not name specific companies in his request. He asked the Justice Department to determine whether the activities violate U.S. law or create national security risks.
Parcel carriers play a central role in moving goods for both consumers and businesses. Many truck drivers and small fleets contract with these networks to handle last-mile deliveries or feed freight into larger distribution systems.
Subsidized foreign competition can affect rate structures across segments of the industry. When carriers can sustain lower prices through external support, domestic operators may face pressure on margins and contract renewals.
Data collection practices have also drawn attention in recent years. Carriers routinely track shipment volumes, origins, destinations, and timing. The senator’s letter suggests that information gathered by foreign-controlled firms could have uses beyond normal commercial operations.
The Department of Justice has not yet responded publicly to the request. Any formal investigation would likely focus on compliance with existing trade, competition, and data-security statutes.
Trucking associations and parcel networks have not issued statements on the matter as of this writing. Industry participants continue to monitor regulatory developments that could affect cross-border ownership and data-handling requirements.