Criminals are getting deeper into cargo supply chains, tracking shipments, and targeting the most vulnerable. As a result, there was a significant increase in cargo theft across the United States in 2024.
A supply chain risk management company called Overhaul (Texas) highlights 2,217 cargo thefts in the U.S. in 2024. Their annual report on cargo theft in the U.S. and Canada indicates a shocking 49% increase from 2023. Most of the cargo thefts were reported during the third and fourth quarters—approximately 60%.
In 2024, cargo thefts rose incredibly quickly. It is reported that each quarter exceeded the same period for the previous year by as much as a shocking 30%. The value per theft also showed a 17% rise compared to the previous year.
Top states in cargo thefts
The highest percentage of all reported incidents in 2024 goes to 2 states: California with 32% and Texas with 19%. Both states were named as the most common locations for cargo theft in the U.S.
The other states frequently experiencing cargo theft incidents are Tennessee with 14%, Pennsylvania with 8%, Georgia with 6%, and Illinois with 6%. The amount of thefts in Pennsylvania rose from 1% in 2023 to 8%.
Cargo theft still remains one of the major risks to trucking businesses in metropolitan areas that historically suffer from these thefts.
What is most commonly stolen
The most popular cargo type to be stolen appeared to be electronics, accounting for approximately 24% of all cargo thefts across the states. 15% went to various types of cargo, while 10% was attributed to home and garden goods.
According to the latest quarterly analysis by freight security company Verisk CargoNet, there is a big change in the types of goods targeted by thieves in 2024.
The year 2024 marks a strategic shift in criminals’ priorities, and the list of desirable goods, such as liquids and energy drinks, is substituted by consumer electronics and even cryptocurrency mining equipment.
It is reported that some fast moving consumer goods (FMSG) such as food supplements and personal care products attracted more attention from criminals this year.
Which theft methods are most popular
Modern “theft by deception” schemes attracted a lot of attention in 2024, especially in social media. However, traditional methods of cargo theft remained prevalent. Trailer burglaries and thefts involving entire trailers continued at elevated levels. The report says the trend was especially evident in major metropolitan areas.
CargoNet underlines that the threat landscape for cargo theft is changing and becoming more complicated. Organized crime is showing tactical adaptability in both its methods and its targets.
The forecast is bleak
The reports confirm that the threat of cargo theft for transportation companies is still high. Criminals focus on high-value cargo and become more and more sophisticated in their approach. It is predicted that we will see a rise of 22% in 2025.
CargoNet also expects these trends to continue, looking ahead to 2025. Meanwhile, organized criminal organizations are expected to continue their aggressive attack on supply chain vulnerabilities.
How to minimize cargo thefts
Implementing advanced tracking technologies can help monitor shipments in real time and quickly detect any unauthorized deviations.
Here is a list of suggestions to minimize cargo theft:
- Do not leave your truck with cargo unattended.
- Once the truck is loaded, secure the doors with seals and hardened padlocks.
- Plan your route and stop ahead, avoiding known theft hot spots.
- Park at secure, well-lit, and monitored locations.
- Install electronic security locks, alarms, immobilization systems, and tracking devices.
- Keep the cargo value information secret and keep the drop-off location on a need-to-know basis.
- Your drivers are your number 1 defense from cargo thefts; hire right and train your employees!