Cargo Theft Incidents Fall, Average Value Up
The number of cargo thefts in the U.S posted a significant decline in the third quarter of the year but the average value of each crime moved up slightly, as big-value heists jumped, according to logistics-security services provider FreightWatch International.

The most intensely shaded areas show where cargo thefts happened the most during the third quarter of 2015. Graphic: FWI

The most intensely shaded areas show where cargo thefts happened the most during the third quarter of 2015.Graphic: FWI
The number of cargo thefts in the U.S posted a significant decline in the third quarter of the year but the average value of each crime moved up slightly, as big-value heists jumped, according to logistics-security services provider FreightWatch International.
A total of 152 cargo thefts were recorded with 63 of these incidents occurring in July, 57 in August, and 32 in September. The total is down 18% from the second quarter and 24% lower than compared to the third quarter of 2014.
The average loss value per incident during this time was $199,467, a 7% increase in value from the second quarter, but was skewed by a single large facility theft. If this value is removed, the average value fell 3% year-over-year.
There were nine recorded high-dollar heists in the third quarter, those valued at more than $1 million, compared to five in the second quarter of this year and one during the third quarter of 2015.
Food and drinks continued to be the most stolen product type in the third quarter, with 22% of total thefts in the U.S. during this time. Products that were primarily targeted in this category include meats and nuts. Electronics, whose largest share of thefts were comprised of televisions and displays, ranked as the second most stolen product type, with 12% of the total.
There are two product types that experienced elevated theft volume from the previous quarter as well as the same quarter last year. Pharmaceuticals increased its count of thefts over both the previous quarter and the same quarter of last year by 125% and 350%, respectively. In terms of theft volume, tobacco rose by 50% and 200% over second quarter this year and a year earlier, respectively.
California ranks as the top state for cargo theft with 20% of total thefts in the third quarter, a decrease of 6% from this year’s second quarter total and a drop of 26% from the third quarter of 2014. Texas with 16% of the total, came in second during the third quarter, while Florida ranked third in this quarter with 15% of the total.
One noteworthy state on this list is Nevada, which is making its first-ever appearance in the top 10 at ninth place with 2% of the total, with all heists being facility thefts of electronics.
Unsecured parking was the most prevalent location for large-scale cargo thefts and was identified in 82% of reported incidents. Of these thefts, 26% occurred at public parking facilities and another 16% each from truckstops and roadsides.
Incidents involving theft of full truckload continued to be the most prevalent method of theft during the third quarter, with 81% of all reported thefts.
The full report is available from the FreightWatch International website.
More Fleet Management

How Telematics Improves Visibility, Control, and Performance in Refrigerated Fleets
Explore how telematics help refrigerated fleets improve visibility, uptime, efficiency, compliance, and cargo protection across connected cold chain operations.
Read More →
What the U.S.-Canada Trade War Means for Trucking
Escalating U.S.-Canada tariffs could disrupt cross-border freight, reduce truck volumes, raise costs, and create new uncertainty for carriers on both sides of the border.
Read More →
What Are Trucking’s Top Concerns for 2026?
The American Transportation Research Institute wants to know what's worrying trucking fleet managers, drivers, and other stakeholders in its annual Industry Issues survey.
Read More →
American Trucking Associations Looks for a New Leader
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear abruptly left his job at the association on August 21, at a pivotal time for the trucking industry.
Read More →
Public Wi-Fi Cybersecurity Risks: How Truck Drivers and Fleets Can Protect Their Data
Public Wi-Fi can expose truck drivers and fleets to credential theft, malware, and other cyber threats. Here’s how to reduce the risk on the road.
Read More →
For Nicky Cupp, Fleet Innovation Starts With Frustration
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Nicky Cupp turns everyday pain points at Fraley & Schilling into opportunities for better technology and smarter processes.
Read More →
Adam Buttgenbach’s Approach to Electric Trucks: Start With Where They Fit
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Adam Buttgenbach helped PepsiCo build one of North America’s largest EV fleets by focusing on where electric trucks make operational sense.
Read More →
Deen Albert: Let Automation Do the Math, People Make the Decisions
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Deen Albert makes sure people are still at the heart of operations at Grand Island Express, even while adopting artificial intelligence tools. AI-assisted dispatch helped boost revenue 25% with the same number of trucks.
Read More →Trimble’s New AI Agent Takes Aim at Fleet Back-Office Busywork
Arc Agent works across Trimble TMS products to automate repetitive tasks such as freight orders, maintenance, invoices, fuel costs and more.
Read More →
How HDT’s 2026 Truck Fleet Innovators Are Rethinking Fleet Operations
Meet five trucking leaders who are challenging assumptions, solving operational problems, and putting innovative ideas to work.
Read More →

