Cargo crime, particularly in the household goods sector, is a growing problem that continues to undermine the integrity of the shipping and logistics industry. 

In 2024, cargo theft incidents increased to 3,625 across North America, a 27% increase from the year prior, according to Verisk CargoNet, a risk-assessment firm. The estimated value of the stolen freight was $455 million. 

CargoNet’s most recent numbers, its third-quarter 2025 cargo theft analysis. found that while overall cargo theft numbers remained stable, losses surged to more than $111 million across the U.S. and Canada, making it one of the costliest quarters ever recorded

And those are just the ones we know about. 

The Extent of Cargo Theft

Cargo theft is a bigger problem than the data shows because the crime is notoriously underreported.

Thieves, organized theft groups, and transnational criminal organizations are infiltrating and exploiting the nation’s transportation and distribution networks because these criminal schemes are considered low-risk and high-reward. 

In one high-profile incident in April, the bike brand Ari announced on Instagram that hundreds of bikes were stolen from a truck en route from the Los Angeles area to the company’s Utah warehouse. The shipment containing 337 bikes, valued at $1.7 million, was supposed to arrive in Utah on a Friday, but the company was told the shipment was delayed due to a flat tire. 

A month later, the L.A. County Sheriff’s office recovered 288 of the bikes and other stolen merchandise and took five men into custody, with the help of the bike community and Ari. 

Detectives told the Los Angeles Times that they have observed that cargo thieves are getting smarter in diverting and intercepting valuable goods being trucked into and out of Southern California in recent years. They’ve moved beyond breaking into trailers, using sophisticated technology and cunning deception to disappear with millions of dollars in goods.

While law enforcement was successful in recovering the cargo in this instance, they often lack the resources to significantly reduce the problem. That leaves trucking companies working with shippers and brokers to find solutions to help combat the growing wave of supply chain fraud and theft.

So, how do you stay one step ahead? It’s no longer enough to just lock the trailer doors and hope for the best. A modern, effective cargo security strategy requires a multifaceted approach, blending smart technology with vigilant policies and procedures and a well-trained team.

In this article, I’ll break down five critical strategies for any fleet operators looking to keep their cargo secure and businesses safe.

1. Take a Layered Security Approach

In today’s trucking environment, a strong defense is necessary for survival. There is no single solution that is a silver bullet. Preventing cargo theft involves multiple layers, both physical and technological.

According to the Travelers Companies, the main features of a layered security program include:

• Company security processes and procedures

• Use of hard security devices, such as locks and seals

• Leveraging appropriate technology

• Reinforcing cybersecurity to prevent access to key information.

In general, thieves and fraudsters target goods that they can steal and sell quickly. Lower-value shipments, such as food and beverage items, are targeted frequently because they are presumably less secure.

Other vulnerable goods include electronics due to their higher value, and vehicle parts like tires, because they’re very commoditized and therefore easy for thieves to sell. 

But a one-size-fits-all security strategy for all freight is inefficient and leaves high-value loads unnecessarily vulnerable. The level of security should be directly proportional to the value and risk level of the cargo. 

For example, pharmaceutical loads usually require team trucks that can keep them moving (and difficult to steal, unless you’ve watched the Fast & Furious movies a few too many times) all the way between shipper and receiver. 

They use security seals designed to resist tampering. They also use monitoring companies that expect you to follow a specific route and must be contacted when the driver has to stop or resume travel for any reason at all, even if it’s just a restroom break and/or refuel stop. During stops, one of the drivers must remain in or at the vehicle at all times, and the drivers must take turns walking away from the load for any reason.

Extremely sensitive shipments may even have spotters following the load from start to finish to ensure that all protocols are being followed.

One thing to keep in mind is that what criminals consider high-value cargo constantly changes based on market conditions.

For instance, reported cargo thefts of copper in the first half of this year surged 61% compared with the same period in 2024, as prices of the metal have increased more than 35% in the U.S. this year, according to the Wall Street Journal.

2. Leverage Technology for Real-Time Visibility and Response

Trucks are the core assets of your business. You’ve already invested in electronic logging devices to create a safer working environment for your drivers. Technology is also an indispensable tool in keeping your cargo safe.

Technology is advancing so fast that it can be hard for fleet operators to keep pace. So let’s focus on some core technologies that are critical in cargo security.

GPS tracking and telematics enable fleet managers to monitor a vehicle’s precise location on a map, its speed, and even its idle time. Some telematics systems even allow the truck’s engine to be shut down remotely in the event of a confirmed theft.

With real-time tracking, you know when a driver is traveling through theft-prone areas. Certain regions of the country and rest stops are known hotspots for cargo theft.

Where are the Cargo Theft Hotspots?

Did you know that California, Texas, and Illinois are routinely the top three states targeted by cargo thieves, according to Verisk CargoNet? 

Last year, these three states accounted for nearly half (46%) of all reported cargo theft. Cargo thieves target them due to their dense transportation routes and proximity to ports and distribution centers. 

By sticking to predetermined routes and avoiding unplanned stops, drivers can limit exposure in these high-risk areas.

The next level up from real-time tracking is geofencing, which allows companies to create virtual boundaries around approved routes, truck stops, and drop-off locations. If a truck crosses these perimeters, the system triggers an automatic alert, which allows for rapid response.

Another fleet safety technology gaining traction is in-cab cameras, as the devices become more affordable and accessible. A 2025 Heavy Duty Trucking/Work Truck survey found that 63% of fleets now use in-cab cameras, up from about 50% in the two preceding years. Cameras serve as a deterrent, much as they do in home security.

3. Focus on Driver Training and Awareness

While technology plays a vital role in theft prevention, the driver is the first line of defense. 

Good employment practices include background checks during the initial hiring process and periodically throughout an employee’s tenure. Regular screenings help ensure that drivers maintain their trustworthiness and are compliant with company policies and industry regulations.

Good hiring is just the first step. Drivers can only be the foundation of your theft prevention strategy if they are properly educated. Training equips them to be proactive in securing their loads and responding appropriately to potential theft situations. Continual learning is key to the engagement and safety of your workforce. 

Many cargo theft incidents occur when trucks are left unattended in unsecured locations. As the cargo industry likes to say, “Freight at rest is freight at risk.” 

Proper driver training includes teaching drivers to park in well-lit, secure areas with surveillance cameras whenever possible. For overnight stops, drivers should understand the importance of choosing well-trafficked travel centers with good reputations. 

Be Aware of Cargo Theft Patterns

There are patterns to when crimes take place that drivers should be aware of. 

A Verisk CargoNet analysis of theft incidents in the first quarter of 2025 revealed high activity early in the week, a midweek dip, followed by a sharp spike on Fridays. 

The data confirms anecdotal evidence RXO analysts have received about Friday shipments. Short-haul shipments that go out on Friday for Monday delivery have to be parked over the weekend, leaving them vulnerable to theft.

Cargo thieves generally know what type of products ship out of different facilities. If they want a certain product, they are known to follow a truck for hundreds of miles until the driver stops. 

Train drivers to recognize and report suspicious vehicles or individuals following them or loitering near their trucks, and stay on major roads and highways when possible for increased visibility and law enforcement presence. 

Additionally, encourage them not to share information about the contents of their trailers with anyone. Disclosing information about cargo can make a driver a target for criminals.

4. Strengthen Cybersecurity and Vetting Processes

Cargo theft is not always a physical crime. Increasingly, thieves are using advanced cyber tactics and identity theft to trick shippers, brokers, and carriers into handing loads over to them instead of the legitimate carrier. 

Criminals have impersonated legitimate drivers and carriers to perpetuate double brokering fraud and used the forged identity of a legitimate carrier to create fraudulent bills of lading.

If you don’t think cybercrime can happen to you, think again. 

Adam Blanchard, the CEO of a company in Texas with 90 trucks and a brokerage business, testified before Congress earlier this year that his business was the victim of identity theft that caused a massive disruption.

He said criminals “brokered loads under our name, deceiving both shippers and carriers."

He had angry trucking companies calling him and demanding payment for loads that his company did not broker or authorize. 

The fraudsters also used the company’s identity to steal high-value freight, including truckloads of Red Bull. They used VPNs and domain spoofing techniques that made it nearly impossible for Blanchard’s company to track down on its own.

Fleet operators should have strong cybersecurity protocols in place. 

Use unique and strong passwords across all platforms and ensure each driver or dispatcher has their own login credentials. Sharing email addresses and logins can compromise security. 

From an external perspective, carriers must also validate the identity of those they’re accepting freight from. This includes making sure their email addresses match the company’s established domain URLs and requesting their driver qualification before finalizing the transaction. 

Always thoroughly vet new business partners using FMCSA’s SAFER website. 

Be aware of nonstandard payment methods such as cash, Venmo, and PayPal, and only use the authorized payment methods agreed upon in the contract.

5. Work With Reliable Partners Who Share a Commitment to Cargo Security

To help neutralize the growing threat of cargo scams and theft, you need to trust the brokers you work with. Otherwise, there is an increased risk to your operations.

Reputable brokers don’t book loads without properly vetting the shipper, which reduces the risk of putting a carrier in a situation with an unsafe pickup or drop-off location or risky cargo. 

They will have solid insurance policies and a streamlined process for handling claims in case of damage or loss. They will encourage smarter scheduling to avoid unnecessary stops. And they will respond quickly and effectively if an incident does occur.

A good sign to look for when choosing a broker is whether they work with any of the major theft monitoring organizations. Verisk CargoNet, the Transported Asset Protection Association, and Overhaul are great organizations for brokers to work with.

Your provider should also use one of the industry-standard vendors to onboard new carriers into their brokerage. These companies help perform background checks and verify carrier identification.

If a cargo theft does occur, larger brokers with extensive assets really excel. They may have contacts with law enforcement agencies who investigate thefts, and if the missing freight cannot be located, they have the financial backing to make you whole.