Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Average Cargo Theft Value Increases

While the number of incidents of cargo thefts in the U.S. declined in the first quarter of the year from the same time in 2014, the average value of each heist jumped 25%, according to the logistics security services provider FreightWatch International.

by Staff
May 12, 2015
Average Cargo Theft Value Increases

The darkest areas show where cargo theft activity is the highest. Credit: FWI

3 min to read


The darkest areas show where cargo theft activity is the highest. Credit: FWI

While the number of incidents of cargo thefts in the U.S. declined in the first quarter of the year from the same time in 2014, the average value of each heist jumped 25%, according to the logistics security services provider FreightWatch International.

It recorded a total of 191 incidents, a 14% drop from a year earlier, however, the average loss value per incident was nearly $257,000.

Ad Loading...

“This is a continuation of the trend identified by the FWI in the third quarter of last year of a large rise in average loss value indicating that organized cargo thieves are targeting more lucrative shipments while many carriers continue to improve the security of their supply chain,” FreightWatch said in its report.

Compared to the final quarter of last year there was a 1% increase in total thefts and a 26% increase in the average loss value per incident.

Food and drinks continued to be the most stolen product type in the first quarter with 31% of total cargo thefts in the U.S. during this time.

Ad Loading...

The electronics category was the second most stolen product type with 14% of the total, primarily consisting of the perennial favorites such as televisions and displays, as well as items in the software, components and peripherals categories. Home and garden finished third with 12% of the total.

FreightWatch said in a surprise turn, New Jersey was the state with the most reported thefts in the first quarter of the year, despite typically being fifth through ninth in state rankings. It recorded 19% of the country’s total thefts, an increase of 386% and 84%, respectively, from the final quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of last year. Food and drinks accounted for 49% of thefts in New Jersey during this most recent quarter

Despite registering a theft rate lower than both comparative quarters, Florida was the second most active state in the first quarter.

“This is a result of the recent and persistent drop in theft volumes within the state of California,” said FreightWatch. “Likely a result of several factors, not the least of which is the continued West Coast port slowdown, [causing] the volume of freight in the state to drop. Additionally, due to the long delays experienced at the ports, the freight that is unloaded at the docks is less likely to be at rest for a significant amount of time before it is shipped to its final destination.”

Another interesting note is Arkansas making its first appearance in the top ten states by earning 78% of its average annual total in just the first quarter of the year.

Ad Loading...

The most prevalent location for large-scale cargo thefts continues to be unsecured parking, identified in 91% of reported incidents. Of these thefts, 21% occurred at truck stops. Thefts from warehouse or distribution location types came in second with 5% of thefts, while secured parking areas accounted for 4% of thefts this quarter.

Following previous trends, incidents involving theft of full truckload were most common during the first quarter, with 80% of all reported thefts. Pilferage, a theft type that is used by organized cargo thieves and street-level criminals alike, accounted for 12% of total thefts this quarter. This is a rise in the typical level of pilferage.

More Fleet Management

Geotab screen on AI concept background
Fleet ManagementJune 17, 2026

What Geotab's New AI Connector Means for Fleets

Fleets can now ask their usual AI assistants questions about maintenance, safety, fuel use, and vehicle performance, using their live Geotab data, and take action on the answers without leaving their preferred AI tool.

Read More →
Image of computer screen with BidBoardX interface

New C.H. Robinson Tool Opens Door to More Predictable Freight

BidBoardX lets carriers search, bid on, and secure committed freight opportunities through a single digital marketplace.

Read More →
Amazon electric cargo bike on New York City street
Fleet ManagementJune 15, 2026

New York City's Microhub Project is Delivering Results

Trucking, last-mile delivery companies, and environmental advocates like what they are seeing so far with New York's microhub program.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of hourglass and trucks backed up to a dock
DriversJune 15, 2026

Why Truck Detention Keeps Costing Fleets Time and Money

A 2024 ATRI study found detention affects nearly 40% of truckload stops and costs the industry more than $15 billion annually. Despite the toll on drivers, fleets, and supply chains, the problem remains stubbornly persistent.

Read More →
Panel discussion
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeJune 12, 2026

Time is Running Out to Apply for Exclusive HDT Event

Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange brings fleet managers and suppliers together for the deeper conversations that lead to ideas, partnerships, and solutions. Time is running out to apply for the September event.

Read More →
Empty trailer with worker loading a pallet of cargo
Fleet ManagementJune 10, 2026

Amazon Launches Less-Than-Truckload Freight Offering for All Businesses   

This launch is the latest addition to Amazon Supply Chain Services, a portfolio of supply chain capabilities from Amazon, including freight, distribution, fulfillment, and parcel shipping.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Stacks of intermodal containers at port with truck driving between them

Import Cargo Volume to See Year-Over-Year Gain Again in June, Then Remain Below 2025 Levels Into Fall

After July, the report predicts a weakening in import volume as consumer uncertainty remains high and the impact of increasing inflation takes its toll.

Read More →
Equity Interest Auction
SponsoredJune 8, 2026

AUCTION OF EQUITY INTEREST IN HEAVY HAUL TRUCKING COMPANY!!

Mark your calendar: June 30, 2026 (10:00 a.m. PDT). A 37.5% ownership interest in MagnaTrans, LLC, a California limited liability company doing business as Magna Transportation Group, will be sold in an in-person and online auction to the highest bidder or bidders under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. The Rancho Cucamonga-based heavy haul and over-dimensional trucking company operates across California, Oregon, and Arizona.

Read More →
Volvo OTA updates.

Volvo Trucks Adds Unattended Over-the-Air Software Update Capabilities

The latest evolution of Volvo’s over-the-air update technology allows software updates to run while trucks are parked, helping fleets keep vehicles current without disrupting operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Podcast thumbnail illustration
Fleet ManagementJune 4, 2026

How Waste Connections is Using Data, Telematics, and AI

How do you manage and maintain more than 18,000 connected trucks? Data. Lots of it.

Read More →