Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Cargo Thefts Decline in U.S.

The number and value of cargo thefts in the United States declined February through April. according to a report released this week.

by Staff
May 23, 2013
Cargo Thefts Decline in U.S.

 

2 min to read


The number and value of cargo thefts in the United States declined February through April, according to a report released this week.

Logistics security services provider FreightWatch International recorded a total of 176 thefts, with 71 thefts in February, 68 in March and 37 in April. The average loss value per incident during this period was $120,990.

Ad Loading...

Compared with the previous quarter, thefts fell by 16% and the average loss value dropped by 31%. FreightWatch says it is unclear if the drop in cargo theft levels is an actual decline in cargo theft or a change in the cargo theft reporting structure.

Food and drinks, with 47 thefts, was the product type most often stolen in the rolling quarter. These thefts comprised just over a quarter of all incidents. Theft of electronics was the second most stolen product type, making up 12% of reported heists, followed by metals and pharmaceuticals at 10% each.

Texas experienced the most thefts, while Florida, the top spot-holder in the last rolling quarter, dropped to second place. The 29 incidents in Texas accounted for 16% of all incidents across the country. Florida had 27 thefts, accounting for 15% of the total, while California had 27, making it the third most popular state for cargo theft.

Ad Loading...

Unsecured parking, with 107 thefts, or 75% of them, was the location cargo thieves targeted most often when a location was recorded.

Following usual trends, incidents involving theft of trailer, 112 in all, were most common, accounting for 64% of all thefts. Thefts involving deceptive pickup dropped slightly to eight, comprising 5% of all thefts. FreightWatch notes the recent increase in “last-mile courier thefts” held nearly steady, dropping only from 10 thefts in the previous rolling quarter to nine, making up 5% of all thefts. 

More Safety & Compliance

Winter pileup accidents.
Disaster Responseby Jack RobertsApril 30, 2026

Avoiding Winter Pileups: Don’t Become the Next Link in the Crash-Chain

Winter roadway “pileups” aren’t one crash — they’re a chain reaction. Here’s what triggers them, how truck drivers can spot the danger early, and what to do if you're suddenly trapped in the mess.

Read More →
Mobile tablet showing Motus screen against highway background with Motus logo

FMCSA’s Motus System Is Coming. What Fleets Need to Know Now

The long-awaited registration system promises a single portal — and tighter fraud controls.

Read More →
Graphic with light bulbs, HDT Truck Fleet Innovators logo, and the word Nominations
Fleet ManagementApril 24, 2026

Nominations Open for HDT Truck Fleet Innovators 2026

Heavy Duty Trucking is searching for forward-looking leaders at trucking fleets as nominations for HDT’s Truck Fleet Innovators 2026. Deadline is May 15.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Detroit ABA6 safety system.

Freightliner Expands Detroit Assurance with New Intersection and Turning Safety Tech

Detroit’s next-generation ABA6 safety system adds cross-traffic detection and enhanced side guard assist with left-turn protection, targeting high-risk urban scenarios.

Read More →
Illustration with ATRI logo and square blocks spelling out "research"
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeApril 20, 2026

'Beyond Compliance,' Regulations, Driver Coaching on ATRI’s 2026 Research List

The American Transportation Research Institute will examine driver coaching, regulatory impacts — including the "Beyond Compliance" concept —and weather disruptions that shape trucking operations.

Read More →
Illustration of colorful map of United States with DataQs website screen superimposed

FMCSA Revamps DataQs to Improve Fairness, Speed of Reviews

New requirements add firm deadlines and independent review steps, addressing long-standing complaints about inconsistent rulings and slow response times.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Collage of Top 20 Product award ceremonies
EquipmentMarch 31, 2026

HDT Honors the Best New Products of 2025 at TMC [Photos]

Heavy Duty Trucking's Top 20 Products awards recognize the best new products and technologies. Check out the award presentations at the 2026 Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting.

Read More →
freightliner whitepaper
SponsoredMarch 31, 2026

Detroit Engines: Trusted Performance, Built for What's Next

The Detroit® Gen 6 engine platform proves that real progress doesn’t require a complete redesign. Built on 20 years of trusted technology, these engines are designed for efficiency, stronger performance, and greater reliability than before. And they do it all while complying with 2027 EPA standards on every mile.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Aperia HALO front steer axle.
Safety & Complianceby Jack RobertsMarch 18, 2026

Aperia Expands Halo Platform with Steer-Tire Inflation System, Fifth-Wheel Integration

Aperia Technologies introduced a new automatic tire inflation system for steer axles and a partnership with Fontaine Fifth Wheel to integrate coupling status into its Halo Connect platform.

Read More →