Cargo Thefts Decline While Values of Stolen Loads Increase
A new report from logistics security services provider FreightWatch International shows while the number of cargo thefts in the United States fell in the most recent three-month period, the value of the average loss moved higher.

A new report from logistics security services provider FreightWatch International shows while the number of cargo thefts in the United States fell in the most recent three-month period, the value of the average loss moved higher.
FreightWatch recorded 185 total thefts in March through May, with 79 thefts in March, 44 in April and 62 in May. The average loss value per incident during this period was $156,408. Compared with the previous quarter, thefts fell by 16%, but the average loss value increased by 9%.

FreightWatch says it is unclear whether the drop in cargo theft levels is an actual decline in cargo theft or a delay in cargo theft reporting.
Food and drink, with 50 thefts, was the product type most often stolen in this rolling quarter. These thefts comprised 27% of all incidents. Products targeted in this category included various meats, seafood, drinks and prepared foods.
The pharmaceutical industry experienced 21 thefts, 11% of the total and the second-highest category, mainly consisting of prescription drugs, vitamin supplements and varied medical supplies.
There were 19 thefts, 10% of all thefts, in the electronics industry, including televisions, computers and computer accessories.
California remained the state with the most thefts, while Texas replaced Florida as the state with second highest number of incidents. The 49 thefts in California accounted for 26% of all incidents across the U.S. Texas had 25 thefts, or 14% of the total, while Florida had 21, accounting for 11%.
Three out of four thefts happened in areas with unsecured parking, the most common spot targeted by cargo thieves.
Incidents involving theft of trailer, 126 in all, were most common in the rolling quarter, accounting for 68% of all thefts.
More Drivers

Netradyne Intelligence Uses New AI Agents to Automate Response to In-Cab Camera Data
The company called the next-generation in-cab camera safety platform "a fundamental shift from systems that report on what happened to systems that actively drive what should happen next."
Read More →
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 →
Prime Inc. to Open $7.9M Flagship Used-Truck Dealership
A new driver-focused facility to sell Prime Inc's used trucks and trailers will be the first purpose-built location in the company's history.
Read More →Short Takes: Inside K&B’s Truck Safety Tech
Listen to learn how K&B Transportation uses cellphone-blocking technology, speed management systems, weather geofencing, bridge avoidance tools, and more to improve driver safety.
Read More →
Nussbaum Expands Driver Compensation with Pay Raises, Profit Sharing
Nussbaum Transportation said its latest compensation package could push first-year driver earnings above $90,000 in key hiring markets.
Read More →Listen: Inside Modern Fleet Safety: AI, Cameras & Speed Control at K&B Transportation
Fleet safety is evolving fast—and technology is at the center of it. Learn how a former commercial vehicle enforcement officer turned director of safety at K&B Transportation is embracing real-world safety technology.
Read More →
Maverick Announces 2026 Driver Pay Raises
New raises for Maverick Transportation drivers will take effect on May 31, 2026.
Read More →
Illinois Trucker Indicted for Nearly $22,000 in Ohio Turnpike Toll Evasion
Authorities say an Illinois trucker avoided paying tolls for two years, and now faces felony charges, possible prison time, and forfeiture of his Freightliner tractor.
Read More →
New Trojan Driver Cargo Theft Scam Bypasses Carrier Vetting Systems
Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.
Read More →
WIM, Trucker Path Name Top 3 Women-Friendly Truck Stops
ATA’s Women In Motion Council and Trucker Path highlight three truck stops that meet all seven safety-focused criteria and rank highest among female drivers.
Read More →
