April 22, 2025 Cargo Theft Is Surging—Here’s How to Fight Back

As cargo theft hits record highs, shippers, carriers and brokerages must take action. Learn strategies to protect your freight now.

By Scott Sandager, Chief Administrative Officer at Arrive Logistics

Cargo theft hit record highs in 2024. Verisk CargoNet reported 3,625 incidents, a 27% year-over-year increase, and the average value per theft also climbed from $187,895 in 2023 to $202,364 in 2024. Though these are concerning numbers by any standard, they likely fall far short of capturing the true toll, given the vast number of incidents that go unreported each year.

What’s more, all signs point to things getting worse before they get better. With most experts predicting escalating theft in 2025, it’s clear that the supply chain and transportation industries are facing a full-scale crisis—one that’s left shippers, carriers and brokerages alike searching for solutions.

While the data paints a grim picture, the fight is far from over. From businesses strengthening internal security measures to third-party service providers bringing innovative solutions to market, the entire industry is rising to the challenge. I want to share some theft prevention and mitigation strategies your business can use to stay ahead—but first, it’s critical to understand how we got here and why this wave of theft is unlike anything we’ve seen before.

What Sparked the Surge?

Behind the persistent rise in incidents is a dramatic shift in the scale and sophistication of cargo theft. Until relatively recently, most crimes were committed by small, U.S.-based groups who knew each other well and used fairly simple tactics—targeting unattended vehicles at truck stops or in parking lots and then selling the stolen goods locally at flea markets, small stores or through online channels.

Today, criminal networks are significantly more complex. Individuals and small groups have been replaced by global cargo theft rings operating with the speed and precision of elite businesses—complete with call centers, supply chains and dedicated online storefronts. Operating internationally also allows these groups to serve larger markets, motivating them to steal more freight to meet demand. 

Modern criminals also employ an ever-evolving number of more advanced tactics. From pilfering pallets and hijacking full truckloads to hacking load boards, launching phishing scams and carrying out full-scale cyberattacks, they can now target virtually every link in the supply chain, making prevention more challenging than ever.

And they’re not just after high-value goods anymore. Everything from copper and computers to eggs, produce and personal care products is fair game. It’s a scattershot approach—targeting volume over value by exploiting entire supply chain networks efficiently and precisely. Simply put: No commodity is immune, and no company is too small to be affected.

The True Cost of Cargo Theft

Theft doesn’t occur in a vacuum. A stolen load worth $200k is painful for any business, but the ripple effects are what really sting. Each incident can cause delays due to investigations, inventory disruptions and increased insurance premiums. 

In some cases, businesses may also be forced to raise prices to recover losses, further straining margins and pushing customers to seek alternatives. Plus, losing a load doesn’t just mean losing product—it risks damaging long-standing relationships with vendors and customers who depend on timely, intact deliveries. 

Cargo theft also puts significant pressure on internal teams, who must spend time chasing lost loads or managing understandably frustrated customers, which can become a company-wide burden that affects performance and morale.

Theft Prevention and Mitigation Strategies

While theft is growing more complex, so are the tools and strategies to combat it. From my perspective, the businesses leading the way are those treating security as a daily discipline—not a one-off initiative. Investing in strengthening your defenses can seem daunting, but if you start small, implement thoughtfully and focus on consistent execution, it becomes much more manageable and impactful.

Here are a few best practices used by Arrive, along with many of our shippers and carriers:

• Vet and continuously verify your partners: Choose providers who are upfront about how they handle risk. Understand their process for dealing with stolen shipments, and make sure transparency is built into your relationship. Ask the hard questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away from partnerships that don’t meet your standards.
• Triple-check the details: Implementing simple verification protocols for every load can help stop problems before they start. Cross-reference drivers, verify addresses, communicate regularly with carriers and build in checks that catch inconsistencies before, during and after freight is on the move.
• Invest in technology and team training: Real-time tracking tools, regular system audits and basic cybersecurity hygiene go a long way. So does empowering your people to speak up when something feels off. Training teams to spot red flags—like unexpected reroutes or sudden changes in contact details—can make a big difference in catching threats early.
• Stay alert, even when it’s quiet: Criminals don’t take time off. A lull in theft doesn’t mean the threat is gone—it usually means someone’s watching and waiting. Stay informed about the latest hot spots and targeted items, and always be vigilant in your prevention and mitigation practices.
• Know your insurance inside and out: Don’t wait until something goes wrong to find out you’re underinsured. Make sure your carrier network’s coverage is clear, current and truly protects you.
• Share what you see: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), along with platforms like CargoNet, Overhaul and TIA Watchdog exist for a reason. The more we share our experiences, the stronger our collective defense will become.
• Build a culture of accountability: Prevention isn’t just about processes—it’s about helping your organization establish a proactive culture around cargo theft. When every department understands its role, the entire operation becomes stronger and more resilient.

The Time is Now

One thing is clear: Strategic cargo theft isn’t going anywhere. The latest surge isn’t a blip; it’s the new normal. That’s why companies willing to invest in fortifying their defenses today will be positioned to navigate whatever challenges lie ahead. 

Whether you start with small actions like auditing your internal processes and external partnerships or you’re ready to invest significant resources in advanced tools and training that can empower your team, just start somewhere. Progress is the goal, not perfection. 

Don’t wait for the next alarming headline—act now.

About the Author:
Scott Sandager is the Chief Administrative Officer at Arrive Logistics, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on revenue and margin growth. With more than a decade of logistics and freight brokerage experience, he has built and scaled systems around project and change management, organizational design, talent development and customer success.

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