Billions Lost to Cargo Theft
Cargo theft is costing the U.S. trucking and logistics industry $18 million every single day, adding up to $6.6 billion in annual losses, according to a new report from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI).
The study, The Fight Against Cargo Theft: Insights from the Trucking Industry, highlights just how widespread this issue has become — with 74% of stolen goods never recovered. It’s no longer an occasional risk, but a growing cost that carriers and consumers are forced to absorb.
“Cargo theft has become a normal part of doing business,” said Ben Banks, president of TCW Inc. “Consumers are the ones ultimately paying for it.”
How Thieves Are Getting Smarter
ATRI’s report warns that cargo crime is no longer just about stealing trucks or trailers. Modern thieves are now using technology and fake digital identities to trick carriers and brokers.
Because freight can be booked from anywhere in the world, cybercriminals use fraudulent load postings, fake carrier profiles, and hacked databases to access shipment details. Once they have that information, they can divert or steal loads before anyone realizes what’s happening.
The same systems that make freight shipping faster and more efficient are also creating new opportunities for digital theft — and it’s costing the industry billions.
Where and What Thieves Are Targeting
The report found that theft is most common near major freight hubs, where there’s constant truck movement and limited law enforcement resources.
The top states for cargo theft include:
- California
- Texas
- Illinois
- Tennessee
Major metro areas like Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, and New York see the highest rates of stolen loads. Cities including Chicago, Houston, Miami, and Memphis have also seen spikes recently.
The most frequently stolen items are food and beverages, which are easy to resell and difficult to trace once stolen.
For motor carriers, about 24% of thefts happen at their own terminals. For logistics providers, more than half (51%) occur at customer pickup sites, often through strategic thefts such as fake pickups or double-brokering scams.
How the Industry Can Respond
ATRI recommends several steps to help reduce theft:
- Tighten terminal security and limit access to trusted staff.
- Invest in real-time monitoring systems for trucks, trailers, and yards.
- Strengthen partnerships with law enforcement to improve response and data sharing.
- Push for stronger state laws that give carriers more tools to fight theft.
ATRI’s researchers believe coordinated efforts between carriers, brokers, insurers, and regulators are needed to reduce cargo crime and protect the nation’s supply chain.
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