Cargo Theft on the Rise, ATRI Study Finds

ATRI Report Reveals Rising Cargo Theft Threats and Evolving Tactics in U.S. Trucking

Cargo Theft Trends Show Shift from Physical Theft to Digital Fraud

A new ATRI report finds that cargo theft is increasing across the United States. The October 2025 study, “The Fight Against Cargo Theft: Insights from the Trucking Industry,” says thieves are now using more complex methods. Traditional thefts, like stealing trailers or entire loads, are still happening. But a major shift is underway.

More criminals are using digital tools and fraud to steal freight without breaking locks. These schemes include fake pickups, double brokering, and identity scams. According to the report, strategic theft—also known as theft by fraud—rose from 2% of all incidents in 2018 to 25% in 2023. These crimes are harder to detect and may take weeks to uncover. They also cause serious financial damage to carriers, brokers, and shippers.

Where Cargo Theft Happens Most

The ATRI report shows that thefts are most common near major freight hubs. California leads the nation with 41% of all reported thefts. Texas, Illinois, Georgia, and Florida follow close behind.

Busy regions with heavy freight traffic often become targets. These areas also face limited law enforcement resources. That combination makes theft easier to commit and harder to stop.

The study found that pilferage—stealing part of a load—is the top issue for motor carriers. It often happens at carrier terminals or rest areas. For logistics service providers (LSPs), the main threat is strategic theft at customer pickup locations.

What Thieves Are Stealing

Thieves look for items that are easy to sell and hard to trace. The most common targets are food, beverages, electronics, and auto parts. Other popular targets include household goods and cleaning products. These are easy to move and difficult to trace.

Rising Costs of Cargo Theft

Cargo theft has a growing financial impact on the trucking industry. CargoNet recorded 2,852 theft incidents in 2023, with total losses of $332 million. Each event costs an average of $116,397.

The financial pain extends beyond stolen goods. Carriers face delays, insurance premium increases, and damaged customer trust. Drivers may lose income or face safety risks after an incident. Even one theft can disrupt entire supply chains. A missing load can delay manufacturing or product delivery, causing more losses down the line.

How Companies Can Prevent Cargo Theft

The ATRI report outlines several ways to reduce risk. Security should begin at terminals and warehouses. Carriers can follow Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) standards for facility and truck safety.

Recommended steps include:

• Securing facility perimeters and entry points
• Using surveillance cameras and access controls
• Training employees and screening new hires
• Installing GPS tracking and geofencing
• Using tamper-proof seals on trailers
• Conducting driver security training

For digital threats, ATRI urges companies to stay alert for fraud. Criminals use phishing, fake load boards, and spoofed emails to trick carriers. Carriers should avoid clicking on unknown links and verify all business partners.

State and Federal Actions

Because cargo theft often crosses state lines, cooperation between agencies is essential.

Several states have taken action:

• California and Texas increased penalties for theft and formed dedicated task forces.
• Georgia, Florida, and Alabama made cargo theft a specific felony with higher sentences.

At the federal level, lawmakers have proposed the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA). It would create a new Homeland Security center to coordinate responses between federal and state agencies. These measures aim to make it harder for organized crime groups to profit from stolen freight.

Insurance Costs Keep Rising

Insurance rates for trucking companies have been increasing for years. Per-mile insurance costs have nearly doubled since 2008. Insurers now demand stronger safety practices before covering high-value loads.

Carriers may need to show proof of:

• Secure routes and facilities
• Vetted drivers and partners
• Electronic tracking systems

Some fleets choose not to file smaller claims. They do this to avoid premium hikes or coverage limits in the future.

The Road Ahead

The ATRI report concludes that cargo theft is a moving target. As supply chains become more connected and digital, thieves adapt quickly.

To protect freight, carriers and brokers must:

• Invest in modern security tools
• Build strong partnerships with law enforcement
• Train employees to recognize red flags
• Share data and incident reports across the industry

Ongoing awareness and collaboration are key to reducing theft and keeping drivers safe.

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