Cargo theft is moving beyond the physical yard and into the digital systems that control freight, according to a report by Verisk CargoNet.
Criminals can compromise carrier logins, email accounts, business phone systems and compliance platforms, then use trusted identities to change delivery instructions, the report found. That can allow them to redirect legitimate loads after a trucking company has already taken possession, bypassing safeguards focused on verifying carriers before pickup.
CargoNet recorded 273 cargo theft incidents across the US during seven-day Labor Day periods from 2021 through 2025. The incidents involved an estimated $31.8 million in goods. Annual cases rose from 33 in 2021 to 56 in 2025, a 70% increase.
California (70), Texas (38) and Illinois (22) accounted for 130 incidents, or 48% of the five-year total. Food and beverage shipments were the most targeted, followed by household goods, electronics, vehicles and accessories. These products can be quickly resold through illicit channels, CargoNet said.
