America’s Highways: The New Crime Scene for $35 Billion in Stolen Cargo

Cargo theft is one of the most significant threats to the trucking industry, costing businesses billions annually. Criminals are getting smarter, and traditional security measures are failing to keep up. The real question is: why aren’t more companies taking aggressive action? Cargo theft is not just an inconvenience—it’s a systemic issue fueled by weak oversight, fraudulent actors, and organized crime. If you’re in the trucking business and you’re not actively protecting your freight, you might be the next victim. Let’s break down the numbers, the methods criminals use, and how technology and accountability platforms like CargoCredible can help turn the tide.

What is Cargo Theft?

Cargo theft occurs when criminals steal goods that are being transported by trucks. These thefts can happen in multiple ways:

Hijacking – Thieves steal the entire truck along with its cargo.

Unsecured Loads – Criminals take advantage of unattended trucks.

Fraudulent Loads – Scammers pose as legitimate carriers or brokers to steal freight.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Cargo Theft is Rising

According to data compiled by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), cargo theft is happening at an alarming rate. Here’s what the numbers tell us:

In 2017, there were 8,676 cargo vehicle thefts, averaging 24 thefts per day.

The majority of these thefts happen on weekdays, especially Mondays and Fridays, which accounted for 6,752 thefts.

Saturdays and Sundays saw 1,924 thefts, proving that weekends aren’t as safe as many assume.

An estimated $15–$35 billion has been lost due to cargo theft over the years.

The Top 10 States for Cargo Theft

Cargo theft is widespread, but some states are hit harder than others. Here’s where cargo thieves strike the most:

Reported Cases

1.  California (1,770) 

2.  Texas (1,255)

3.  Florida (921)

4.  Illinois (712)

5.  New Jersey (468)

6.  Georgia (438)

7.  Alabama (214)

8.  North Carolina (204)

9.  Indiana (192)

10. Missouri (181)

Why is Cargo Theft So Prevalent?

Cargo theft is growing because it is low-risk and high-reward for criminals. Many law enforcement agencies lack dedicated cargo theft task forces, leaving businesses to fend for themselves. Inconsistent vetting processes and blind trust in brokers and carriers create the perfect storm for fraud. With organized crime syndicates exploiting weaknesses in the system, the trucking industry needs better transparency and stronger security protocols.

How Are Agencies Fighting Back?

Several agencies are working to curb cargo theft:

FBI – Investigates organized cargo theft rings.

National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) – Tracks and reports cargo theft cases.

State & Local Law Enforcement – Some states have specialized cargo theft units.

Private Security & Technology Firms – Developing better tracking and security solutions.

Despite these efforts, theft continues to rise. Clearly, traditional methods aren’t enough.

CargoCredible: The Industry’s Watchdog

CargoCredible is an essential tool that allows users to research carriers and brokers and check their reviews before dealing with them. That’s why it’s critical to leave reviews on all bad actors—to help others avoid falling into the same traps.

The platform enables users to report carriers or brokers with suspicious behavior so that others can be aware. If someone encounters fraudulent activity, they should also take action by reporting it to the relevant authorities themselves.

Upcoming features will offer real-time shipment tracking, alerting users to potential threats before theft occurs.

How You Can Protect Your Cargo

Secure Your Loads – Always lock trailers and use high-security seals.

Use GPS Tracking – Real-time monitoring can help track stolen goods.

Verify Every Carrier & Broker – Research companies and read reviews before working with them.

Leverage Platforms like CargoCredible – Stay informed about bad actors and only work with trusted partners.

Be Cautious in High-Risk Areas – Avoid stopping in theft-prone locations when possible.

The Fight Against Cargo Theft Requires Industry-Wide Action

Cargo theft is not just an unfortunate part of the trucking business—it’s a major problem that demands immediate action. If the industry continues to ignore this crisis, criminals will only get bolder. But with better technology, greater transparency, and industry-wide accountability, we can fight back. CargoCredible is leading the charge, offering tools that allow companies to research who they work with, track shipments in real time, and share crucial information about fraudulent carriers and brokers.

The trucking industry doesn’t have to be a playground for criminals. It’s time to take control and protect our cargo before the next billion-dollar loss occurs.

By working together, we can make cargo theft a thing of the past. Let’s take a stand—before it’s too late.