April 30, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com — Cargo Theft Surges in North America, with California, Texas, and Florida accounting for more than half of all incidents in 2024, according to a newly released report by GearTrack and Verisk’s CargoNet. These states alone made up 54% of all reported thefts, as organized crime groups target key logistics corridors and multimodal hubs.
Multimodal Hubs and Ports Under Threat
The report highlights ongoing risks around California and Texas freight corridors, as well as near Chicago’s intermodal facilities. Additionally, Florida ports are seeing a concerning uptick in activity, underscoring the broader vulnerability of high-traffic freight routes.
Thieves are increasingly drawn to high-volume shipping points where goods are temporarily staged, loaded, or in transit. As a result, companies moving freight through these areas face growing exposure to losses.
High-Value Goods Are Top Targets
While nearly all types of cargo face risk, several categories have emerged as especially attractive to criminals:
- Food and beverages: +115% month-over-month
- Household goods: +76%
- Vehicles and accessories: +36%
These categories are favored not only for their market value but also due to their ease of redistribution and resale.
Organized Crime Adopts Sophisticated Tactics
Cargo Theft Surges: The report also emphasizes how organized theft groups are deploying more advanced schemes to avoid detection and maximize returns. Strategies now include:
- Non-delivery fraud (faking carrier contracts)
- Freight train shadowing along delivery routes
- Forged pick-up documents to hijack legitimate shipments
This evolving threat landscape highlights the need for real-time intelligence and enhanced verification processes.
Industry Collaboration Offers New Tools for Prevention
In response, GearTrack and CargoNet have partnered to provide 24/7 cargo recovery support and access to Verisk’s theft and fraud analytics tools. The collaboration will also launch the GearTrack Cargo Security Index, a monthly digest powered by CargoNet’s data to track national and regional theft patterns.
“Through this partnership, customers will gain timely risk alerts and actionable insights,” the report notes, adding that real-time data can help logistics providers respond faster and adapt to new threat vectors.
Protect your shipments and stay ahead of cargo thieves — visit CargoNet for expert prevention and recovery resources.
FAQs: About Cargo Theft Trends
What states saw the highest cargo theft in 2024?
California, Texas, and Florida led the nation in cargo theft incidents in 2024, accounting for more than half of all reported cases.
Which goods are most targeted in cargo theft cases?
Food and beverages, household goods, and vehicles or accessories are among the most frequently stolen items in cargo theft operations.
How can businesses protect against cargo theft?
Companies can reduce cargo theft risks by using real-time tracking, verifying pick-up documents, and collaborating with industry security networks.
Stay informed on cargo security, fraud trends, and insurance insights. Visit JacobiJournal.com for weekly updates and expert analysis.