2023 Winter Holiday Season Cargo Theft Trends

Supply chain theft remains at high levels, particularly during the holiday season. CargoNet reports a consistent increase in theft incidents over recent years.

Theft Statistics

• 205 incidents reported during the holiday season over the past five years.
• Average theft value: $121,473.
• $31 million in stolen shipments in Q3 alone.

High-Theft States

• Texas and California lead with 18% of incidents each.
• Florida's incidents tripled from 2021 to 2022.
• Pennsylvania and other states also saw increases.

Targeted Commodities

• Household items like appliances and furniture are most targeted.
• Electronics follow closely, reflecting consumer demand.

Theft Locations

• Thefts mainly occur in retail parking lots and truck stops.
• Fictitious pickups are a rising form of theft.
• Warehouses and distribution centers are also common targets.

Current Trends

• Over 600 strategic cargo thefts recorded since November 2022.
• California sees the most thefts.
• Wide range of commodities now targeted, including footwear and ATVs.

Noteworthy Thefts

• Significant thefts include tequila, footwear, and laptops worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Security Tips

• Freight brokers should be vigilant, especially with end-of-day transactions.
• Warehouse security includes thorough checks of facilities and equipment.
• In-transit cargo security advises accurate vehicle information and proper sealing.

CargoNet's Instruction

• Report suspicious activity to law enforcement first, then to CargoNet.
• Elevated levels of theft expected to continue through the holiday season.

Source: TruckingInfo