Plus: A historic rail merger is officially on the books, a deadly Charlotte crash reignites underride guard concerns, South Korea angles to sidestep U.S. tariffs with a shipbuilding deal, and more in today's newsletter.
Union Pacificās $85 billion Norfolk Southern merger and Hub Groupās $51.8 million Marten Intermodal deal signal major shifts in U.S. freight, raising questions on competition, costs, and capacity.
According to a new report from the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), the logistics industry is facing a massive surge in fraud that is costing companies millions.
In the report, TIA describes an industry "under siege" by increasingly sophisticated fraudsters, urging companies to evolve their defenses. The 12-page report compiles responses from nearly 200 industry professionals between February and August 2024.
Key Stats
600% increase in cargo theft between November 2022 and March 2023
Fraud costs per load exceed $40,000
Average company losses due to fraud top $402,000
Top targeted states: California, Texas, Illinois, Florida, and Georgia
Most Common Fraud Types
Cargo theft is the most prevalent and costly, with electronics, solar panels, and household goods being the top targets.
Financial fraud includes unlawful brokerage and fraudulent invoicing, with 43% of respondents listing unlawful brokerage as their top concern.
Identity theft continues to grow, as criminals impersonate legitimate carriers to commit fraud.
The average company surveyed lost over $400,000 to fraud, with some facing losses exceeding $1 million. One respondent, Rob Hoffman of Dedicated Carriers, shared how a load of $50,000 worth of goods was held ransom by criminals demanding $40,000. (TIA Fraud Report Page 4)
Fraud prevention remains a huge time drain, with 19% of companies spending an entire day each quarter on prevention alone. Despite efforts, fraud continues to evolve, requiring constant vigilance.
If you would like to read TIA's latest report, you can do so here.
Hello! I'm Jerome FreightCaviar! Iām into the politics of freight and the impact it will have worldwide. I'm always eager to learn more. Follow me on X @JeromeFreightC
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