Increase in cargo thefts expected over Thanksgiving weekend

Commercial vehicle drivers are being asked to be on high alert this week and not leave their loads unattended.

CargoNet is warning truck drivers that the threat of theft is “extremely high”. Incidents of theft increased by 113% between October 1 and November 11, 2023.

CargoNet says the problem is growing. 35% of thefts during this period were carried out by deception, fictitious acceptance of cargo or fraud with personal data.

CargoNet has recorded 433 new theft incidents since October 2023, a 101% increase on last year.

Thefts are especially common in the following areas:

• Dallas-Fort Worth, especially along the South Freeway near the intersection of I-20 and I-35W in Fort Worth.
• Atlanta Metropolitan Area, especially near Tucker and Stone Mountain, and near South Fulton, Fairburn and Palmetto.
• Florida in major freight hubs such as Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Miami.
• Southern California, especially in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Organized crime groups seek to obtain offers to transport cargo in the following ways:

• Directly impersonate a legitimate motor carrier.
•  Use an activity permit that they have registered or have access to.
• Mislead the carrier into providing him with credentials for important invoices.

Victims of criminals believed that they were cooperating with legitimate representatives of motor carriers, since the criminals communicated through official accounts.