Rise in cargo thefts is expected in the near future

CargoNet has published data on cargo thefts from December 23 to January 2 for the last five seasons to help transportation companies avoid unpleasant situations.

The number of thefts has increased during the holiday season in the past five years.

However, this year, there has been a particularly sharp increase in theft activity in the supply chain. Complaints of theft and fraud reported to CargoNet from August 1 to December 14 increased by 27% compared to the previous year.

According to the company, the number of complaints filed from December 1 to December 14 increased by 40% compared to the previous year. Over the past five years, it has been noted that the number of thefts from December 23 to January 2 has progressively increased each year. The highest number of thefts occurred in Texas and California, Georgia, Florida, and Illinois.

The most common targets are unattended vehicles and cargo parked on large commercial parking lots and truck stops. Electronics such as TVs and computers are a favored target for cargo thieves.

CargoNet also predicts that the cost and scarcity of some food and beverage products, such as meat and seafood, may make them attractive to thefts during this holiday season. Other attractive items include tire shipments, motor oil, and large household appliances.

A common theft scheme is for thieves to pose as legitimate truck drivers to brokers and participate in auctions for the transportation of items such as solar panels, cryptocurrency mining equipment, motor oil, tires, household appliances, and much more.

If their application is accepted, the thieves will misdirect the cargo and sell it on the black market or keep it for themselves. To avoid becoming a victim of cargo theft, it is recommended that transportation companies carefully verify the identity of drivers and carefully monitor their cargo at all times.