Cargo Thieves Score Bigger Hauls With Less Effort
Estimated cargo theft losses reached $230.1 million in the third quarter of 2026, even as the number of reported incidents fell sharply, according to Verisk CargoNet. The data indicates that thieves are increasingly targeting fewer shipments with substantially higher values.
Fewer incidents, higher losses
Verisk CargoNet recorded 547 supply chain crime incidents across the United States and Canada from July through September 2026. That represents a 33% decline from the third quarter of 2025 and a 19% decrease from the second quarter of 2026.
Despite the drop in incidents, estimated losses increased 39% year over year. The average loss per incident also rose by 72%, reflecting a shift toward high-value cargo rather than a larger volume of lower-value thefts.
High-value shipments remain a target
CargoNet’s quarterly analysis found that criminals continued to focus on valuable shipments, including data center materials and high-end technology products. The report said theft groups are combining digital deception with traditional cargo theft tactics to identify, intercept and redirect shipments.
As the value of targeted cargo rises, the analysis emphasized the importance of identity verification, shipment visibility and communication among shippers, carriers and other supply chain partners.
Industry impact
The results underscore the changing nature of cargo crime across North America. While the overall number of reported incidents declined, the financial impact grew because thieves were able to capture a smaller number of more valuable loads.
CargoNet’s findings provide a quarterly view of reported supply chain crime across the United States and Canada and highlight the continued exposure faced by carriers, brokers, shippers and logistics providers handling high-value freight.
