Cargo crime in the U.S. is not only increasing but also shifting to new regions as thieves adapt to changing supply chain patterns, according to a report by supply chain security firm Overhaul.

Overhaul predicts cargo theft will continue rising at double-digit rates in 2025, though at a slower pace than in 2024. Criminals are now targeting freight deeper within the supply chain, extending their reach beyond coastal hubs and into inland markets.

In 2025, cargo theft events in the United States are expected to rise from 2,217 to 2,705, a 22 percent increase, Overhaul stated in its annual report, released Friday.

This follows a 49 percent year-over-year increase in cargo theft volume in 2024, based on data from law enforcement and other sources.

While California remains the top state for cargo theft, accounting for 32 percent of total incidents, its share dropped by 9 percentage points from 2023. Meanwhile, other states have seen a surge in thefts:

  • Pennsylvania saw its share of reported cargo theft jump from 1 percent in 2023 to 8 percent in 2024.
  • Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia also experienced increased freight crime, with their shares rising by 7, 3, and 1 percentage points, respectively.

Cargo theft is spreading to other states but remains a major risk in metropolitan areas that frequently experience these crimes, Overhaul warned.

Data suggests criminals are becoming more adept at tracking freight movements, identifying weak points in supply chains, and striking shipments when they are most vulnerable.

Cargo crime is notoriously underreported, making accurate measurement difficult. However, Overhaul’s findings align with other sources tracking supply chain security.

Verisk CargoNet, a division of Verisk, reported a 27 percent increase in cargo theft across the U.S. and Canada in 2024, with thefts in California and Texas rising by 33 percent and 39 percent, respectively.

Dallas County, Texas, saw a staggering 78 percent spike in cargo thefts year over year, signaling a growing and more sophisticated criminal threat, according to CargoNet.

Fraudulent or deceptive pickups—where criminals pose as legitimate carriers to steal shipments—accounted for 8 percent of total cargo theft in 2024. However, the number of reported deceptive pickups surged by 57 percent last year.

Other theft trends include:

  • Pilferage (partial load theft) increased 38 percent.
  • Full truckload thefts rose 4 percent.
  • Rail yard thefts are expected to increase 26 percent in 2025.

Train robbery is making a comeback, with criminals increasingly targeting rail shipments. BNSF Railway was hit with several major thefts in 2024, including the theft of 2 million dollars worth of Nike sneakers, according to the Los Angeles Times.

As cargo crime becomes more sophisticated and widespread, supply chain stakeholders will need to implement stronger security measures to mitigate risks.

Source: www.joc.com