CargoNet’s latest numbers paint the picture: freight theft went up 27% in 2024 compared to 2023. The average load stolen was worth more than $200,000. Since 2021, strategic theft, where scammers pose as legitimate carriers or brokers to get access to freight, has jumped a staggering 1,500%.

Some of the biggest fraud tactics happening right now include:
• Identity theft: Scammers pretending to be known carriers or brokers
• Double brokering: Loads handed off illegally without the shipper knowing
• Phishing and smishing: Fake emails and texts to steal credentials
• Data spoofing: Faking driver info, location tracking, or safety scores with VOIP phone numbers and bogus accounts
• False documentation: Altered insurance and equipment paperwork

The problem is made worse by tight schedules, pressure to move freight quickly, and scattered vetting systems. By the time a missing load is noticed, it is often too late. The American Trucking Associations estimates freight crime is costing the industry up to $35 billion every year, while also driving up insurance rates and consumer prices.

FMCSA Steps In With New Anti-Fraud Measures

With scams growing in number and complexity, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has rolled out some of its strongest measures to date. In April 2025, the agency began updating the Unified Registration System (URS) to better verify who is actually applying for authority.

As part of the switch to the new MOTUS registration platform, FMCSA now requires new commercial driver applicants to:
• Match their ID with a facial scan
• List a real, physical business address (no PO boxes or store-based mailboxes)

Existing carriers will be added in the next phase. These steps bring a new level of traceability to the USDOT application process and make it harder for fraudsters to hide behind fake credentials.

What Fleets and Drivers Can Do to Protect Their Loads

FMCSA enforcement alone is not enough. Carriers, dispatchers, brokers, and drivers all play a role. Here are practical ways transportation teams can push back against fraud:

• Strengthen onboarding checks: Use tools that match FMCSA data with VIN verification, insurance proof, geo tracking history, and identity validation before a truck ever gets the load.
  • Score carriers for risk before tendering a load: Assign fraud or performance scores to carriers so high-risk operators are flagged before booking.
  • Train teams to spot red flags: Dispatchers and reps should be on alert for things like sudden profile edits, mismatched identities, or VOIP phone numbers tied to multiple driver accounts.
  • Use automation for alerts and response: Trigger real-time warnings for route changes, long tracking gaps, or sudden shifts in contact info.
  • Work with FMCSA reporting tools: Verify credentials and report scams through updated FMCSA portals. The more data shared, the harder it is for scammers to operate.

Stopping Theft Takes Teamwork

FMCSA’s push for multi-factor authentication, improved registration systems, and better verification is a big step toward cleaning up the system. But cybersecurity and fraud prevention do not stop there.

Shippers, brokers, and carriers must stay aligned. That means:

• Verifying brokers and loads before pickup
  • Using GPS tracking in real time
  • Training drivers to walk away from suspicious instructions or fake pickup attempts
  • Choosing partners who take cybersecurity seriously

With stronger systems and better collaboration, the industry can reduce theft, protect profit margins, and keep freight moving safely.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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Cargo Theft Losses Continue to Climb

The numbers paint a troubling picture. According to CargoNet, a New Jersey-based logistics security firm, theft-related losses jumped 13% in the second quarter of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. In just three months, the losses were valued at more than $61 million.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau has also raised concerns. The group is projecting a 22% year-over-year rise in losses this year, fueled in part by increasingly sophisticated theft methods and cyber-enabled attacks targeting the supply chain.

DOT Seeks Feedback from the Industry

To address the problem, the DOT issued a request for information on September 19. The department is inviting feedback from truckers, carriers, law enforcement, federal partners, and others who play a role in protecting freight.

“These crimes involve opportunistic ‘straight thefts’ of trailers, containers, and loads at truck stops or multimodal distribution hubs and highly coordinated operations conducted by organized criminal networks,” the DOT explained. “Both categories create significant economic losses, disrupt supply chains, and in some cases fund broader illicit activities such as narcotics trafficking, counterfeiting, and human smuggling.”

The department is asking for insight on:

• Which commodities are most at risk?
• The types of theft scenarios drivers and carriers are seeing most often.
• The technologies and practices already being used to reduce exposure.

Possible Steps Forward

Officials say the responses will help shape next steps. The DOT noted that public input could guide efforts to:

• Work with law enforcement to close regulatory gaps that allow unsafe carriers to re-enter under new names.
• Strengthen how cargo theft risks are assessed by using shared data from federal, state, and industry partners.
• Expand coordination with Homeland Security, FBI, Customs and Border Protection, and local agencies.
• Build new initiatives with industry stakeholders to reduce losses and improve supply chain security.

How to Get Involved

The public comment period is open for 30 days. Drivers, carriers, and other stakeholders can submit feedback online at Regulations.gov by referencing Docket No. DOT–OST–2025–1326. All comments must be submitted by October 20, 2025.

Source: Land Line Media

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That’s the idea behind a new initiative from TCA. For a limited time, newly established motor carriers and private fleets can receive 75% off their first year of membership dues.

Why now

TCA explains that this opportunity is possible because the association is in a strong financial position, supported by sound leadership and the continued investment of long-term members. That stability has made it possible to launch a strategic program designed to expand membership, strengthen advocacy, and build a stronger future for the entire industry.

The association notes that this discount comes at a time when trucking is facing some of its toughest challenges — including lawsuit abuse, cargo theft, predatory regulation, and workforce shortages. Problems of this scale, TCA emphasizes, cannot be solved in isolation.

A collective lift

TCA believes that bringing more quality carriers into the fold benefits everyone. With additional members engaged, advocacy efforts grow stronger, benchmarking becomes sharper, and overall industry standards rise.

Importantly, the organization stresses that this initiative isn’t about chasing numbers. It’s about connecting with the carriers who are committed to doing things the right way but may not have had the opportunity to fully engage before.

What members gain

Carriers who take advantage of this initiative will have full access to TCA’s benefits right from the start, including:

• Industry-leading education and professional development
• Profitability benchmarking and peer groups through TPP
• Advocacy on Capitol Hill and with federal regulators
• Networking opportunities that build lasting business relationships
• Recognition programs that highlight safety, innovation, and driver excellence

This is not a limited or trial membership. It’s a full introduction to the TCA experience, built to bring more engaged carriers into the community and strengthen the truckload sector as a whole.

A call to action for current members

TCA stresses that this effort will only be as impactful as the momentum behind it. Members who have already benefited from TCA’s programs, training, and advocacy are encouraged to help spread the word. That could mean referring a carrier, mentoring a new member, or sharing the opportunity within their networks.

The association sees this as a rare opportunity to grow not only in size but in strength and substance. By welcoming more of the right carriers, the trucking community can continue raising standards and building a more unified industry voice.

Those interested in learning more can reach out to Erica Bledsoe, TCA’s Membership Engagement Manager, at 571-444-0314 or ebledsoe@truckload.org, or visit truckload.org.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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Austin, Texas-based supply chain risk management company Overhaul warns that the period between Monday, Dec. 23, and Wednesday, Jan. 2, presents heightened risks for cargo theft. Shippers are urged to confirm the holiday schedules of all receiving facilities before dispatching deliveries. During this period, extended downtime can lead to valuable shipments being left unattended, offering plenty of opportunities for criminals. High-value products staged outside large retailers’ facilities are particularly at risk, with thieves targeting trailers for pilfering or outright theft.

Trends in Cargo Theft for 2024

Overhaul highlights a growing number of strategic thefts nationwide this year, alongside an increase in medium-to-large-scale thefts involving rail shipments. Cybercrime and phishing attempts are also on the rise as stricter security protocols force criminals to find more sophisticated ways to bypass defenses. The lengthy holiday break allows thieves more time to act before their crimes are detected.

Distribution centers and warehouses face heightened risks during this season. Many sites operate with minimal staffing during extended holiday hours, significantly reducing security and oversight. This creates a window for thieves to execute thefts with less chance of immediate discovery.

Target Goods and Risk Reduction Tips

Shippers handling high-risk products, including consumer electronics, luxury apparel, alcohol, tires, and expensive food items, need to exercise extra caution in the weeks ahead. Enhanced security measures, proper risk assessments, and advanced planning are critical to prevent theft during these vulnerable times.

Overhaul suggests several proactive measures to reduce risks:

• Carefully vet brokers, carriers, and drivers involved in each shipment.
• Document all shipment details thoroughly.
• Confirm receiving facilities’ holiday operating hours and reschedule shipments if necessary to avoid staging outside premises.

Proper preparation and due diligence can go a long way in ensuring the safe delivery of valuable goods during the holidays. By tightening security and adjusting operations, shippers can mitigate risk and prevent unnecessary loss throughout this high-crime period.

Source: Truckers News

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1. Utilize IoT-Driven Security Solutions

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered in significant advancements in security. Real-time monitoring tools provide unprecedented cargo visibility, with modern systems capable of remotely locking or unlocking seals and sending alerts if unauthorized access is detected. These innovations help prevent cargo theft as it happens, offering immediate intervention opportunities.

2. Strategically Plan Routes to Avoid High-Theft Zones

Route optimization tools are invaluable for developing travel paths that steer clear of areas notorious for cargo theft. While it might cost more to take longer routes or deploy additional vehicles, avoiding regions with a history of frequent thefts can prove to be more economical in the long run.

3. Choose Secure Parking Locations

A majority of cargo theft incidents occur in unsecured parking areas, especially when trucks are left unattended overnight. Opting for parking facilities equipped with security measures like surveillance and proper lighting significantly reduces the likelihood of theft.

4. Employ Real-Time Electronic Tracking

GPS and electronic tracking systems provide critical real-time data, alerting drivers and dispatchers to any unusual route deviations. Technologies like Electronic Tracking Control Systems (ETCS) can issue notifications if a truck surpasses set speed limits or if tampering with cargo is detected, enabling swift action.

5. Adopt Layered Security Measures

Implementing a dual-layer security system, such as biometric driver access combined with GPS-enabled cargo monitoring, can offer an additional line of defense against theft. Should one layer be compromised, the other can still trigger alerts and help limit potential losses.

With billions lost annually to cargo theft, it’s crucial for truck drivers to adopt comprehensive security measures. By integrating technology like IoT solutions, route optimization, secure parking options, and electronic tracking systems, you can mitigate theft risks and enhance operational safety and efficiency.

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ATRI’s Vice President, Jeffrey Short, recently discussed the survey’s significance, highlighting the urgency of this research, Short pointed to alarming FBI estimates indicating that cargo thieves cost the industry $15 billion to $30 billion each year.

The survey seeks detailed insights, such as hotspots for theft and effective prevention strategies. A key focus is identifying which items are most frequently stolen. “We definitely want to figure out what the most targeted products are out there, so that we can inform them, ‘This is the kind of thing you want to keep an eye out for,'” Short explained.

Regardless of the size of the carrier, thieves tend to focus more on the cargo itself rather than the company transporting it. “I don’t think larger carriers or smaller carriers are being targeted more often. I think it more has to do with what it is they’re hauling,” Short stated. He noted that easy-to-sell items are prime targets for thieves.

ATRI has already received around 100 responses from motor carriers and brokers. The deadline to submit your input is September 30. Participants can fill out the survey online here or download a PDF version to return by mail. Rest assured, all information provided will remain confidential, and participants will be given an early copy of the comprehensive report.

Source: Land Line

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