According to Verisk CargoNet, cargo theft losses across the United States and Canada were estimated at $725 million in 2025, driven by organized theft rings targeting high-value commodities and increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. While carriers and brokers continue investing in technology to combat cargo crime, truck drivers remain one of the strongest defenses against theft.

Cargo Theft Has Changed

For years, cargo theft was largely viewed as a crime of opportunity. A truck parked in an isolated lot overnight or a trailer left unattended for too long presented an easy target. That picture has changed.

Today’s cargo thieves often know exactly what they’re looking for. They monitor freight movements, create fraudulent shipping documents, impersonate legitimate carriers, and use stolen business identities to divert shipments. In many cases, the trailer itself is never broken into because criminals have already taken possession of the load before anyone realizes something is wrong.

For drivers, understanding how these operations work is just as important as knowing where to park for the night.

Certain Freight Continues to Attract Criminal Attention

Not every load carries the same level of risk. CargoNet data consistently shows that consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage products, alcoholic beverages, copper, and building materials remain among the most frequently targeted commodities. These products can often be resold quickly, making them attractive to organized theft groups.

Seasonal demand can also influence theft patterns. Retail merchandise becomes more desirable ahead of major shopping holidays, while construction materials and metals often see increased theft when market prices rise.

Drivers hauling high-value freight should expect additional security procedures from both shippers and carriers. Those requirements may seem inconvenient, but they’re designed to reduce opportunities for theft before a shipment reaches the customer.

The First Stop Can Be the Most Vulnerable

Experienced drivers have long understood that the first stop after leaving a shipper deserves extra attention.

Cargo security specialists recommend limiting unnecessary stops during the first 150 to 200 miles whenever practical. Criminals have been known to observe shipping facilities and follow selected loads, waiting until a driver stops for fuel, food, or a break before making a move.

That doesn’t mean skipping required rest breaks or pushing beyond your available hours. It means thinking ahead. Fuel before picking up a high-value load whenever possible, know where you’ll stop if you need a break, and avoid making unplanned stops simply because they’re convenient. Planning is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk.

Parking Decisions Matter

Finding truck parking has never been easy, but where you park can influence more than your night’s sleep.

Well-lit locations with regular commercial traffic generally provide more visibility than isolated industrial areas or vacant lots. Parking where other professional drivers are present can also discourage opportunistic thieves looking for an easy target.

If your company has designated secure parking locations for certain loads, follow those recommendations whenever possible. Those locations are often selected because of previous incidents, available surveillance, or relationships with the property owner.

Small Details Can Protect a Load

Cargo theft investigations often reveal that criminals gathered information from multiple sources before a shipment disappeared.

Drivers should avoid discussing load details where they can easily be overheard and think twice before sharing shipment information online. Even something as simple as posting a photo at a shipping facility may reveal trailer numbers, customer names, or locations that criminals can piece together with other information.

Before leaving a shipper, it’s also worth taking a moment to verify seal numbers, confirm paperwork matches the assigned load, and make sure trailer doors are properly secured. Those checks take very little time but can prevent much larger problems later in the trip.

Technology Is Improving Security, But It Has Limits

GPS tracking, electronic trailer locks, geofencing, and real-time shipment monitoring have made cargo theft more difficult than it was a decade ago. Technology, however, doesn’t replace experience.

Drivers are often the first to notice something unusual, whether it’s a vehicle lingering nearby for several stops, unfamiliar people asking questions about a shipment, or signs that a trailer has been disturbed while parked. Good judgment still plays an important role in protecting freight.

Staying Alert Protects More Than the Load

Cargo theft creates financial losses for shippers, carriers, insurers, and customers, but it also affects drivers. Stolen freight can lead to delayed deliveries, lengthy investigations, damaged customer relationships, and operational disruptions that extend well beyond a single shipment.

Most thefts aren’t the result of one mistake. They’re usually the outcome of criminals finding an opportunity somewhere along the route.

Professional drivers can’t control every risk they encounter, but they can control how they prepare, where they stop, and how aware they remain throughout the trip. Those decisions continue to be some of the industry’s strongest defenses against cargo theft.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 6, 2026

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The company said the new feature is now live in Trucker Path Navigation. It pulls CargoNet theft trend data into the app so drivers can see where theft activity is concentrated while planning a run.

What Drivers Can See

The new cargo theft layer includes:

county theft risk ratings marked low, medium, or high
monthly counts of stolen vehicles
the commodity categories most often stolen in an area
common theft types, including cargo-only theft, full truck theft, and trailer theft
filters that let drivers focus on higher-risk areas

That information now appears alongside the rest of the app’s routing tools, including parking availability, fuel prices, and weigh station updates.

Why It Matters

Cargo theft has remained a serious problem across freight, especially in major logistics corridors and busy shipping markets.

Verisk CargoNet reported 767 supply chain crime events across the U.S. and Canada in the first quarter of 2026, with estimated losses of more than $131.5 million. Of those, 596 were confirmed cargo theft incidents.

In the Trucker Path announcement, the companies said California, Texas, and New Jersey accounted for more than half of cargo theft activity in the first quarter of the year. Warehouses, distribution centers, and truck stops were among the locations most often tied to those cases.

For drivers, that matters because those are also the places where loads get parked, staged, fueled, or left overnight.

What It Could Change for Drivers

The feature is not going to stop theft by itself, but it does give drivers another piece of information before stopping in an unfamiliar area.

If a county shows up as high risk, that may affect where a driver parks, how long a loaded trailer sits unattended, or whether it makes sense to keep moving and stop somewhere else. For fleets and owner-operators, it also adds another way to look at route risk before a load reaches a truck stop or warehouse lot.

Chris Oliver, chief marketing officer at Trucker Path, said the idea is to give drivers better awareness when they are moving into areas with higher theft activity. Ryan Shepherd, general manager of Verisk CargoNet, said cargo theft risk is increasingly tied to specific locations and common freight stop points.

For drivers hauling expensive freight or running through lanes where theft has been a problem, that may be one more thing worth checking before shutting down for the night.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 30, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Trucker Path

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The NMFTA recently launched its Threat Report Portal, a tool that allows carriers, brokers, shippers, and third-party logistics providers to anonymously report cyber incidents and cargo-related crimes. Companies that join NMFTA’s free Threat Intelligence Network can submit reports, review anonymous reports from other members, and receive alerts about emerging threats.

The goal is to help transportation companies identify risks sooner and learn from incidents affecting other organizations before those same tactics spread more widely throughout the industry.

Industry Faces Growing Cyber and Cargo Security Challenges

Cargo theft and freight fraud have become growing concerns across trucking and logistics. In addition to traditional cargo theft, companies are increasingly dealing with schemes that involve technology, identity theft, and fraudulent load activity.

The new portal accepts reports involving:

• Cargo theft
• Fictitious pickups
• Load redirection schemes
• Freight fraud
• Ransomware attacks
• Network intrusions
• Identity-based attacks
• Other transportation-related cyber threats

By collecting reports from across the industry, NMFTA hopes to create a broader view of the risks transportation companies are currently facing.

Anonymous Reporting Designed to Encourage Participation

One challenge with threat reporting is that some companies may hesitate to publicly discuss cyber incidents or fraud events. The Threat Report Portal uses anonymous reporting to encourage participation while still allowing members to benefit from information shared by others.

According to NMFTA Chief Operations and Technical Officer Joe Ohr, no single organization has complete visibility into every threat affecting the transportation industry.

“Threat actors are constantly adapting their tactics, and no single organization has visibility into every threat facing the industry,” Ohr said. “When organizations share what they’re experiencing, the entire industry benefits. By combining real-time industry reporting with NMFTA’s threat analysis, the portal helps organizations stay informed, communicate emerging risks, and take proactive steps to protect their operations.”

Reports Can Trigger Rapid Industry Notifications

The system is designed to provide near-immediate notifications to network members when new incidents are reported.

According to Ohr, these alerts can help organizations identify emerging risks and take preventive action based on events occurring elsewhere in the industry.

Rather than waiting for broader reports or public announcements, participating organizations can receive information shortly after incidents are submitted through the network.

For trucking companies, faster access to threat information may help reduce exposure to developing fraud schemes and cyber risks.

Information Will Support Future Fraud Prevention Resources

NMFTA plans to use information gathered through the portal to strengthen educational resources and fraud prevention efforts.

According to Ohr, the organization analyzes reported incidents to identify trends, create best practices, and develop guidance that can help transportation companies improve their defenses.

Many of those resources will be made available through NMFTA’s Freight Fraud Prevention Hub, which provides access to educational materials, verification standards, and fraud prevention information for transportation and logistics professionals.

Insights gathered through the reporting network will also be discussed during NMFTA’s upcoming Cybersecurity Conference.

Cargo Theft Continues to Draw Industry Attention

The launch comes as cargo theft and freight fraud continue to receive attention throughout the transportation industry.

Research from the American Transportation Research Institute estimates that cargo theft costs the trucking industry more than $18 million per day.

The new reporting platform was introduced shortly after a coalition of nearly 200 businesses and trade organizations sent a letter to Senate leadership supporting legislation intended to address freight fraud and cargo theft.

As cybercrime and cargo theft tactics continue to evolve, industry organizations are increasingly focusing on information sharing as one way to help transportation companies identify and respond to threats more quickly.

What This Means for Trucking Companies

Fraud schemes, cyberattacks, and cargo theft incidents continue to affect carriers of all sizes.

The Threat Report Portal gives transportation companies a new way to share information about incidents, receive alerts about emerging threats, and learn from activity affecting other organizations within the industry.

As participation grows, NMFTA believes the network can help create a clearer picture of the threats facing trucking and logistics companies while supporting broader fraud prevention efforts.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 10, 2026

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation and its Internet Crime Complaint Center recently issued a public warning outlining how these cyber-enabled cargo theft operations are working and why losses are climbing across the trucking industry.

According to the FBI, estimated cargo theft losses across the United States and Canada reached nearly $725 million in 2025, representing a 60 percent increase from the previous year. Confirmed cargo theft incidents also increased 18 percent, while the average loss per theft climbed to $273,990 due to more selective targeting of high-value freight.

How Criminals Are Getting Access to Carrier and Broker Systems

Federal investigators say many of these theft operations begin with phishing attacks aimed at brokers and carriers.

Cybercriminals send spoofed emails, fake links, or fraudulent carrier broker agreements designed to look legitimate. Once someone clicks the link or downloads the file, attackers can gain remote access to company systems without being detected immediately.

The FBI said threat actors have increasingly used compromised accounts to impersonate legitimate brokers and carriers on load boards. Fraudulent loads are then posted online to lure legitimate companies into communicating with the attackers.

In some cases, criminals also alter carrier contact information and insurance details connected to FMCSA records in order to make the operation appear legitimate to brokers and shippers.

Why Drivers and Carriers Often Do Not Realize a Load Was Hijacked

One reason these theft schemes have become harder to detect is that portions of the process can appear legitimate at first.

According to the FBI, threat actors sometimes double-broker loads to partially unwitting drivers after accepting shipments while posing as compromised carriers. Manipulated bills of lading and altered delivery information are then used to redirect freight away from the intended destination.

The agency said some compromised carriers do not realize their accounts were being used fraudulently until brokers begin calling about missing freight booked under their authority.

Federal investigators also warned that stolen freight is frequently cross-docked or transloaded to other drivers before being resold. In some cases, criminals reconnect with brokers afterward and demand ransom payments for load information or cargo location details.

Warning Signs Trucking Companies Should Watch Closely

The FBI outlined several indicators that may point to a cyber-enabled cargo theft operation.

Some of the most common include:

• shipment activity tied to a company that was never authorized
• spoofed email addresses using free providers instead of company domains
• requests to download forms or agreements from shortened links
• messages claiming negative service reviews that require clicking a link to resolve the issue
• unauthorized email forwarding rules or mailbox changes
• domains with slight spelling changes or altered extensions designed to imitate legitimate companies

Investigators also said criminals frequently rely on temporary VOIP phone numbers or applications connected to overseas numbers while communicating with brokers and carriers.

Steps Carriers Can Take to Reduce Risk

The FBI is urging brokers, carriers, and transportation companies to independently verify shipment requests and pickup details before releasing freight.

The agency also recommended:

• using multi-channel verification for transactions
• confirming unexpected communications through secondary authentication methods
• documenting driver and vehicle information thoroughly during pickups
• maintaining records that include licenses, license plates, DOT numbers, truck numbers, and communication details

According to federal investigators, maintaining detailed documentation can help disrupt ongoing theft schemes and support investigations if freight is stolen.

Companies that believe they were targeted are encouraged to file reports with local law enforcement and submit complaints through the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or through a local FBI field office.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 11, 2026

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Verisk CargoNet recently issued an advisory urging carriers and logistics providers to tighten security and verification procedures during the final stretch of the year, when reduced staffing and longer dwell times can create openings for organized theft.

Based on a five-year review of confirmed cargo theft incidents and attempted fraud, the firm identified December 23 through January 2 as a recurring high-risk window across the supply chain.

Five Years of Data Show a Clear Pattern

Verisk CargoNet’s analysis found that holiday period cargo crime has risen sharply over the last five years.

Reported events climbed from 49 in 2020 to 89 in 2024, representing an increase of roughly 82 percent. Across the five holiday windows reviewed, the firm documented 353 total events. For this analysis, events included cargo theft, tractor and trailer theft, and supply chain fraud.

The data shows that criminal activity is not evenly distributed across the holiday break. Instead, it clusters tightly around specific dates.

When Risk Is Highest

Verisk CargoNet’s timing analysis highlights several key trends carriers should be aware of when planning holiday operations:

• 353 total events occurred across five holiday windows from December 23 through January 2
• About 82 percent growth in reported events from 2020 to 2024
• Roughly 69 percent of incidents occurred between December 23 and December 29
• About 53 percent occurred between December 26 and December 30
• December 23 was the single highest risk day, accounting for 56 events, or about 16 percent of the total
• Activity consistently spikes immediately before and after Christmas

For carriers, these findings reinforce the need for heightened vigilance not just on Christmas Day itself, but throughout the surrounding week when facilities may be closed and freight sits longer than usual.

Geographic Hotspots Remain Consistent

The five-year review also shows that cargo theft during the holiday period remains concentrated in major freight markets.

California recorded the highest number of holiday window events with 84 incidents, followed by Texas with 41, Illinois with 32, and Florida with 32.

At the county level, the highest concentrations were reported in San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County in California, along with Shelby County, Tennessee. These areas continue to align with dense freight corridors, high warehouse activity, and strong secondary resale markets.

What Thieves Target During the Holidays

Cargo theft during the holiday window continues to focus on commodities with strong resale demand and price volatility.

Verisk CargoNet reports that vehicle related freight such as tires, auto parts, and motor oils remains a frequent target. Other commonly stolen commodities include alcoholic beverages, televisions and display equipment, and computers and accessories.

Additional categories seeing repeated targeting include power tools, footwear, and major appliances, particularly when shipments are staged or delayed during facility closures.

Verification Failures Create Opportunity

According to Verisk CargoNet, many holiday period thefts exploit breakdowns in verification and communication rather than physical security alone.

“The holiday period creates conditions criminals exploit – reduced oversight, facility closures, and high-value freight moving on compressed schedules,” said Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at Verisk CargoNet. “Carriers and shippers should verify every pickup through direct communication with known contacts, never relying solely on email, text, or caller ID. A quick call to a verified number can prevent a six- or seven-figure loss.”

For carriers, this reinforces the importance of strict pickup verification protocols, especially when last minute changes occur or unfamiliar contacts are involved.

Risk Reduction Steps for Carriers

Verisk CargoNet recommends that carriers and shippers reinforce layered security measures throughout the holiday period, particularly during peak risk days. Suggested actions include:

• Verifying pickups and appointment changes through known, trusted contacts using call back procedures
• Increasing facility access controls and security coverage during off hours and holiday closures
• Reducing dwell time for loaded trailers and avoiding unsecured parking locations
• Using secure, monitored parking for extended stops and staged equipment
• Deploying shipment monitoring and tracking tools for high value loads where available
• Establishing clear driver check in expectations during closures and extended dwell periods
• Reporting suspicious activity and confirmed incidents promptly to law enforcement and Verisk CargoNet

A Familiar Risk That Requires Extra Attention

While cargo theft is a year-round concern, the data shows that the holiday window presents a predictable spike in activity. For carriers operating through year end, planning ahead for staffing gaps, facility closures, and verification controls can make the difference between a routine delivery and a costly loss.

As freight continues to move through the final days of the year, carriers are being reminded that small process failures during the holidays can carry outsized consequences.

Source: The Trucker

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Jersey City-based freight security company CargoNet released its 2025 Third Quarter Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis, reviewing cargo theft patterns from July through September. While the total number of thefts fell 10 percent from the previous quarter, the value of the cargo stolen surged dramatically.

Data shows that the average haul value doubled, jumping to $336,787 per incident in Q3 2025, compared to $168,448 during the same period in 2024. CargoNet says this proves that criminals are picking targets carefully rather than just grabbing whatever is convenient.

Much of the increase comes from organized crime rings going after high-value freight such as enterprise computer hardware, cryptocurrency mining equipment, and copper products.

Truckers aren’t just dealing with local threats. Keith Lewis, Vice President of Operations at CargoNet, told Land Line that these criminal networks operate worldwide, with activity traced in over 40 countries.

“We’re not just looking at a threat within our borders; we’re looking at a global threat,” Lewis said.

Thieves are also highly adaptable. Lewis explained that cargo criminals not only target items that are easy to resell, but they also learn how to bypass security measures quickly.

“Every time we come up with a different technique to slow them down, they do an end around on us and come up with a new technique,” he said. “Every time I think I’ve seen it all, I have not seen it all.”

CargoNet’s report highlights that organized crime groups are using social engineering to gather shipment information, which they then exploit for fraudulent pickups and deliveries. The company expects these tactics to increase through the end of 2025.

“As the industry enters the final quarter of 2025, CargoNet anticipates that organized crime groups will continue refining their tactics to stay ahead of security measures and evade detection,” the report said. “The trajectory observed throughout Q3 suggests that criminal networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their approach, with a particular focus on targeted information harvesting.”

For small trucking businesses, the risk is even higher. Double brokering and identity theft are especially dangerous for owner operators. In October, OOIDA told the U.S. Department of Transportation that these schemes represent the most significant theft risk for small carriers.

“As shippers have become less likely to work directly with small carriers, reliance on load boards has increased dramatically over the years among owner operators,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer said. “Unfortunately, these platforms have simultaneously become fertile ground for nefarious actors.”

OOIDA suggested several ways to curb cargo theft, including establishing a federal repository for theft and fraud reports to improve coordination among law enforcement and the trucking industry. Other recommendations include more secure truck parking and stricter screening for carriers entering the industry.

For truck drivers, staying vigilant on load boards, double-checking pickup and delivery instructions, and securing cargo carefully are critical steps to protect freight and livelihood. With thieves getting more strategic, preparedness is now as important as driving skill.

Source: Land Line Media

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“Historically, the last quarter of the year has proven to be the most critical period for supply chain security, with October and November consistently showing the highest number of reported incidents,” Overhaul said. While theft trends usually taper off by mid-December, the weeks leading up to the holidays remain a prime target window for thieves.

High-Risk Cargo

Electronics remain especially vulnerable during this time. Laptops, mobile devices, gaming consoles, and other high-value items attract organized theft groups looking to resell goods quickly. Overhaul notes that smaller, high-value items that are easy to move or conceal are particularly at risk.

Hijackings and pilferage events also rise during this period. Last-mile delivery trucks, staging areas, and distribution centers face increased exposure due to heavy shipment volumes, crowded urban routes, and unattended stops. Reduced staffing or oversight at warehouses gives criminals additional opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities.

Mitigating Cargo Theft Risks

Truck drivers, carriers, and shippers can take steps to reduce the likelihood of theft. For over-the-road shipments, Overhaul recommends avoiding unnecessary staging and prioritizing secure, well-lit stops. Whenever possible, position trailers with doors backed against solid surfaces.

“Strict monitoring of courier routes and immediate escalation procedures are critical to countering hijacking and pilferage threats,” Overhaul said. Using real-time tracking platforms and quick engagement with law enforcement networks, like Overhaul’s LE Connect, improves recovery success if theft occurs.

For facilities handling shipments, verifying security system readiness and staffing levels during peak shipping periods is crucial. Coordinating with receivers to confirm schedules can help minimize unattended cargo and reduce risk exposure.

According to a recent American Transportation Research Institute report, cargo theft costs the industry an estimated $18 million per day, underscoring the importance of vigilance during the holiday season.

Staying Safe on the Road

Truckers should stay alert, plan secure stops, and communicate clearly with dispatch and receivers. Awareness of high-risk cargo, peak theft windows, and proper preventive measures can make a tangible difference in keeping shipments safe and avoiding costly delays.

Source: Truckers News

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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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Freight Recession and Market Volatility

One of the major themes on the agenda is freight market instability. Demand has been sluggish throughout 2025, and carriers have struggled to forecast volumes amid unpredictable swings.

“It’s possible that the stronger freight market seen in the first few months of this year has continued and is resulting in some tightening of the market,” said Avery Vise, vice president of Trucking for FTR Transportation Intelligence, during last year’s WIT Accelerate! Conference.

“To be clear, this is not something that has been reflected in the spot volume or rate data for dry van and refrigerated this year, so this would be an unexpected development,” Vise continued. “On the other hand, May was a strong month for general freight truckload payroll employment, so it’s conceivable that demand for route guide freight finally is outpacing the supply of drivers, leading to a tipping point that is showing up in the spot market. Again, this is possible but would be a new development.”

Eric Starks, chairman of the board at FTR, is scheduled to provide further analysis at the 2025 event.

Labor Shortages and Workforce Engagement

Driver recruitment and retention remain urgent challenges for the industry. Fleets are not only struggling to fill open positions but also working to improve employee engagement through better pay, scheduling flexibility, and professional growth opportunities.

The Women In Trucking Association continues to highlight workforce diversity as part of the solution. According to the 2024–25 WIT Index, women now make up 28% of C-suite executives, 34.5% of company leaders, and nearly 39% in both dispatch and safety roles.

Experts from Stay Metrics (Tenstreet), F|Staff, FreeWorld, People First Consulting, R.E. Garrison, and Holcim Group will lead discussions on recruitment strategies. In addition, several fleets recognized as “Top Companies for Women to Work” — including International, XPO, Schneider National, Daimler Truck North America, and WM — will share case studies on building supportive workplace cultures.

Cargo Theft and Fraud

Security is another high-profile concern. Verisk CargoNet reported that cargo theft incidents rose by 26% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with losses estimated at over $1 billion. Increasingly, criminals are using sophisticated methods, including identity theft, falsified documentation, and fraudulent carrier impersonation.

Representatives from CargoNet, Travelers Inland Marine, DHL Supply Chain, Jarrett, and Highway will present sessions at Accelerate! 2025 focused on strategies to mitigate theft and fraud risks.

Additional Topics

Other conference sessions will cover regulatory and legal issues, emerging technologies in trucking, and driver career satisfaction.

WIT Executive Director Mary Presley emphasized the event’s focus on business value:
“Our event is not solely about entertainment. We strive to provide a well-rounded schedule that includes valuable educational sessions, a B2B Marketplace, and ample networking opportunities—delivering strong return on investment and exceptional value to our sponsors, whose continued support has been instrumental in WIT’s growth over the years.”

Looking Ahead

With freight volatility, workforce pressures, and security threats reshaping the industry, the 2025 Accelerate! The conference aims to provide actionable insights for carriers and suppliers.

More details and registration information are available at WomenInTrucking.org.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Women In Trucking

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“Cargo thieves are well aware that extended holiday closures work to their advantage,” stressed Keith Lewis, Vice President of Operations at CargoNet. “With theft activity already surpassing 2023’s record highs, we urge the industry to remain vigilant throughout the holiday weekend.”

Key Findings From CargoNet’s Data

CargoNet’s analysis of 174 recorded thefts during July 1–7 over the past five years highlights the following disturbing trends:

• Peak Risk Days: Cargo theft rates notably spike on July 1st and 2nd. These days see numerous loaded vehicles left unattended prior to the holiday.
• Rising Theft Activity: Even though 2023 marked a year of record theft rates, 2024 is already on track to exceed those numbers.
• High-Risk Locations: States facing frequent targeting include California, Texas, and Florida. Specific counties like San Bernardino (CA), Maricopa (AZ), Dallas (TX), Los Angeles (CA), and Shelby (TN) are particularly theft-prone hotspots.
• Preferred Targets: Criminals show a marked preference for high-demand goods, such as non-alcoholic drinks (especially energy drinks), major appliances, and computer electronics.
• Theft Methods: Cargo theft and direct vehicle theft remain more commonly executed than elaborate fraud schemes.

Examples of Past Theft Incidents

Previous July 4th weeks have seen significant losses, including:

• $439,895 in medical supplies – Davenport, FL
• $352,000 of computer electronics – San Francisco, CA
• $314,191 of computer electronics – Commerce, CA
• $180,000 worth of meat products – Georgetown, TX
• $180,000 worth of ATVs – Savannah, GA

What You Can Do to Mitigate Risk

CargoNet advises companies to reinforce security measures during this critical time. From employing GPS tracking devices to avoiding unattended storage and verifying hiring credentials, proactive steps can minimize vulnerabilities during the holiday.

Logistics stakeholders, don’t ignore these warning signs. Ensure your cargo and operations are safeguarded as the July 4th holiday nears.

Image &Source: The Trucker

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