Cargo thieves are stealing less often — but they are stealing far more valuable loads. That is the takeaway from Verisk CargoNet’s third-quarter 2026 cargo theft report, released Nov. 4.
The numbers
- 547 supply chain crime incidents in the U.S. and Canada in Q3 — down 33% from a year earlier and down 19% from Q2.
- $230.1 million in estimated losses in Q3, up 12% from $205.1 million a year earlier.
- Year to date: 2,072 incidents (down 25%) but $718.9 million in losses (up 39%).
- The average value of stolen goods has jumped about 72% this year, from $261,115 to $448,456 per incident with a documented value.
- There were 19 thefts worth $1 million or more in Q3, compared with nine a year earlier. Many involved high-value electronics and data center equipment.
Fictitious pickups are the growing threat
Fictitious pickups — where criminals pose as a legitimate carrier to pick up a load and drive off with it — numbered 138 in Q3. That count was down slightly, but these scams now make up about one in four reported incidents, up from 18%.
CargoNet says criminals are combining digital deception with old-fashioned theft. They use compromised business email accounts, internet-based phone systems and transportation apps to impersonate real companies, get shipment details and redirect freight in transit.
What’s being stolen, and where
Food and beverage loads were the most targeted with 94 incidents, followed by metals with 63 (including 34 involving copper). Household goods and electronics were next.
California led all states with 182 incidents — about a third of the total. New Jersey (46), Texas (43) and Illinois (40) followed. Those four states accounted for 57% of Q3 thefts, with hot spots in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties in California, Harris County in Texas and Cook County in Illinois.
Expect more over the holidays
CargoNet expects theft activity to rise in the fourth quarter, as it usually does, and warns that thieves may take advantage of holiday facility closures and lighter staffing.
How carriers and drivers can protect loads
- Verify identities before releasing or accepting freight — call back on known numbers, not the ones in an email.
- Protect your own identity. Lock down your business email and FMCSA credentials so criminals can’t pose as your company.
- Keep visibility on shipments and report any route or pickup changes you didn’t expect.
- Park smart. Avoid leaving loaded trailers unattended in hot-spot areas, especially over holiday weekends.
CargoNet’s Keith Lewis, vice president of operations, said the industry needs “strong identity verification, shipment visibility and communication across the supply chain.” Fraud is also one of the pressures behind this year’s wave of small carrier bankruptcies. More in our truck driving safety section.
