Cargo Theft by the Numbers a Danger Map for Shippers
August 13, 2025
Cargo theft surged in Q2 2025, with data, hotspots, and practical defenses shippers can use to protect freight and reduce losses.
Cargo Theft by the Numbers a Danger Map for Shippers
Cargo theft is no longer a seasonal nuisance. Overhaul recorded 525 incidents in Q2 2025. That is 4 percent above Q1 and 33 percent higher than Q2 2024. Moreover the first half of 2025 shows a 10 percent rise versus H1 2024. Therefore shippers and carriers face sustained elevated risk. The monthly split was steady with April at 32 percent, May at 34 percent and June at 33 percent.
Hot Spots Freight Theft Regions You Must Watch
Risk maps shifted dramatically this quarter. The Southwest recorded a large share of incidents and the Southeast also showed heavy concentration. At the state level California and Texas remain high risk. Consequently parking lots, intermodal hubs and warehouse perimeters are danger zones. If you route through those states add extra visibility and stop controls.
What Is Being Stolen and How Bold Cargo Criminals Have Become
Thieves pick loads that pay well and move fast. Food and drinks and electronics each made up a large share of reported losses. Metals thefts rose sharply, showing criminals chase high value loads. Cash in transit incidents climbed dramatically as well, which points to organized crews. In short this is targeted and professional crime, not random opportunism.
Forecast and Fallout How Load Theft Will Hit Your P and L
Analysts warn the second half of the year could be worse. They project further increases as activity ramps up and criminals adapt. That will push insurance premiums higher and slow claim settlements. Consequently capacity pressure and rate movement may show up on your next quarterly statement. Treat these trends as operational realities you must budget for.
Quick Defenses Against Cargo Crime You Can Start Today
Begin with stronger visibility and simple discipline. Use GPS tracking, sealed trailers and two person check ins so stops are never blind spots. Reroute around known high risk parking and require photo proof with timestamps for every stop. Add tamper evident seals and audit stop records to create an evidence trail. Also share intelligence with partners so you can avoid repeat offender lots. The threat landscape is broader and bolder than a year ago. Freight theft is reshaping routing, insurance and claims work for the industry. Lock your loads, map repeat patterns and treat data as your primary defense. Act now so the cost does not land unexpectedly on your bottom line.
