Cargo Theft in 2024 Soars Over 2023 Reports

While already a major issue in 2023, CargoNet reports reveal that cargo theft in 2024 increased dramatically from the previous year.

Throughout the year, we have covered multiple articles following the trend of theft in the trucking industry. This year’s second quarter had fewer reports than the first but continued to increase as the year went on.

We also looked at how cargo theft during the holidays has an upward trend. Unfortunately, these reports are not just contained within the holiday season. Recent reports from CargoNet have shown a staggering increase in theft incidents for the entire year of 2024.

Cargo Theft In 2024 Compared To 2023

CargoNet, a Verisk company specializing in cargo theft prevention and recovery, has reported 3,625 incidents of cargo theft in America this year. To add extra light to the situation, this is a 27% increase from last year. The total amount this adds up to is over $454.9 million. In addition to this, the average theft value per incident rose from $182,858 in 2023 to $202,364 in 2024.

Unfortunately, every quarter this year was higher than its corresponding quarter in 2023. The most significant increase was during Q1 with 317 more reported incidents. Additionally, Q4 was reported to have 94 more incidents than the same period last year.

Hot Spots And Goods Targeted This Year

Both California and Texas are historically at the top when it comes to cargo theft, and this year was no different. The three most impacted counties are included in these states, and they all saw a rise in thefts.

  • Dallas County, TX: 78% increase
  • Los Angeles County, CA: 50% increase
  • San Bernardino County, CA: 47% increase

As a whole, California’s incidents increased overall by 33%, while Texas saw an increase of 39%

The majority of goods targeted this year include raw & unfinished copper products, consumer electronics, and cryptocurrency mining hardware. This differs from 2023’s main items, which included engine oils, fluids, solar energy products, and energy drinks.

There was also an increase in the targeting of avocados, vitamins/supplements, and protein powder.

And while theft-by-deception was a major issue this year, the most common tactic used by thieves were traditional methods, such as trailer burglaries and full trailer theft.

CargoNet believes these trends will continue to increase throughout 2025. Their data suggests that cargo theft is adapting and becoming more sophisticated with the times, continuously exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities.

You can follow CargoNet’s findings here.

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