It’s no secret that the risk of cargo theft increases around the holidays. However, new data shows that the threat has grown over the past few years.
According to a recent theft risk analysis from CargoNet, a New Jersey-based cargo security company, theft incidents over the Christmas holiday have increased nearly 82% since 2020.
The company’s analysis included data collected from cargo theft events during the holiday window, between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, over the previous five years. In total, CargoNet reports 353 incidents during that time. The rate of those thefts has steadily increased over the five-year span, rising from 49 incidents in 2020 to 89 reported cargo thefts in 2024.
“The holiday period creates conditions criminals exploit – reduced oversight, facility closures, and high-value freight moving on compressed schedules,” Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at CargoNet, said in a statement.
Top cargo targeted over the holiday week, according to CargoNet’s data, includes vehicle-related commodities like tires, auto parts, and motor oils. Additionally, the company notes that alcoholic beverages, televisions and displays, and computers are also heavily targeted during the holiday window.
In terms of when thieves are most likely to strike, the company’s data shows the highest concentration of thefts occurring on Dec. 23, as well as during the post-holiday period from Dec. 26 through Dec. 30.
As for where cargo theft is most prevalent, CargoNet’s data shows California as the top state for holiday theft, with 84 recorded incidents over the five-year window. Texas (41), Illinois (32), and Florida (32) were also among the top states targeted over the holiday window.
To help protect against cargo theft, the company suggests that carriers:
- Verify pickups and appointment changes using known, trusted contact methods
- Reduce dwell time for loaded equipment and avoid unsecured parking locations
- Use secure, monitored parking for extended stops and staged equipment
- Deploy shipment monitoring for high-value loads, including tracking and alerting where available
- Report suspicious activity and confirmed incidents promptly to law enforcement
“Carriers and shippers should verify every pickup through direct communication with known contacts, never relying solely on email, text, or caller ID,” Lewis said. “A quick call to a verified number can prevent a six- or seven-figure loss.” LL
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