Fleet operators in the United States are becoming increasingly worried about cargo theft as they are heading into the peak delivery season, with 38% saying the problem is more concerning now than it was a year ago, according to a new Geotab survey, and nearly as many fleets (34%) reporting having experienced a theft within the past 12 months.
But carriers are not the only ones feeling the impact.
Geotab says the issue is no longer invisible to the public. In its parallel consumer survey, 51% of Americans reported experiencing some form of cargo theft in the past year, commonly described as lost or disappeared deliveries. And 37% said they now recognize that cargo theft contributes to higher prices, which are eventually passed on to consumers.
“Fleet operators are right to be concerned, and this data confirms their concerns are shared by the public,” said Emily Williams, head of transportation, business development at Geotab, in the news release. “The conversation is shifting. It’s no longer just an operational loss; it’s a critical supply chain integrity issue. Consumers are paying attention, and they feel the financial impact when the system is compromised.”
With theft activity historically spiking during the holiday period, the company released five recommended actions and tools that can help fleets strengthen security. Those include: real-time asset tracking; geofencing; adding video telematics; integrating smart locks and electronic seals; and technology that prevents GPS tampering.
Williams added that today’s theft operations thrive on any available opportunity. “Every minute counts, and fleets need intelligence, automation, and proactive controls to outpace criminals,” she said. “These five actions help fleets build a frontline defense. But to truly protect the supply chain, the industry must work together. Stronger security at the vehicle level, combined with broader collaboration, is what builds a resilient supply chain and, ultimately, consumer trust.”
