Verisk CargoNet identified elevated cargo theft and fraud risk between Dec. 23, 2025 and Jan. 2, 2026, and is urging fleets and shippers to enhance security and verification practices during the year-end holiday shipping surge. Thieves have historically exploited holiday closures, reduced staffing, and increased freight dwell times to steal from businesses in the supply chain sector.
CargoNet recorded 353 cargo theft and related events during the five holiday periods analyzed, with reported incidents rising from 49 in 2020 to 89 in 2024 — an increase of about 82%. The total loss value exceeds $32 million, with an average loss value of $347,334 per incident (including cargo theft, theft of tractors and trailers and supply chain fraud).
Of the 353 events recorded, most (69%) occurred from Dec. 23 to 29, with more than half taking place from Dec. 26 to 30.
Dec. 23 emerged as the single highest-risk day, accounting for 56 events, or approximately 16% of the total.
Hotpots and in-demand commodities
Vehicle-related commodities such as tires, auto parts and motor oil are among the most frequently targeted ones during the year-end holiday period, CargoNet found. Additional frequently targeted categories include power tools, footwear and major appliances. CargoNet added that theft patterns often align with strong resale demand and price volatility, increasing risk for high-value shipments in late-December.
Geographically, California remains the largest theft and fraud hotspot, with the highest number of incidents reported (84), followed by Texas (41), Illinois (32), and Florida (32). At the county level, San Bernardino County and Los Angeles Counties in California, along with Shelby County, Tenn., experienced the highest level of reported activity.
Strengthen and layer your safety measures
To all shippers, carriers and logistics providers across Canada and U.S., CargoNet recommends strengthening layered security measures during the holiday period. This includes verifying appointment changes through trusted call-back procedures, reducing dwell time for loaded equipment, and increasing facility access controls and security coverage during off-hours and holiday closures. Other measures that can help mitigate the risk include using secure, monitored parking for extended stops and staged equipment, as well as deploying shipment monitoring for high-value loads.
“The holiday period creates conditions criminals exploit – reduced oversight, facility closures, and high-value freight moving on compressed schedules,” said Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at Verisk CargoNet. “Carriers and shippers should verify every pickup through direct communication with known contacts, never relying solely on email, text, or caller ID. A quick call to a verified number can prevent a six- or seven-figure loss.”
