Surge in Holiday Cargo Theft: 82% Increase Since 2020
Keep an eye on that sleigh, Santa—holiday cargo theft events have surged by 82% from 2020 to 2024.
According to Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at Verisk CargoNet, “The holiday period creates conditions criminals exploit—reduced oversight, facility closures, and high-value freight moving on compressed schedules.” This rise in criminal activity is particularly concerning as it aligns with strong resale demand and price volatility, increasing the risk for high-value shipments during the year-end retail surge.
Verisk CargoNet’s analysis revealed that reported theft events rose from 49 in 2020 to 89 in 2024. Over the five holiday periods examined, there were a total of 353 recorded events, which included cargo theft incidents, theft of tractors and trailers, and supply chain fraud activities. Notably, 16% of these incidents occurred on the peak activity day, December 23. Approximately 69% of the events took place between December 23 and 29, with 53% occurring from December 26 to 30.
California topped the list with the highest number of holiday-window events during the five-year review, recording 84 incidents. Texas followed with 41, while Illinois and Florida each reported 32 incidents. At the county level, San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County in California, along with Shelby County in Tennessee, experienced the highest concentrations of theft activity.
The data indicates a repeated targeting of vehicle-related commodities, such as tires, auto parts, and motor oils. Other frequently stolen items include alcoholic beverages, televisions, computers and accessories, power tools, footwear, and major appliances.
To mitigate these risks, Lewis advises, “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.”
Throughout the holiday season, logistics stakeholders are encouraged to enhance their security measures, especially on peak-risk days. Verisk CargoNet recommends the following strategies:
- Verify pickups and appointment changes using trusted contact methods (call-back to verified numbers on file).
- Increase facility access controls and security coverage during off-hours and holiday closures.
- Reduce dwell time for loaded equipment and avoid unsecured parking locations.
- Utilize secure, monitored parking for extended stops and staged equipment.
- Implement shipment monitoring for high-value loads, including tracking and alerting where available.
- Establish driver check-in expectations during closures and extended dwell periods.
- Promptly report suspicious activity and confirmed incidents to law enforcement and Verisk CargoNet through established reporting channels.
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Keep an eye on that sleigh, Santa—holiday cargo theft events have surged by 82% from 2020 to 2024.
According to Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at Verisk CargoNet, “The holiday period creates conditions criminals exploit—reduced oversight, facility closures, and high-value freight moving on compressed schedules.” This rise in criminal activity is particularly concerning as it aligns with strong resale demand and price volatility, increasing the risk for high-value shipments during the year-end retail surge.
Verisk CargoNet’s analysis revealed that reported theft events rose from 49 in 2020 to 89 in 2024. Over the five holiday periods examined, there were a total of 353 recorded events, which included cargo theft incidents, theft of tractors and trailers, and supply chain fraud activities. Notably, 16% of these incidents occurred on the peak activity day, December 23. Approximately 69% of the events took place between December 23 and 29, with 53% occurring from December 26 to 30.
California topped the list with the highest number of holiday-window events during the five-year review, recording 84 incidents. Texas followed with 41, while Illinois and Florida each reported 32 incidents. At the county level, San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County in California, along with Shelby County in Tennessee, experienced the highest concentrations of theft activity.
The data indicates a repeated targeting of vehicle-related commodities, such as tires, auto parts, and motor oils. Other frequently stolen items include alcoholic beverages, televisions, computers and accessories, power tools, footwear, and major appliances.
To mitigate these risks, Lewis advises, “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.”
Throughout the holiday season, logistics stakeholders are encouraged to enhance their security measures, especially on peak-risk days. Verisk CargoNet recommends the following strategies:
- Verify pickups and appointment changes using trusted contact methods (call-back to verified numbers on file).
- Increase facility access controls and security coverage during off-hours and holiday closures.
- Reduce dwell time for loaded equipment and avoid unsecured parking locations.
- Utilize secure, monitored parking for extended stops and staged equipment.
- Implement shipment monitoring for high-value loads, including tracking and alerting where available.
- Establish driver check-in expectations during closures and extended dwell periods.
- Promptly report suspicious activity and confirmed incidents to law enforcement and Verisk CargoNet through established reporting channels.
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