Learning points:
- Cargo theft risks spike during the Thanksgiving holiday, with 174 significant theft events reported over the past five years in a six-day window.
- Fictitious pickup fraud is rising, with over 450 incidents recorded in 2024, suggesting increasing sophistication in criminal methods.
- The extended holiday closures and reduced staffing levels create vulnerabilities that require heightened security measures.
CargoNet®, a Verisk business and leader in cargo theft prevention and recovery, warns of increased cargo theft risks during the Thanksgiving holiday period. “Our analysis of supply chain intelligence reveals 174 significant theft events during a critical six-day window from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving through the following Monday over the past five years,” the company noted in a press release. “Criminals targeted semi-tractors, trailers, and cargo through various schemes, including identity fraud.”
Monday Following Thanksgiving Peak Day for Criminal Activity
CargoNet analysts identified the Monday following Thanksgiving as the peak day for criminal activity, coinciding with a surge in identity fraud complaints. Thieves appear to exploit the extended holiday closure and decreased vigilance following the holiday weekend. The geographic analysis shows clear concentrations of criminal activity. San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County in California, along with Cook County in Illinois, emerge as the primary hotspots during this period.
CargoNet® investigation of targeted commodities reveals consistent patterns in thief preferences. Criminals focused primarily on freight all-kinds (FAK) shipments, hard liquor, and vehicle accessories, particularly tires and motor oil. Historical cases demonstrate that thieves select these targets based on established relationships with black market buyers, indicating sophisticated criminal networks operating within the supply chain.
The evolution of criminal methodology presents an ongoing challenge. While the industry successfully prevents many traditional identity fraud attempts, criminals continue to advance their techniques. CargoNet has already recorded over 450 fictitious pickup attempts in 2024, projecting that such attempts in 2024 will exceed last year’s record levels. This trend indicates a significant shift toward more sophisticated fraud schemes.
The Thanksgiving holiday period creates uniquely vulnerable conditions throughout the supply chain. Extended facility closures, combined with reduced staffing levels, disrupt normal operating patterns. These factors create opportunities for criminal exploitation that require enhanced vigilance and security protocols.
CargoNet strongly recommends transportation companies strengthen their security measures throughout the holiday period. Companies should implement additional verification steps for all shipments, particularly those moving through identified high-risk areas. Particular attention should focus on protecting frequently targeted commodities and preventing identity fraud schemes.
*Footnote: Analysis period is defined as the Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving to the Monday after Thanksgiving for 2019 through 2023.
Basic Steps to Prevent Cargo Theft
To prevent cargo theft, especially during vulnerable holiday weekends, companies can take the following measures:
- Enhance Verification Protocols:
Require thorough identity checks and multi-step verification for all shipments. Confirm driver credentials and contact information directly with the carrier or broker. - Secure High-Risk Locations:
Prioritize additional security for facilities and shipments in known theft hotspots, such as major urban centers like Los Angeles or Chicago. Use fencing, lighting, and surveillance cameras to deter theft. - Monitor High-Value and Targeted Goods:
Provide extra protection for frequently targeted commodities such as electronics, liquor, and vehicle parts. Use GPS trackers to monitor cargo in real time. - Increase Security Staff and Coordination:
Schedule additional staff or third-party security personnel during holiday closures to monitor facilities and transport routes. Coordinate with law enforcement or local security networks for rapid response. - Stagger Shipments:
Avoid predictable schedules by staggering shipment departures to reduce the chances of theft by organized criminal groups. - Leverage Technology:
Invest in advanced tracking systems for trucks and trailers. Use geofencing alerts to notify managers of unauthorized stops or route deviations. - Train Employees and Drivers:
Educate employees and drivers on recognizing suspicious activity, preventing identity fraud schemes, and following best practices for securing cargo. - Conduct Pre-Holiday Risk Assessments:
Assess vulnerabilities in the supply chain before the holiday weekend and address any weaknesses, such as outdated security equipment or under-monitored routes.
By implementing these measures, companies can significantly reduce their exposure to cargo theft and strengthen their supply chain resilience during high-risk periods.
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Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
