Thanksgiving Cargo Theft Trends Infographic and Security Tips

CargoNet, a Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK) 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. Criminals targeted semi-tractors, trailers, and cargo through various schemes, including identity fraud.

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 both 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.

Our 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, signaling we will likely 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 combine with reduced staffing levels to 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. Special attention should focus on protecting frequently targeted commodities and preventing identity fraud schemes.

*Footnote: The analysis period is defined as the Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving to the Monday after Thanksgiving for 2019 through 2023